Ritchie Blackmore, the former Deep Purple guitarist, is one of the best guitarists of his generation. During his heyday, Blackmore frequently turned into the darker realm of rock. He fused natural talent with a desire to push the instrument to its limits. And with the London band, he helped to shape the metal genre. Blackmore, known for his heavy use of the whammy bar and ability to shred, is widely regarded as one of the best six-string players.
Given his status in rock music and guitar playing, Ritchie Blackmore is frequently asked to comment on other greats in his field. It included Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. He even refers to the former as “my favorite guitarist“. Blackmore explained, “He can play a very quiet passage with no sustain and then suddenly race up the fingerboard with all of this sustain coming out.” He appears to have complete endurance at his fingertips. However, he only has it when he wants it.
Eric Clapton is another well-known figure whom Blackmore has analyzed on several occasions. When speaking to International Musician in 1975, after revealing his above love for Jeff Beck, he questioned the pull of the former Cream axeman. He said he “never saw what was in Clapton at all”.
He stated: “I like Jeff [Beck].” He’s my favorite guitarist. There are a lot of guitarists who get overlooked. When you’re a guitarist, you tend to get caught up in what you’re doing. Mike Bloomfield is incredibly talented. Steve Howe has always been an excellent guitarist. Jimmy Page or Eric Clapton doesn’t particularly impress me. I never saw what Clapton was capable of. He is a good singer.”
Later that year, in an interview with Cameron Crowe of Creem magazine, Blackmore reiterated his point about Eric Clapton’s work. He claimed that Eric Clapton’s playing never knocked him out. He drew a comparison between him and Jimi Hendrix, whom he greatly admired.
Blackmore stated, “I gave up all that competitive shit five years ago.” I don’t care. I couldn’t care less about other guitarists. This is ridiculous. Nowadays, everyone plays the guitar. Doctors now play guitar. It’s unbelievable how many guitarists are out there these days. I always find it embarrassing when people ask me what instrument I play and I have to say, ‘Uh, guitar.’ EVERYONE plays guitar. But Hendrix restored my faith in the music scene.”
Blackmore concluded, “And when Cream came out, I thought, ‘Well, it’s all happening again‘”. Eric Clapton’s playing never blew me away; it was competent. He was channeling a lot of English blues guitarists, which was a positive sign. He had a good sound, but Hendrix outperformed him because he could write, sing, and perform. However, he blew it starting in 1970. People were supplying him with drugs, and certain managers were doing strange things.”
