Solo Tone

Tears In Heaven

Eric Clapton

Guitarblues1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 'Blackie' or 'Brownie')

AmpMarshall JCM 800 50-watt head

PickupsFender single-coil (vintage style, stock Strat pickups)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence4

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1991/1992. Clapton used his Stratocaster into a Marshall JCM 800 head for the 'Tears In Heaven' studio sessions. No evidence of acoustic or hybrid guitar for the solo section. Effects rack was used live, but for the studio solo, the tone is clean with subtle chorus and reverb. Settings are based on direct amp setting reports from this era.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothclean and articulateslightly compressedsubtle chorus shimmerambient reverbtouch-sensitivefingerstyle clarityno audible distortionrounded highsgentle sustain

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, careful dynamic control, and expressive phrasing, but does not involve fast runs or advanced technical passages.

Sources

Eric Clapton's guitar, amp and equipment set up (historical 1963-2014) - Where's Eric!Eric Clapton's guitar setup and amp settings - Facebook Tone Settings for Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (guitar and amp) - Guitar Chalk Eric Clapton Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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