Eric Clapton is a very talented musician  

Yes. I have been listening to Eric Clapton since the Cream days. He is one of the best rock guitarists ever.

Weeeellll, I like Clapton, but it's no joke that he truly takes himself a little too seriously. I liked him better when he was younger. While I love the innovations of Cream, I prefer Traffic, his earlier group with Stevie Winwood. I suggest a little foray into his earlier, more advanced works, such as those that can be found on "The Best of Traffic": Feelin' Alright, Glad, and Hole In My Shoe.

He is certainly one of the best - if not the best - guitar player that has ever been. There's no arguing that! =) His music in general is really great as well!

Eric Clapton was the original Yardbirds guitarist, but wanted to play more blues than the band was playing. He left to join John Mayall's band and was replaced by Jeff Beck. Jimmy Page originally started with the Yardbirds on base, but soon switched to guitar. You can hear Jeff and Jimmy trading licks on "Stroll On". After Beck left to team with Rod Stewart, The band became Jimmy page and the New Yardbirds for a short time. Led Zeppelin became the new band after most of the "Yardies" disbanded.
And Yes, Eric Clapton is an amazing guitarist. I've seen him on solo tours, and twice with Cream(in 1968 and 2005).

for me why is eric clapton a talented musician, well its because he is one of the most succesful musicians of the 20th and 21st century, garnering an unprecedented 3 inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Eric Clapton's possibly what I would consider the greatest guitarist to ever live (probably tied with Jimi Hendrix, and I daresay Van Halen though I don't like him too much).

My favourite song would have to be Tears in Heaven; I just think it's a really decent song and probably his best work so far (although there's a variety of other songs that I like, Tears in Heaven is the only one that comes to mind for now).

Speaking of Led Zep, I have to say Stairway to Heaven is probably the coolest guitar tune I've ever heard; I'd rank it somewhere around Tears in Heaven, and All Along the Watchtower. What can I say, I've got a thing for songs with the word "Heaven" in its title.

Clapton is a guitar god! No one handles a guitar like he does.
He had accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, not only musically but in her personal life. He is an inspiration to many, myself included.

Yardbirds: Clapton left the Yardbirds around 1965, he recommended Jimmy Page to replace him. But Jimmy had other commitments at the time, so he in turn recommended Jeff Beck. Eventually Jimmy played with the Yardbirds until they disbanded in '68. Jimmy was left holding a tour commitment, he had to put together a new line up: enter what would shortly become Led Zeppelin and the rest was history...