Eric Clapton - Layla - Guitar Cover

Practice Studio

Eric Clapton - Layla - Guitar Cover

Sections · Loop · Speed · Metronome

Not in tune?

Select a Loop

Start of your loop
End of your loop

Speed Control

Speed
100%

Tools

BPM
Key D minor
PLAY WITH BACKING TRACK
·
–50¢ 0 +50¢
· Tap to start

Your browser will ask for microphone permission.

Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
AI tone preset

AI-selected preset based on genre and era — adjust the knobs to taste.

Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

United States Air Force Band of Mid-America: Ready to Enjoy album cover
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America: Ready to Enjoy
2011 5:07
Capo Advisor 0 D minor · Original key

Layla


"Layla" is a rock classic written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally recorded by Derek and the Dominos on their 1970 studio album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The song is built from two distinct movements composed separately by Clapton and Gordon, giving it an unusual structure that shifts dramatically in feel and tempo. For electric guitar players, it is an essential study in blues-rock phrasing, raw emotional expression, and iconic riff construction.

  • The song was originally the thirteenth track on Derek and the Dominos' debut and only studio album, released in 1970.
  • Its two contrasting sections were written independently — Clapton composed the main riff-driven opening, Gordon the quieter closing movement.
  • The piano coda has been controversially credited to Rita Coolidge, who was Jim Gordon's girlfriend at the time of recording.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Clapton's primary instrument from the 1970s onward, his signature Strat features Vintage Noiseless pickups and an active mid-boost circuit that pushes clean Fender amps into controlled breakup, delivering his trademark smooth yet slightly gritty tone.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

The 'Beano' Les Paul with original PAF humbuckers paired with a cranked Marshall JTM45 created Clapton's legendary creamy, sustaining overdrive that defined the Bluesbreakers era and established his blues-rock foundation.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

While less documented than the Standard, Clapton's occasional use of this model maintained the thick PAF humbucker character essential to his early power-blues tone during his transitional years.

Gibson SG Standard
Guitar

Gibson SG Standard

Clapton's SG with PAF humbuckers and a cranked Marshall during Cream produced his searing, sustain-rich lead tone that became iconic for psychedelic blues-rock soloing and feedback exploration.

Gibson ES-335
Guitar

Gibson ES-335

The semi-hollow ES-335 with Derek and the Dominos gave Clapton a warmer, more articulate midrange response ideal for the soulful, slightly compressed tone heard on 'Layla' and bluesy slide work.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

From the mid-1970s onward, Clapton's shift to the Twin Reverb running relatively clean allowed his Strat's mid-boost circuit to drive natural amp breakup, creating his refined blues tone without heavy overdrive pedals.

Play with Backing Track

Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)