Eric Clapton Encyclopedia

Woman Tone


Woman Tone

Entry published in Guitars & Amps / Last modified on 26 August 2005

While with Cream between 1966 and 1968, Eric became known for his unique “woman tone” while playing lead. It is predominantly heard on Cream’s album, “Disraeli Gears”. Specifically, “woman tone” can be heard on “SWALBR” and “I Feel Free” (roughly the first 80% of his solo).

Woman tone is achieved with the neck pickup on an electric guitar. The tone on the neck (non-treble) pickup is turned down as far as possible so as to inhibit treble. In the film “Farewell Cream”, there is a segment where Eric explains this process.