For Eric Clapton, staying in the spotlight wasn’t always easy. After skyrocketing to fame with Cream—and before that, with The Yardbirds and John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers—he found himself searching for something more. Even Blind Faith, his supergroup with Ginger Baker and Steve Winwood, lasted less than a year. Despite being hailed as one of the greatest guitarists, Clapton seemed uncomfortable with the overwhelming praise and wanted to step back from the expectations placed on him.
At the age of sixteen, Clapton joined The Yardbirds in 1963, marking the beginning of his musical career. His playing was remarkable even back then; it was unvarnished, strong, and expressive by nature. The band’s founder, Keith Relf, saw Clapton’s guitar playing talent and spirit right away. Clapton joined John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, a band that brought blues into a more avant-garde realm, just two years later, in 1965. He began experimenting with guitar tone and effects at this point, further developing his distinctive sound.
The Perfectionist vs. the Wild Spirit
Jimmy Page was establishing his own career, while Clapton was securing his blues-rock heritage. Page, who is frequently regarded as one of the best electric guitarists of all time, adopted a different strategy. Locked away with his instrument for years, he studied every element of tone, technique, and sound. Before the age of 20, he was already well-known as a top-tier session musician, having appeared on innumerable songs.
Page was a force when he joined The Yardbirds, not simply another guitarist. Page eventually established The Yardbirds as his own, despite sharing the stage with such greats as Clapton and Jeff Beck. He later founded the band Led Zeppelin, which revolutionized rock music.
However, Page had his detractors. In contrast to Clapton’s accuracy, some thought his playing was a little loose, even sloppy. His unpolished, unrefined style frequently embraced flaws that others might attempt to fix. But for a lot of admirers, that’s precisely what made his performances so thrilling.
Who Was More Influential?
It is impossible to overlook Clapton’s influence when talking about the history of the electric guitar. Through his unique fusion of rock and blues, he influenced a great number of musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman. Clapton’s passionate and fluid playing became the benchmark for guitarists all over the world after he adopted his distinctive Les Paul benchmark.
In contrast, Page pushed the limits of guitar performance. His collaborations with Led Zeppelin changed the rock genre as a whole, not just the performers. Page was more than just a guitarist; he was a visionary, as seen by his inventive use of different tunings and his ground-breaking production methods.
The Ultimate Question: Clapton or Page?
So, which guitarist—Page or Clapton—was superior? It’s an argument that probably won’t be resolved. Page’s experimental style, strong riffs, and stage presence made him a rock god, while Clapton’s accuracy, blues expertise, and effortless playing made him a legend.
What kind of musician appeals to you is more important than who is great in the end. Which do you like better, Page’s erratic, exuberant style or Clapton’s soulful, blues-driven sound? In any case, both players have had a lasting impression on rock history, and guitarists all across the world are still motivated by their influences.