Layla (Unplugged)

How to play Layla (Unplugged) by Eric Clapton on guitar

This is a great song to learn because it has a memorable, intimate feel and a steady pace that lets you focus on clean changes. You will get a strong acoustic groove without needing to rush, and the progression gives you a satisfying, emotional pull as it moves along.

You can lean on several open shapes here, but the harder barre shapes will test your hand strength and accuracy. The main change to watch is the move through D, A#, C, and Dm at the start, since it asks you to switch between easy and tougher grips smoothly.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly until each change feels automatic. Then add the rest of the song in small sections, keeping your strumming even and your fretting hand relaxed. Once the chords are clean at a slow tempo, bring it up to speed a little at a time.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.