‘These guitars have been really good tools; they’re not just museum pieces. They all have a soul and they all come alive.’ – Eric Clapton

‘In his own words, Clapton tells his story through the history of his instruments.’ – Rolling Stone

In Six-String Stories, Eric Clapton reflects on a legendary career through his tools, his guitars. Collected here for the first time are the instruments Clapton sold in three record-breaking auctions, from 1999 to 2011, for the benefit of the Crossroads rehabilitation center he founded in 1998. With some of the most famous guitars ever played, Clapton guides the reader through nearly 300 instruments, discussing their origins, revealing insights on his playing, and sharing anecdotes from each chapter of his remarkable life in music.

‘One by one, these guitars were the chapters of my life. They belong to a very beloved family.’ – Eric Clapton

Six-String Stories presents a ‘family tree’ connecting iconic instruments, like Clapton's famous ‘Blackie’ Stratocaster, with previously unknown rarities, placing them in the timeline of his career. Clapton recalls the instruments he bought to emulate his heroes, the guitars of unknown origin that became legends in their own right, those that never left his side, and the legacy they left behind. Each piece has been photographed individually, revealing every curve, detail, and scratch, while the work of more than 80 of the world’s best rock photographers shows the instruments in action. See Clapton's evolution from the psychedelic 60s, through the bare 70s, the electric 80s, and the unplugged 90s, to the sale of the last guitar.

‘As a die-hard rock or blues fan, I would look at all the photographs in this book.’ – Eric Clapton

Historical and technical information on each piece in the collection – including playlists and concert dates for the instruments used on records and public performances – complete the story behind each guitar.

‘The guitars are things of great beauty.’ – Eric Clapton

Pages: 368, Dimensions: 19.4x19.4cm