Throughout music history, rivalries have flared up between artists, sometimes playful, sometimes tense. When it comes to guitar music, the rivalry debate often narrows to one pressing question: “Who is the greatest guitarist of all time?”
Names like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton regularly emerge at the top of these lists, and although both guitar icons respected each other’s talents, they have sparked endless comparisons. Notably, Eddie Van Halen, another revolutionary guitarist, had his own clear preference—and it wasn’t Hendrix.
Van Halen, who himself redefined guitar playing with his groundbreaking techniques, especially “tapping,” became a hero to generations of guitar fans. He revolutionized rock music in the late 20th century and his influence still resonates, but he rarely credited other guitarists for inspiration. Only one guitarist, Eric Clapton, made a lasting impression on Van Halen’s style.
From early on, Van Halen expressed admiration for Clapton’s straightforward approach. Clapton, who first gained fame with Cream and later through his solo career, evolved his sound over the years but always maintained deep blues roots. This dedication to raw blues struck a chord with Van Halen.
“What attracted me to [Clapton’s] playing and style and vibe was the basic simplicity in his approach and his tone, his sound,” Van Halen once told Rolling Stone, adding, “He just basically took a Gibson guitar and plugged it straight into a Marshall and that was it. The basics. The blues.” Clapton, according to Van Halen, was the only player who truly shaped his sound.
In contrast, Van Halen’s view of Hendrix was blunt. Despite Hendrix’s near-universal acclaim for his innovation and passion, Van Halen dismissed him as “too sloppy.” Hendrix, whose mastery of the guitar was unparalleled, brought a unique fusion of blues and psychedelia to the 1960s rock scene, creating an iconic sound that resonated deeply with counterculture.
His improvisational skills and emotional depth continue to inspire musicians worldwide. For many, Hendrix’s music holds a place akin to art itself, much like the masterpieces of Michelangelo. Yet, Van Halen held fast to his critical view, calling Clapton his true inspiration and citing Hendrix’s looser style as a turnoff.
In a 2020 interview, journalist Kylie Olsson recalled how, during her time with Van Halen, he openly shared his opinion on Hendrix versus Clapton.
“He asked me who my favourite guitar player was,” Olsson said. “I said, ‘Well, it’s Jimi Hendrix.’ And he thought Jimi Hendrix was too sloppy; his favourite was Eric Clapton.”
Calling Hendrix’s soulful guitar work “sloppy” may seem extreme, but Van Halen’s criticism likely stemmed from his focus on precision. For Van Halen, Clapton’s stripped-down style and bluesy restraint represented a technical and emotional purity that resonated more deeply. This preference underscores Van Halen’s distinctive approach to music: one of rigorous control and innovation, shaped by a single musical influence.
In the end, despite his outspoken view, Van Halen’s admiration for Clapton doesn’t diminish Hendrix’s lasting legacy. Their shared impact on rock and roll—and the fierce loyalty they inspired—remains unparalleled in music history. And even though he dismissed Hendrix’s style, Van Halen’s own influence stands as a testament to his unique contribution, regardless of where he ranked among his peers.
