Eric Clapton Gear Guide
A quick-reference guide to Eric Clapton's guitars, amplifiers and effects, organized by gear category and musical period.
Clapton moved through distinct guitar eras, from Gibson models to Stratocasters. The lists below separate well-known instruments from broad song associations.
Quick overview
| Category | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Gibson Les Paul Standard | The “Beano” album-era Les Paul became a landmark instrument reference. | Signature guitar |
| Marshall 1962 combo (“Bluesbreaker”) | Classic combo associated with the Bluesbreakers era. | Main amplifier reference |
| Dallas Rangemaster treble booster | Boost / tone-shaping tool associated with early British blues sound. | Recognizable effect |
Guitars
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Gibson Les Paul Standard | The “Beano” album-era Les Paul became a landmark instrument reference. | John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton |
| Gibson SG “The Fool” | Psychedelic-painted SG associated with Cream. | Cream performances and recordings |
| Gibson ES-335 | Cherry-red semi-hollow guitar used across several periods. | Cream, slide work and later appearances |
| Fender Stratocaster “Brownie” | Sunburst 1956 Stratocaster used on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. | Derek and the Dominos |
| “Blackie” Stratocaster | Composite black Strat assembled from selected vintage parts. | Main guitar from 1970 into the mid-1980s |
| Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster | Signature model developed from Blackie-inspired preferences. | 1988 onward |
| Martin acoustic guitars | Acoustic instruments for unplugged and singer-songwriter material. | MTV Unplugged and later work |
Amplifiers
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall 1962 combo (“Bluesbreaker”) | Classic combo associated with the Bluesbreakers era. | Mid-1960s |
| Vox AC30 | Used during earlier British rock periods. | Yardbirds / Cream contexts |
| Fender Twin Reverb | Clean, high-powered combo used in later Strat years. | Concert and studio rigs |
| Fender Champ | Small combo often cited in recording contexts. | Selected studio tracks |
| Dumble amplifiers | High-end custom amps used in some later rigs. | Selected performances |
| Soldano and other amps | Additional amps appear across later touring setups. | Changing by era |
Effects and tools
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Rangemaster treble booster | Boost / tone-shaping tool associated with early British blues sound. | Bluesbreakers period |
| Wah pedal | Expression pedal filter sweep. | “Tales of Brave Ulysses” and other Cream tracks |
| Fuzz / distortion | Used for heavier Cream-era sounds. | “Sunshine of Your Love” tone differs by recording chain |
| Uni-Vibe | Modulation effect associated with selected later sounds. | “Badge” and other period examples |
| Chorus / delay | Effects expanded in later studio and touring rigs. | Song and tour dependent |
| Slide guitar | Playing technique rather than an electronic effect. | “Layla,” blues material |
Era and song guide
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Bluesbreakers (1966) | Les Paul and Marshall combo sound. | “Hideaway,” “Have You Heard” |
| Cream (1966–68) | SG, ES-335, Firebird and other guitars with Vox / Marshall amps. | “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room” |
| Derek and the Dominos (1970) | Brownie Stratocaster and Fender amps. | Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs |
| “Layla” | Brownie-associated Strat parts and slide guitar. | Different instruments serve distinct track parts |
| “Wonderful Tonight” | Blackie-era Stratocaster and clean Fender-style amp tone. | Later live versions vary |
| Unplugged (1992) | Acoustic Martin guitars and slide instruments. | Distinct from electric-era rig |
| Later tours | Signature Stratocasters, Fender amps and varied effects. | Contemporary touring setup |