Q. What sort of strings should I use?

A. I use steel strings - the ones I used for the recordings are about two years old - but I do not play in public any more. I find that a guitar with gut strings is usually too wide at the neck and slows the right hand.

Q. Should I use fingerpicks.
A. I have tried all sorts of picks. They tend to add noise and I find it difficult to select single strings. I now play with my finger tips (Clapton also advises this - well, he didn't actually advise me personally as I hardly know him!). My nails are quite short so the nail just hits the string rather than plucking it.

Q. How do I stop my fingers from getting sore - especially the side of my thumb!
A. At first do not try to play loud. When the pain becomes unbearable stop for a few days then give it another go. After a couple of weeks the only pain will be in everyone else's ears.

Q. What sort of guitar should I use.
A. A steel string acoustic is usually preferred. A twelve string sounds great. An electric guitar is easier if you have small fingers but any delay or fuzz will just create a jumble of sound.