The Only Guitarist Eric Clapton Believed Could Top Him

Whether you’re at the top of your game or just getting the hang of it, there’s always room for admiration. Even if you have made a name for yourself and become an icon in the eyes of so many, there will still be others you want to emulate or appreciate for what they have brought to the table. For instance, Eric Clapton, the icon himself, has shown his appreciation of his peers in the industry on more than one occasion, including revealing the one guitarist that could outdo him.

If we take a trip down memory lane, one of the names Clapton had so much respect for was, no doubt, Jimi Hendrix. The two performers bonded shortly after meeting during Clapton’s Cream days. They not only became good friends but also shared their admiration for one another in interviews.

After Hendrix’s tragic passing, Eric was devastated that his friend had left him too soon. When asked about the late guitarist, he always pointed out Hendrix’s original style of playing that left a significant mark in the rock scene and often stressed that no one after him had tried to take it further.

We also can’t forget about Eric Clapton’s obsession with the three iconic names of the blues, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles. Although he is undoubtedly one of the biggest rock icons, Slowhand has derived inspiration from blues, and his determination to collaborate with one of the names actually came to fruition.

Clapton did get the chance to work on a collaborative album with the King of the blues, B.B. King. The duo released their album, ‘Riding with the King,’ which peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums in 2000 and was certified 2× multi-platinum in the United States. The instant hit was one that fans still talk about to this day; one Clapton is exceptionally fond of.

Since we have spruced up our memories of Eric Clapton’s sources of admiration with a few of the names that really struck a chord with the iconic guitarist, it’s time to talk about his pick as the guitarist that could outdo him any day and that name is Carlos Santana.

After sharing the stage and getting a taste of what Santana could do with his guitar, Clapton was quite sure that he had tremendous talent in his playing. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the rocker didn’t hesitate to express his highest regard for the guitarist.

“Well, from playing with him on this tour, I know that Carlos Santana is a very, very strong player,” answered Eric when asked to name the player who could top him. “He kept me on my toes. Basically, though, I wouldn’t say I like to give a specific opinion on someone else’s playing. Not only is it unfair to another musician, but I don’t keep track anymore.”

I’m not a competitive guitarist,” added Clapton expressing that everyone has their place in the industry. “I’ve settled into my own pace. If I have to change my ways in order to top a poll somewhere, I’d rather not play.”

The duo also played at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2004. Their take on ‘Jin-Go-Lo-Ba’ is still remembered as an explosive moment in rock history that many would want to teleport to. It seems apparent why Clapton admired Santana after that breathtaking performance, but most would assume the admiration is mutual. Don’t you think so?