May 24, 2025 by Klaus Crow
Easy Eric Clapton Songs for Beginners
Hi folks, looking for some Eric Clapton Easy guitar songs to get started on guitar? You’re in the right place! Eric Clapton has written some truly beautiful classic songs that are perfect for beginners.
Although the original songs can sometimes be challenging, here the songs are simplified so they are accessible for all levels of playing.
The songs are simple and fun to play, even if you’re just learning. In this post, you’ll find 10 Clapton songs that will help you build confidence with strumming, chord changes, and basic riffs.
What is the easiest Eric clapton song to play on guitar?
One of the easiest Eric Clapton songs to play on guitar is “Wonderful Tonight.”
Why it’s easy:
- Simple chords: The song uses basic open chords like G, D, C, and Em.
- Slow tempo: It’s played at a very manageable, slow pace.
- Repetitive structure: The chord progression repeats throughout the verses and chorus.
- Beginner-friendly solo: If you want to try the solo, it’s melodic and slow—great for beginners working on phrasing and vibrato.
Now let’s take a look at the 10 Easy Eric Clapton Guitar songs.
Have a great one!
10 Easy Eric Clapton Songs to Learn on Guitar
1. Wonderful Tonight
This one’s a slow, romantic ballad with a soft feel. It’s built on open-position chords: G, D, C, and Em. The tempo is steady and laid-back, making it perfect for beginners practicing chord transitions. Try a gentle strumming pattern, and add the signature intro riff later on.
2. Lay Down Sally
This country-blues shuffle is simple and rhythmic. You’ll only need A, D, and E chords—all open and easy to switch between. It’s great for locking in your timing and getting familiar with a groovy rhythm.
Pro tip: Practice with a metronome or drum loop to master the shuffle feel.
3. Sunshine of Your Love
Built around one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time, this rock classic relies more on a repeating riff than on chord strumming. It’s a great introduction to pentatonic riffs and power chords, especially in D minor.
4. Badge
‘Badge’ is a song by Eric Clapton’s band Cream features dreamy chord progressions and a clean, emotional tone. The main chords— Am, D, Em, Bm, C and G—are all easy to play. This one’s great for practicing dynamics and smooth changes.
5. Crossroads
This live Cream version is a fast-paced 12-bar blues in A, using just A, D, and E or add 7th chords to make it really blues sounding. While the rhythm is quick, the structure is simple and repeatable. Ideal for getting into blues jamming.
6. Cocaine
This blues-rock hit is driven by a hypnotic groove. The chord progression—E, D, C, and B(7)—loops throughout the song. You can choose to play the easy open chords and strumming part or learn to play the riff from the video.
7. After Midnight
Short, punchy, and upbeat, “After Midnight” uses D, F, and G. It’s an excellent track for working on rhythm, quick chord changes, and keeping a tight strumming hand.
Beginner tip: Keep your strumming light and consistent to maintain the groove.
8. I Shot the Sheriff
Clapton’s reggae-inspired cover introduces a new rhythm feel. The main chords—Am, Em, Cmaj7 and Bm —are all open or simple barre shapes. A great introduction to offbeat reggae strumming.
9. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
This jazzy blues standard features C, E, A, Dm, F, G, and a few 7th chords like A7 and D7. While it includes more chord movement, they’re all open-position shapes and great for building chord confidence.
10. Tears in Heaven
This heartfelt ballad can be played easily with the capo on the 2nd fret. Chords like G, D, Em, C, Am, Dm and Bm form the basis. Start with a basic fingerpicking pattern or even light strumming to get used to the progression.
Final Thoughts: Eric Clapton Easy Guitar Songs
These easy Eric Clapton guitar songs are perfect for beginners who want to build their skills while enjoying this legendary music. Each song helps you improve rhythm, chords, or riff playing in a natural, musical but still simplified way.
Tips: Learn the chord shapes and finger positions first, then practice verse, chorus, and bridge separately, go slow and repeat tricky transitions or riffs until they’re smooth and try to keep your rhythm steady.
Want to take it further?
- Add intros, finger picking and licks later once you’ve mastered the chords
- Practice with a backing track or looper pedal
- Try singing and playing at the same time
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