Learn How to Play "Crossroads" by Eric Clapton on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Crossroads on the guitar. Crossroads was first recorded by Robert Johnson, a slide guitar master who didn't strictly adhere to the 12-bar form. This made it a bit challenging to play as a jam tune or cover. However, Eric Clapton took the song, transformed it with Cream, and delivered an amazing live recording in 1968. This version has become the standard, and it's the one you'd expect to play in a jam session.

Even though it doesn't resemble Johnson's original recording that much, the Cream version does keep most of the lyrics. In this lesson, we'll focus on the Clapton version and its unique twists and turns. We'll use a basic shuffle and save the solo for a different lesson because there's so much to explore there.

Understanding the Main Riff

The first thing to check out is the main riff of the song. We start with the open A string, indicating that we're in the Blues in A. We then play the notes A, G, and A. The rhythm is really important here and is most commonly played four times.

With Eric Clapton's version, this main riff is played twice, followed by a similar riff where you play strings two and three. It has a certain lift, with some notes being quite staccato. This gives it a bouncy feel. However, you should keep in mind that there are many ways to play this riff, depending on your personal style and the band you're playing with.

Exploring the Chord Progression

The chord progression in the song is interesting. We start on an A note, played twice normally, then twice with the harmony. This is followed by a D note, which is essentially a D7 chord. However, in this song, Clapton arpeggiates it, breaking the chord into a sequence of notes that adds a unique flair to the song. It's important to practice this pattern and nail the rhythm.

After the D note, we move down to an E note. This is followed by a lovely little turnaround. This part of the progression is flexible. If you have a turnaround that you're already familiar with and like, feel free to use it. However, this one's good to learn. It's a nice turnaround to have in your bag.

Wrapping It Up

Crossroads is a song that can be simplified or played with all the little twists and turns. It's a song that's open to your interpretation. Learning the licks from the original version can be beneficial, as they're cool ideas that you could incorporate or adapt to make your own.

Remember, this is just a framework for the song. You can add or leave out parts depending on your comfort level. The important thing is to have fun and make the song your own. So, why not give it a try?

So, are you ready to learn how to play Crossroads by Eric Clapton on the guitar? Check out the video for a step-by-step guide, and let's get started on this blues classic. Have fun!

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