The Yardbirds, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Cream, The Dirty Mac, Blind Faith, Derek And The Dominos... Throughout his long and varied career, the blues has always been at the heart of Eric Clapton's music.

Though famously labelled 'God' by an Islington graffitti artist in 1967, Clapton cites Robert Johnson's influence as paramount, describing him as "the most important blues musician who ever lived". Clapton's nods to Johnson have been numerous over the years, from reworking Cross Road Blues in Cream to recording a whole album of covers in 2004, including Love In Vain.

In terms of his own impact on electric blues, for many, Clapton's playing and guitar sound on 1966's 'Beano' album with the Bluesbreakers is unsurpassed. Learn how to get close to some of his legendary tones in our video tutorial here.

Listen: Eric Clapton - Cocaine (live)

Your votes:

“Eric Clapton: Like the subway graffiti says, "Clapton Is God". I mean he mastered electric blues, he nails acoustic guitar blues, slide... he deserves that respect.” (Thanks, pleskoch)

“Eric von Clapton followed closely by Buddy Guy and BB King.” (Thanks, samgoldshark)

“Delta Blues - Robert Johnson. Electric Blues - Eric Clapton” (Thanks, Pendragon)

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