Eric Clapton
Pick of Choice
Ernie Ball Heavy
Clapton has been known to use Ernie Ball heavy celluloid picks for their warm tone and traditional feel.
Why This Pick?
When Clapton does use a pick, he prefers heavy gauges for their warmth and sustain. Celluloid picks provide the vintage tone that complements his classic "woman tone" and blues phrasing. The traditional feel of celluloid also mimics the tortoiseshell picks used before they were banned.
About Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is a three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—as a solo artist, and as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. His nickname "Slowhand" reflects his melodic, emotive approach to blues guitar.
From his early days with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers through Cream's power trio format to his solo career, Clapton has defined blues-rock guitar. Songs like "Layla," "Crossroads," and "Wonderful Tonight" showcase his expressive phrasing and tone.
His playing technique varies: he often plays fingerstyle on acoustic material, uses hybrid picking for Stratocaster work, and employs picks for more aggressive electric passages. This versatility is part of what makes his tone so recognizable.