Every time you pick up your guitar to play, play as if it's the last time.
Eric ClaptonRead
I remember when I thought of singing as the bit that went between the guitar playing - something I couldn't wait to get out of the way. Singing was originally like a chore that I didn't really enjoy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Singing can be seen as a necessary component of music, rather than an enjoyable part for some musicians.
In this quote, Eric Clapton reflects on his initial feelings towards singing, which he likened to a task that he had to complete before the more enjoyable part of playing the guitar. This highlights a common struggle among artists who may prioritize certain aspects of their craft over others, revealing a journey of growth and change in how they perceive their artistry.
Themes
SingingGuitarMusicArtistryExpression
In practice
Example use cases
During a music class, I shared a quote from Eric Clapton about singing to illustrate the evolution of an artist’s perspective.
More from Eric Clapton
All quotes →There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There's one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that.
Eric ClaptonRead
My original interests and intentions in guitar playing were primarily created on quality of tone, for instance, the way the instrument could be made to echo or simulate the human voice.
Eric ClaptonRead
When I saw Jimi Hendrix I knew immediately that this guy was the real thing ... and when he played it was like a rough sketch of what he was going to become ... this guy was our generation, and he wasn't in a suit .. he played a Howlin' Wolf song 'Killing Floor', and then we (The Cream) had to carry on the set. It was pretty hard to follow.
Eric ClaptonRead
My definition of Blues is that it's a musical form which is very disciplined and structured coupled with a state of mind, and you can have either of those things but it's the two together that make it what it is. And you need to be a student for one, and a human being for the other, but those things alone don't do it.
Eric ClaptonRead
My selective memory of what drinking was like told me that standing at the bar in a pub, on a summer's evening with a long, tall glass of lager and lime was heaven, and I chose not to remember the nights on which I had sat with a bottle of vodka, a gram of coke and a shotgun, contemplating suicide.
Eric ClaptonRead
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