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[God of the Guitar] A Collection of Eric Clapton’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs [2026]

Eric Clapton, known as the “God of Guitar,” has etched his name into music history with his overwhelming guitar prowess.

Beyond his skill as a guitarist, he is also an exceptional singer-songwriter, and he has continued to create numerous profound masterpieces—works imbued with the twists and turns of his life experience—right up to the 2020s.

This time, we’ve selected essential tracks we’d like beginners to hear first, focusing mainly on standout works from his solo career.

From ballads to blues, we’ll take a close look at a trove of exquisite songs that embody a wide range of musical styles.

[God of the Guitar] Eric Clapton’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs Summary [2026] (1–10)

One WomanEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – One Woman (Official Music Video)
One WomanEric Clapton

This is a work released in October 2024 by British guitarist Eric Clapton, who continues to evolve with the blues as his foundation.

The song is a lead single from Meanwhile, his first studio album in eight years.

Over a comfortable medium-tempo groove, it conveys a sincere devotion to a particular woman.

The lyrics, imbued with both depth and warmth as if reflecting his eventful life, truly resonate.

Amid a sound colored by piano and organ, the searing, almost weeping guitar solo deeply stirs the listener’s heart.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, or for a quiet night spent immersing yourself in music.

I Shot The SheriffEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – I Shot The Sheriff ( Studio Version )
I Shot The SheriffEric Clapton

Known as one of Eric Clapton’s signature songs, this track is a cover of a piece by reggae master Bob Marley.

Released in 1974, it became Clapton’s first number-one hit.

It reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in many countries.

The song’s narrative depicts a protagonist who shoots a sheriff in self-defense, embedding themes of resistance against society and criticism of injustice.

Its distinctive blend of reggae and rock, paired with Clapton’s delicate guitar work, creates a powerful piece that resonates deeply with listeners.

After MidnightEric Clapton

A track with an irresistibly breezy sound, as if freed from the pressure of being a guitar hero.

It’s a single from Eric Clapton’s first solo album, Eric Clapton, released in 1970, and a cover of a J.J.

Cale song.

The song celebrates the overwhelming sense of liberation that comes after midnight.

You can almost picture someone shedding the stiffness of daytime and reveling in the night on pure instinct.

It peaked at No.

18 on the U.S.

Billboard chart, and some may remember it being used in a beer commercial in 1987.

It’s guaranteed to make your weekend drive even more enjoyable.

[God of Guitar] Eric Clapton’s Best and Most Popular Songs Compilation [2026] (11–20)

Running On FaithEric Clapton

Amid the hardships of life, his voice—like a prayer seeking a single ray of light with only faith to rely on—strikes the heart: a song by Eric Clapton, the guitarist the UK is proud of.

This work portrays an earnest, deeply personal story reflecting Clapton’s own recovery from alcoholism.

It was included on his November 1989 release, the album Journeyman, which he himself has said he’s fond of, and the acoustic version performed on the 1992 masterpiece Unplugged became hugely popular as well.

Its blues-rooted sound and warm vocals give you the courage to step into tomorrow.

It’s the kind of piece that gently stays by your side on nights when you want to believe in something but can’t quite find the confidence.

My Father’s EyesEric Clapton

A yearning for the father he never met, and a deep love for the son who left this world so young.

It was in confronting these two profound losses that Eric Clapton created this moving song.

The idea that his own eyes become a mirror reflecting both the father he never knew and the son he adored is heartbreakingly universal, and it strikes a powerful chord.

Included on the 1998 album Pilgrim, the song went on to win a Grammy the following year.

The story that it took many years to complete adds even more depth to the piece.

It’s a soul-nurturing ballad to listen to quietly on nights when your thoughts turn to someone dear.

Hello Old FriendEric Clapton

This piece features a warm ensemble of acoustic and slide guitar that offers the kind of comfort you feel when reunited with an old friend.

The nostalgic, heartwarming melody almost seems to portray joyful moments shared with close companions.

Released in August 1976 as the lead single from the album “No Reason to Cry,” the song became a hit, reaching No.

24 on the U.S.

singles chart.

The anecdote that it was recorded in a relaxed atmosphere with members of The Band further underscores the gentle world the song evokes.

It’s a gem you’ll want to sink into on a peaceful Sunday afternoon.

The CoreEric Clapton

A fierce back-and-forth between guitar and saxophone—like a cry from the soul—stirs the heart in this track by British musician Eric Clapton.

Included on the classic album Slowhand, released in November 1977, it’s an expansive piece running about 8 minutes and 45 seconds.

It carries a powerful message of self-affirmation: the ability to ignite purely through one’s own inner strength, without leaning on anything else.

The high-intensity vocal interplay with Marcella Detroit renders that world even more vividly.

The song is rarely performed live, and when it was played in Paris in January 2018—its first appearance in forty years—it became a major talking point.

When you want to fire yourself up, this track can make you feel energy welling up from deep within.