Dont start with "who influenced who". There are few guitariest who influence the state of guitar like eric clapton. Ever since the yarbirds its been long. Even though clapton is nt my favorite, his versitility cant be beat. In the pure form of guitar i tip my hat off to clapton before eddie anyday. While eddie does one style and does it very well, clapton has proved himself in many genres from blues to rock, from electric to accoustic. For someone who loves the versitility, and potential of a guitar hes got my vote.