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How to play like Clapton (3 fingers)?

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  • How to play like Clapton (3 fingers)?

    I've watched Clapton play and read about his style, and apparently he only uses three fingers. Apparently, this is how all the old blues guys play. Now, I come from a classical background, and I can't comprehend not using my pinky. Can someone explain it to me?

  • #2
    Clapton's style like most other Blues player's is based on the
    Pentonic scale. Your pinky is optional when playing these's scales.
    I'm sure he use's his pinky for Double stop bends and chording?
    Last edited by kmcguitars; 03-14-2004, 02:59 AM.
    http://www.soundclick.com/whirlwindbluesrevue

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    • #3
      also, that guys hands are HUGE... he doesn't really need to use his pinky for big reaches and stuff.... i actually don't use my pinky alot, because its the weakest of my fingers, and i consider myself a 'blues' player, so..... it just kinda happens that way.
      '01 Gibson Les Paul Standard (stock BB V's)
      Squier Fat Strat (stock/duckbucker/stock)
      '66 Fender Bassman
      Fender Champion 600
      Fender Stage 100

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      • #4
        I've seen Clapton at fairly close range, like 20 feet, and that's true, he doesn't use his pinky much, but he still has plenty of reach. Some of his fingering looked unorthodox to me - as you might expect from someone who's self-taught - but it works for him!
        "music heals"
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        • #5
          I only use my pinky for chords. I'm strictly a 3 finger guy.


          www.CelticAmplifiers.com

          "You can't save everybody, everybody don't wanna be saved."

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          • #6
            i would like to consider myself a blues guy. i use my pinky a ton, and dont understand how to do a scale without it. well, i do, i just find it easier. but i use my pinky for soloing as well as chords


            also, the 3 finger thang seems to be working for him! lol
            esp ltd deluxe ec-1000 (amber sunburst)
            fender mim standard strat
            peavey classic 30
            johnson j-station
            original ibanez ts-9 (not in use)
            dunlop crybaby (sometimes in use)
            yamaha f-310p acoustic
            taylor 410 acoustic
            "This ain't no ballet-we want people to listen with their eyes closed,to just let the music come inside them and forget their wordly cares..." Duane Allman
            "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Scott_F
              I only use my pinky for chords. I'm strictly a 3 finger guy.
              Unfortunately, I'm the same way.

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              • #8
                at first i thought i was never going to be able to play with my pinky, but i practised. think about this, it helps you play faster with more fingers there and more of a finger reach.
                esp ltd deluxe ec-1000 (amber sunburst)
                fender mim standard strat
                peavey classic 30
                johnson j-station
                original ibanez ts-9 (not in use)
                dunlop crybaby (sometimes in use)
                yamaha f-310p acoustic
                taylor 410 acoustic
                "This ain't no ballet-we want people to listen with their eyes closed,to just let the music come inside them and forget their wordly cares..." Duane Allman
                "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

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                • #9
                  I use all my fingers all the time...I feel like such a dork.

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                  • #10
                    i only use my pinky for chords also. and maria maria by santana, a cover that my band does. other than that, i might as well not have one.
                    This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections. - St. Augustine of Hippo

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                    • #11
                      i guess it comes from being self taught. When you start to play guitar alot of people find the pinky difficult to use (myself included) and therefore use just the 3. There are some brilliant players (on this site alone) who certainly can do without their pinky for leads. However, if you've had formal lessons, chances are you may have been taught to use the one finger per fret rule and made use of all your fingers.
                      I suppose that whatever works for you is cool. If you use all 4 fingers and are comfortable that way, I personally wouldn't want to try and stop using your pinky.
                      Different strokes for differnt folks.
                      I'll give you everything but my guitar and my car

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                      • #12
                        yup, my teach tought me one finger per fret
                        esp ltd deluxe ec-1000 (amber sunburst)
                        fender mim standard strat
                        peavey classic 30
                        johnson j-station
                        original ibanez ts-9 (not in use)
                        dunlop crybaby (sometimes in use)
                        yamaha f-310p acoustic
                        taylor 410 acoustic
                        "This ain't no ballet-we want people to listen with their eyes closed,to just let the music come inside them and forget their wordly cares..." Duane Allman
                        "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I use all 4...from watching Steve Morse and John McLaughlin with Shakti. No way to play that stuff with 3 fingers...
                          Administrator of the SDUGF

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                          • #14
                            Are you people talking about the left (fret) hand?
                            Guitars:

                            1. Gibson 57 Reissue with antiquity humbuckers
                            2. Gibson Studio (winered) with Pearly Gates set

                            Amp:

                            I. Marshall JCM2000 DSL401

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                            • #15
                              yes
                              esp ltd deluxe ec-1000 (amber sunburst)
                              fender mim standard strat
                              peavey classic 30
                              johnson j-station
                              original ibanez ts-9 (not in use)
                              dunlop crybaby (sometimes in use)
                              yamaha f-310p acoustic
                              taylor 410 acoustic
                              "This ain't no ballet-we want people to listen with their eyes closed,to just let the music come inside them and forget their wordly cares..." Duane Allman
                              "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

                              Comment

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