The Only Guitarist Eric Clapton Thought Was His Equal

Not many musicians are in Eric Clapton’s caliber–at least by fans’ standards. Few artists would dare to put themselves in the same category. But, if Clapton himself calls you his peer…well, then who are you to refute it?

There’s one guitarist in particular (who is legendary in his own right) that Clapton once deemed his equal. Find out who that is, below.

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The Only Guitarist Eric Clapton Thought Was His Equal

In a 2015 interview, Clapton listed off some musicians he thought were in his peer group. Instead of talking about a few of his fellow hard rock guitarists (who likely would’ve deeply appreciated the nod), he aligned himself with other blues fans.

“I would acknowledge the people who grew up listening to the same stuff as I did, those are the ones that I would be in tune with,” Clapton said. “People like Jimmie Vaughan, Doyle Bramhall, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray. Though they’re younger than me, those guys. So people who are more well-versed in blues, that’s who I identify with as my peers.”

Amongst that list is Jimmie Vaughan, a blues guitarist and older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though many would likely be more inclined to tip their hat to Stevie Ray, Clapton decided to address his affections elsewhere.

“Definitely Jimmie Vaughan, he’s probably at number one, and Robert’s not far behind,” Clapton said when discussing who would be his equal in the guitar space. “These guys have stayed true to their principles all the way through. So commercial success hasn’t really swayed them off the path.”

Though some fans will always think that Clapton is in a league of his own, we can see the connection between the two musicians. Check out Vaughan’s playing below and see for yourself. Do you think he’s Clapton’s number one peer?

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)