Layla Guitar Lesson - Derek and the Dominos - Eric Clapton - Part 2

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Today's lesson comes from a relatively obscure guitarist named Eric Clapton from when he was in a band called Derek and the Dominos.

Even though you have probably never heard of him, I think his signature riff that opens his song Layla is one that every guitarist must know. :D

All joking aside, the intro to Layla by the imitable Eric Clapton provides an excellent exercise in legato, quick chord shifts, bending and vibrato.

You really have to work on the proper vibrato and bending technique to make the upper octave melody sing.

But because this is such a great song, working on it should be quite pleasurable to the ear throughout. :)

The first Layla guitar lesson video starts with the famous opening riff in the lower octave. There are lots of moving parts to this riff so be sure to follow along with the video closely to see how to accurately play all of them.

After that we move to the upper octave riff section that is instantly recognizable and I personally never get tired of playing it.

Pay close attention to the timing of the hammer-ons and pull-offs since doing those too fast can throw off the rhythm. Then of course there is the responsibility of keeping all the bends in tune while still applying a nice vibrato to the notes.

All in all there are a few parts of this Layla guitar lesson that will challenge most players. But that is a good thing right? We are all here to get better and what better way than playing what is one of the greatest guitar based songs of all time. :)

In the second video lesson I will show you how to play all of the chords in the verse. This section can be quite tricky as well since Clapton is embellishing a lot of the chords with Hendrix style hammer-ons and pull-offs. You will probably want to experiment with using your thumb to finger the notes on the lowest string (like Clapton and Hendrix) in order to be able to cleanly play those embellishments.

Also in the second video lesson I will show you the lead guitar parts that Duane Allman is playing over those verse chords. There are some challenging bends going on here so take your time with it. After learning the solo that is played over the first verse I will show you how to do your own thing during the second and third verses instead of showing those solos note-for-note as well. The reason I did this was simple, they are all almost played completely the same.

Each of those verse solos start exactly the same and the only variation happens in the second half of each. All of those variations as created with the same four notes played around with in an improvised fashion, so you should do the same as well.

So I hope you enjoy learning all the signature licks found in this guitar masterpiece!

Carl..

[InvntdXNEWROMAN]

I have to say, listening to Layla and learning to play Layla on guitar gives you a new profound respect for the song. While I always liked the song, I never looked at it as spectacular until I started playing it myself and rocking the hell out of those whole step bends.

[goodandbadtimes]

I have no idea if this post will ever be read by anyone but ... here goes. The "Production Values" of this content surpasses almost every other "Content Provider" you'll view today (2024). Kudos. Truly conscientious and unequivocal professionalism in all respects and regard. What it took to produce and deliver this content will never truly be comprehended. Bravo! Sincerely. Thanks mate.

[keepitminty]

First video I have ever seen of the verse being taught. You're the man Carl.

[pg]

Awesome! There is so much intricacy to this song. I could have only been done by Clapton and Duane Allman. Their chance meeting is something that made history. Clapton said that if he had  a brother, it would have been Duane. Music like this isn't created now days. Everyone relies on keyboards and perfect pitch. Bulls**t! The 60's and 70's were a wonderful time in what we now call Classic Rock. So many great pieces of music were created. If it weren't for the piano player playing a little piece of something that he and Rita Coolidge's sister had created, then used without her permission, we wouldn't have that classic end piece. From what I have researched, It was recorded at least 2-3 days after the main recording session, and Clapton and Allman just played what they felt at the time. Duane played the slide WAY past the last fret. Love his little trade mark sound. Everyone can tell when the finale is coming. You can hear the difference in the recording. I just wish that they had better recording at the time. The result would be truly wonderful. You have done a wonderful job in deconstructing the different parts of this timeless song, then presenting them in lessons. You are by far the best on You tube! Three cheers!

[nckwlch]

Brilliant lesson - as always. I feel like a cheat going to G-365 every time I want to work out a song. But is the best reliable source.

[NotInTheGame]

I played the first half today but looking at part 2 I think I’ll just come back to it next year

[AndyInTheUK]

How does it look so effortless? This is going to take me a decade to learn. Thanks Carl!

[oliverdimeo]

These videos are the best! I love how in depth they are and this really helps people learn!

[erickdalton]

I'm Dalton from Brazil, yours is the best video lesson I've seen so far, congratulations!

[armindade]

Another great lesson! This is a song I have been wanting to learn for a while, thanks Carl your an amazing teacher

[andreashanke]

Fantastic presentation as always! You really seem to be the best and most versatile (online) guitar teacher. It is really unbelievable how many different songs and solos you can play and teach! I'm really awed by your talent! Leo Gibson, Davie 504 and all the other wannabe heros are strongly recommended to watch your videos!
I think I learnt about 30 songs by now from you! Carry on please! And by the way: I would really appreciate, if you could teach one or two songs by the German Hardrock band "Bonfire", because I can hardly find any tabs for their songs on the internet. 👍

[soulsaid]

All the best for 2015 Carl. Thanks so much for all your effort in doing these awesome tutorials.

[doboscamilcristian]

can you make a lesson with the big solo?

[brayan_lopes]

How does someone learn that? Because I tried to learn the song by ear and I can't hear a single chord being played.

[markszabad]

Carl thank you. Your videos are very helpful. One suggestion would be helpful . Would it be possible when teaching the chords to put up a diagram showing the chord. It's difficult to tell exactly what strings your fingers are on

[tweedguitar]

Happy New Year Carl..thankyou for the great lessons throughout 2014 ..This one is a classic ..a must know !! cheers

[theduder]

I'm not sure if you do slide but if you did Duane's slide solos that would be amazing.

[JamesWilliams-sfvh]

Please teach the outro instrumental of Layla Eric Clapton

[rileywallace]

Carl can you pls make a lesson for the solo right before the piano goes

[brunodelandev]

Ha ok now I understand why i struggle with this part it's more difficult than the main riff 😁