Few guitarists have had a career as long, influential, and tone-defining as Eric Clapton. Across six decades he has moved through blues, psychedelic rock, roots music and pop, leaving a trail of iconic guitars behind him.
From explosive early work with The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, through the power trio era of Cream and the roots-rock explorations of Derek and the Dominos, Clapton’s choice of guitars has played a huge role in shaping his legendary tone.
Let’s take a look at the instruments that defined the different eras of Clapton’s remarkable career.
The Early Years – The Beano Les Paul
One of the most famous guitars in blues-rock history is the 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard Clapton used during his time with John Mayall in the mid-1960s.
Nicknamed the “Beano” Les Paul after the Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton album cover (where Clapton is reading a Beano comic), this sunburst Les Paul produced a thick, sustaining tone that became the blueprint for British blues guitar.
Paired with a cranked Marshall combo, Clapton’s sound on the 1966 album effectively invented the overdriven blues-rock guitar tone that countless players would chase for decades.
Sadly, the guitar was stolen shortly after the recording sessions and has never been recovered.
Psychedelic Cream Era – SGs, Firebirds and Painted Guitars
When Clapton formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, his guitar choices shifted dramatically.
One of his most visually striking instruments was the 1964 Gibson SG, famously repainted in psychedelic colours by the Dutch artist collective known as The Fool. The guitar became known simply as “The Fool SG.”
This guitar featured heavily during Cream’s most creative years and can be heard on recordings such as:
-
Disraeli Gears
-
Wheels of Fire
-
Numerous live performances
Clapton also experimented with Gibson Firebird I models during this era, favouring their powerful mini-humbuckers and distinctive reverse body shape.
Derek and the Dominos – The Brownie Stratocaster
By the late 1960s Clapton began gravitating toward Fender Stratocasters, a move that would define much of the rest of his career.
His most famous early Strat was “Brownie,” a 1956 Fender Stratocaster purchased in Nashville in 1970.
This guitar became the primary instrument during the era of Derek and the Dominos and is widely associated with the legendary album:
-
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
The expressive bends, vocal-like phrasing, and warm Strat tone heard throughout the album helped cement Clapton’s reputation as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.
The Most Famous Clapton Guitar – “Blackie”
Perhaps the most famous guitar associated with Clapton is “Blackie.”
In 1970 Clapton bought six vintage Stratocasters from a Nashville guitar shop for around $100 each. He gave three away to friends including George Harrison and Pete Townshend, then assembled the best parts of the remaining guitars into one instrument.
The result was Blackie, a hybrid Stratocaster built from several 1950s Fender parts.
Blackie became Clapton’s main stage guitar throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, appearing on countless tours and recordings before being retired due to heavy wear.
In 2004 the guitar sold at auction for nearly $1 million, with proceeds going to Clapton’s Crossroads Centre charity.
Signature Era – Fender Stratocaster Models
Clapton’s long relationship with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation eventually led to one of the most successful artist models ever produced: the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster.
Introduced in the late 1980s, the guitar incorporated several unique features tailored to Clapton’s preferences:
-
Soft V neck profile inspired by vintage Strats
-
Active mid-boost circuit for thicker tones
-
TBX tone control for extended tonal range
-
Vintage-style aesthetics
These features allow the guitar to move from classic Strat clarity to something approaching the punch of a humbucker-equipped guitar.
Clapton continues to use versions of this model on stage today.
Acoustic Highlights – The Unplugged Martin
Clapton’s acoustic playing also became iconic following the hugely successful MTV performance that became:
-
Unplugged
For that performance he used a Martin 000-42 acoustic guitar, whose warm, articulate tone suited Clapton’s blues-influenced fingerstyle approach perfectly.
The album went on to become one of the best-selling live albums ever released and introduced Clapton to an entirely new audience.
Why Clapton’s Guitar Choices Matter
Eric Clapton’s career charts the evolution of the electric guitar in popular music:
-
Les Pauls defined the birth of British blues rock
-
SGs and Firebirds powered psychedelic experimentation
-
Stratocasters became his long-term voice
-
Martin acoustics highlighted his roots influences
For players and collectors alike, Clapton’s instruments are more than just tools—they represent milestones in the history of guitar tone.
At Fat Bottom Guitars, we’re always fascinated by the stories behind iconic instruments like these. Whether it’s a vintage Stratocaster, a well-played Les Paul, or a boutique reinterpretation of these classics, the legacy of players like Eric Clapton continues to inspire musicians around the world.
