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Which Legendary Guitar Model Made Eric Clapton’s “Layla” Possible?
Eric Clapton is one of the most influential guitar players of all time. With over 50 years in the music industry, he has become a legend in his own right. During his career, he has played many different guitars, but there is one that is closely associated with his most famous song, “Layla”. In this post, we will explore the guitar that made “Layla” possible.
The Gibson SG
In 1967, Eric Clapton was playing with a band called Cream. During this time, he was using a Gibson ES-335, which was a semi-hollow body guitar. However, at some point during recording sessions for the album that would eventually become “Disraeli Gears”, Clapton switched to the Gibson SG.
The Gibson SG is a solid body guitar that was first introduced in 1961. It quickly became a favorite among many guitar players due to its lightweight design and excellent playability. The SG was also known for its bright and clear tone, which made it ideal for playing lead guitar.
The Gibson SG played a crucial role in Eric Clapton’s sound during his time with Cream. It was the guitar he used to play the iconic opening riff of “Sunshine of Your Love”, and it was also the guitar he used to record the solos on “White Room”. However, it was the Gibson SG that made “Layla” possible.
The “Layla” Sound
“Layla” is one of Eric Clapton’s most famous songs. It was originally released in 1970 by Derek and the Dominos, a band that Clapton formed along with Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band. The song has a distinctive sound, thanks in large part to the guitar work of Clapton and Allman.
The sound of “Layla” is characterized by its soaring slide guitar lines, which are played by Duane Allman. However, it is important to note that the guitar parts on “Layla” were not originally intended to be played on slide. In fact, the guitar part for the song was written on a Gibson SG by Eric Clapton himself.
“I had the riff for ‘Layla’ in my head but I couldn’t play it since it required a bottleneck which I didn’t have with me. Duane played me the bottleneck track and there was an instant rapport between us.”
After hearing the bottleneck track played by Allman, Clapton knew that it was the missing piece that would complete the sound of “Layla”. Allman’s slide guitar work added a new dimension to the song, and it has since become one of the most recognizable guitar solos of all time.
The Influence of the Gibson SG
It is clear that the Gibson SG played a significant role in Eric Clapton’s sound during his time with Cream. However, it is also important to note that the influence of the SG can be heard in many of Clapton’s later works as well.
In the post-Cream era, Clapton continued to play the Gibson SG. He used it to record the solos on “Badge”, which was a hit for the band Blind Faith in 1969. He also used an SG to play the signature riff on “Cocaine”, a hit from his solo album “Slowhand” in 1977.
Even today, Eric Clapton is still playing the Gibson SG. He has used it on recent albums such as “Old Sock” and “I Still Do”. It is clear that the Gibson SG will always be a part of Eric Clapton’s sound.
The Legacy of the Gibson SG
The Gibson SG has a rich legacy that extends far beyond Eric Clapton. It has been used by countless guitar players over the years, and its influence can be heard in many different genres of music.
- Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath used an SG throughout his career.
- Angus Young of AC/DC is known for his iconic SG.
- Robbie Krieger of The Doors played an SG on songs such as “Touch Me” and “Love Me Two Times”.
- Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band used an SG on the band’s early albums.
The Gibson SG continues to be a popular guitar among many different guitar players. Its lightweight design and excellent playability make it an ideal choice for playing lead guitar, and its bright and clear tone make it a versatile instrument that can be used in many different genres of music.
The Final Verdict
So, which legendary guitar model made Eric Clapton’s “Layla” possible? The answer is the Gibson SG.
The Gibson SG played a crucial role in Eric Clapton’s sound during his time with Cream, and it was the guitar he used to write the guitar part for “Layla”. While the iconic slide guitar work on “Layla” was played on a different guitar, the SG was the guitar that made it all possible.
The Gibson SG has a rich legacy that extends far beyond Eric Clapton. It has become a favorite among many different guitar players over the years, and its influence can be heard in many different genres of music. It is a testament to the enduring quality of this legendary guitar model.
So, whether you’re a fan of Eric Clapton or just a lover of great guitar music, the Gibson SG is a guitar that is definitely worth checking out. Its lightweight design and excellent playability make it an ideal choice for playing lead guitar, and its bright and clear tone make it a versatile instrument that can be used in many different genres of music.
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