Eric Clapton - No Alibis - Guitar

Hey everyone! 👋 I've been totally obsessed with Eric Clapton's 'No Alibis' lately. What a timeless track, right? That signature Clapton feel just gets me every time. I spent some time figuring out the chords, and I wanted to share my findings and tips with all of you who might be looking to play this awesome song! Why 'No Alibis' is a Must-Learn! For me, 'No Alibis' isn't just another song; it's a masterclass in blues-rock songwriting and guitar work. It's got that perfect blend of melodic hooks and raw, bluesy emotion. Learning this one is fantastic for improving your chord transitions, especially if you're comfortable with basic open chords and looking to step up your game with some minor and dominant 7th voicings. Plus, who doesn't want to play a bit of Clapton? The Basic Chords You'll Need The song is generally played in the key of A minor, which gives it that classic bluesy vibe. Don't worry if some of these look a bit intimidating; we'll take it slow. Here are the main chords you'll encounter: Am (A minor) G (G major) C (C major) F (F major) Dm (D minor) E7 (E dominant 7th) If you're new to the F major barre chord, don't sweat it! There are easier ways to play it, like a 'mini-F' using only the top four strings. Just search for 'F major easy chord' for some alternatives. Breaking Down the Chord Progression I find it easiest to break the song into sections, just like I would when learning any new piece. Here's a simplified version of how I play it: Verse Progression (Repeats): | Am | G | C | F | This is a classic progression that flows really nicely. Try to keep your strumming smooth and consistent here, letting the chords ring out. I usually aim for a relaxed, slightly swung rhythm. Listen to the original song to get that feel! Chorus Progression (Repeats): | Dm | Am | E7 | Am | This is where things get a little more bluesy, especially with that E7. The E7 really builds tension before resolving back to the Am. Practicing this Dm to Am to E7 transition is key for nailing the chorus. It's a common blues turnaround, so once you've got it here, you'll find it useful in tons of other songs too! Bridge/Solo Section: During the instrumental breaks and solo sections, the chords often hover around the Am and Dm, sometimes going back to the G or C. If you're not soloing, you can just strum the Am or Dm and enjoy the music. If you're feeling adventurous, the A minor pentatonic scale will be your best friend over these sections! Strumming Pattern & Tips for Practice For the strumming, I usually go with something like Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up, but with a slight shuffle or swing to it. The most important thing is to really listen to the song and try to match its vibe. Clapton's playing isn't always about speed; it's about feel and precision. Start Slow: Seriously, use a metronome! Practice each chord change slowly until it feels smooth, then gradually increase your tempo. Focus on Transitions: Pay extra attention to the Am to G, C to F, and especially the Dm to Am to E7 changes. Smooth transitions make all the difference. Listen Actively: Put on 'No Alibis' and try to strum along, focusing on when the chords change and how Clapton's guitar interacts with the rhythm section. Learning 'No Alibis' has been such a journey for me, and I'm so glad I stuck with it. It's a fantastic song to add to your repertoire and helps build those blues-rock chops. Let me know if you try it out or have any other tips in the comments below! Happy playing! 🎸