Old Love Unplugged Guitar Lesson - Eric Clapton - All Rhythm Guitar Parts

In this video lesson series we will take a look at Eric Clapton's acoustic version of "Old Love" from his massively successful Clapton Unplugged album.

Originally appearing on Clapton's Journeyman album, "Old Love" was written by Clapton and Robert Cray. It was given a complete makeover for the Clapton Unplugged album.

In these Old Love guitar lesson videos, I will breakdown the two different rhythm sections of the tune, followed by another video lesson dedicated entirely to the guitar solo.

Within these two different rhythm sections we have Clapton playing some pretty laid back rhythms with some tricky chord forms. These chords are made more difficult because of the way that Eric Clapton chose to play them. He plays most of these chords by fingering the 6th string bass notes with his thumb. Now not all of us have a thumb as long as Clapton's (me included), so if you have a lot of trouble playing them in this way, try playing them as just full barre chords.

In this intro Clapton starts the opening chord progression with a little riff that is very reminiscent of Layla. However, after the vocals come in, he just sticks with the chords.

The second rhythm section has some beautiful chromatic lines in it. Both of these chord progression are great but they really are just the beginning of what this song is about. Once you get to the guitar solo you will find it to be one of the greatest examples of Eric Clapton in full flight as a guitarist. It is simply brilliant.

For the second video lesson I will be tackling the entire solo. It is quite long as goes through many different dynamics and techniques, but all in all I think it is one of the greatest Clapton solos you could learn.

So I hope you enjoy learning this acoustic masterpiece by Eric Clapton. Grab that acoustic and get warmed up because this Clapton acoustic classic will definitely put you through your paces. :)

Carl...

[jimmycharlton]

I am 54 years young and have just started playing again, all thanks to your great lessons. keep up the great work Carl

[filipstefanovski]

Quick tip: 2:00, you dont need that hard change, play it without pinky, instead of that D chord shape, bar those 3 strings with index and then with ring finger press the 4th string. When you change the shape just add your middle finger on 3rd, no hard switch with pinky

[antoniokogej]

Quick tip: 2:00, you dont need that hard change, play it without pinky, instead of that D chord shape, bar those 3 strings with index and then with ring finger press the 4th string. When you change the shape just add your middle finger on 3rd, no hard switch with pinky ✌🏻

[riffdigger]

Thank you for this. You cut right to the chase without extra verbiage. Much appreciated.

[AnkitSingh-vxdy]

Carl you are just amazingly good teacher. I have learnt a lot from your. THank you for all your supprt

[martinmcgimpsey]

I played your chords along to Eric Clapton live at Royal Alberts Hall. Wow, that felt good! Thanks, I’ll get back on the lead work! Thanks again! Awesome tutorial!

[justinoconnor]

Finally, someone teaching this the right way (with the proper chord shapes)...thank you!

[doshenjen]

Nicely done! Split screens add a welcome layer of accessibility, And I appreciate the extra elaboration that notes the string and fretboard position for the fingerings. This eliminates the guesswork that sometimes happens when your looking at a video and the fingering might be slightly eccentric. Thanks!

[lukehamilton]

Gonna like and sub. A pleasure to learn to. Perfect pace, split screen and teachers tone is spot on.

[rinzensherpa]

You're lesson's are really great and helpful. Thanks a lot Carl Brown.

[martinmcgimpsey]

I just got through watching him, (Eric Clapton) play this song several times and I would say you nailed this one. I will keep this in mind. I’m working on doing the “Rain Song” and I hate starting one before I finish one. I’ll be back!

[thewickedwizard]

Thanks for the lesson. This was clapton at his absolute best!

[hckeyd]

Thanks for this! I confess, when learning Layla, I kinda switched between your lesson and Justin Sandercoe's but his was far more rushed, referencing a TAB long since removed but yours was much more helpful! as was this, thanks!

[MrRonnmaui]

Great easy summary! Thanks will give it a try.

[eliabergash]

A tricky stuff since u r baring the three strings in the am I just use my middle finger to hit the minor 6th ( the 6th frett b string)
without changing the whole shape

[jonasnovaes]

this guy has taught me a lot, you are the best on you tube keep it up

[MrCascarria]

Great tuto Master, thank you so much.🎸🇬🇧😊✅👌

[sedwinmars]

Hey Carl. Great lesson. At some point, I hope to become a premium member as I greatly enjoy your teaching technique. In the meantime, I would love to see an electric lesson of Clapton's "Old Love" as there seems to be only acoustic versions out on YouTube. Thanks and rock on.

[gnomo]

Thank you very much, that's the second class I take from you.

[johnbelsermusic]

great lesson, got it in an hour. Good teachin!