B.B. King – The Master Of Blues

Riley B. King, known professionally as B.B. King, is celebrated as the “King of the Blues.” His expressive vibrato, soulful bends, and signature stinging guitar licks on his beloved Gibson guitar, affectionately named Lucille, have made him an icon in the world of blues music. King’s ability to convey deep emotion through his playing, along with his smooth, velvety voice, has endeared him to audiences worldwide and influenced countless guitarists across various genres.

B.B. King’s Musical Journey And Top Hits

Born in Mississippi in 1925, King’s early life was steeped in the rich musical traditions of the Delta. From singing in the church choir to absorbing the sounds of the blues from street performers and records, King’s formative years laid the groundwork for his future in music. His breakout hit “3 O’Clock Blues” launched him into the spotlight, and he never looked back, with classics like “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “Sweet Little Angel” solidifying his place in the blues pantheon.

Legacy In Hits

King’s legacy is built on a foundation of enduring hits that showcase his masterful guitar work and heartfelt vocal performances. “The Thrill Is Gone” stands as a testament to his ability to blend traditional blues with contemporary sensibilities, earning him a Grammy and a new generation of fans. His extensive discography is a journey through the evolution of the blues, marked by collaborations with artists from Eric Clapton to U2, demonstrating his versatility and widespread influence.

The B.B. King Guitar Technique

B.B. King’s guitar technique is synonymous with the essence of blues guitar. His approach, characterized by its expressiveness and economy of notes, has become a blueprint for blues guitarists and beyond.

• Lucille’s Voice: Central to King’s technique was his ability to give his guitar, Lucille, a voice of its own. He treated the guitar as a duet partner, engaging in musical conversations that blended seamlessly with his vocals. This dynamic interaction brought his stories to life, creating an intimate experience for the listener.
• Economy of Notes: Unlike many of his contemporaries, King often chose restraint over virtuosity, demonstrating that a few well-placed notes could be more powerful than a flurry of fast-paced runs. This approach, particularly evident in solos like the one in “Sweet Little Angel,” showcased his mastery of melody and space.
• Dynamic Use of Silence: King’s use of silence and pauses in his playing added dramatic tension to his performances. By carefully timing his phrases and leaving space between notes, he allowed each note to resonate, drawing listeners into the emotional depth of the music.
• The “Butterfly” Vibrato: King’s signature vibrato, often described as a “butterfly” due to its fluttering quality, was achieved by rapidly shaking his left hand while keeping the wrist relatively still. This technique, best heard in songs like “The Thrill Is Gone,” added a rich, vocal-like texture to his notes, making them sing with emotion.
• B.B. Box: King often played within a specific box-shaped pattern on the neck, known among guitarists as the “B.B. Box.” This pattern, located around the 10th to 15th frets on the top three strings, was the source of many of his most iconic licks and solos, allowing him to express a wide range of emotions within a relatively small area of the fretboard.

Beginner Techniques To Emulate B.B. King’s Sound

Capturing the essence of B.B. King’s sound involves understanding the emotional depth and simplicity behind his iconic style. Here are some practice techniques to help beginners start their journey into the blues:

• Practice the B.B. King Vibrato: Start by holding a note, then gently rock your fretting hand back and forth to create a vibrato. Aim for King’s wide, expressive style by varying the speed and width of your vibrato. A good exercise is to sustain a note on the high E string and apply vibrato, listening closely to ensure the pitch fluctuates smoothly.
• Learn the B.B. Box: Familiarize yourself with the “B.B. Box,” a pentatonic scale pattern King often used, located around the 10th to 15th frets on the top three strings. Practice moving within this box, playing licks that emphasize the second (B string) and first (high E string) strings to mimic King’s melodic phrasing.
• Develop Your Bends: B.B. King was known for his expressive bending technique. Practice bending the strings to reach the exact pitch of the next note in the scale, and try to hold the bend with vibrato for added emotion. Begin with a half-step bend on the B string, 12th fret, aiming to reach the pitch of the 13th fret.
• Call and Response Phrasing: Emulate King’s conversational style by practicing call and response phrasing. Play a short lick (the call) and then respond to it with a vocal-like phrase, using bends and vibrato. This will help develop a sense of musical dialogue between your playing and the imaginary responses.
• Silence Is Golden: Incorporate silence into your playing by leaving space between your licks. This not only adds dynamic interest but also gives each phrase more impact. Practice playing a lick and then count to two or four before playing the next phrase, focusing on the emotional weight of the silence.
• Listen and Learn: One of the best ways to absorb B.B. King’s style is to listen to his music actively. Try to pick out simple licks and phrases by ear and play along with the recordings. Pay special attention to his live performances, where his expressiveness and interaction with Lucille shine.

By focusing on these foundational aspects of B.B. King’s style, beginners can start to develop their own blues sound, infused with the emotional depth and expressive nuances that made King a legend.

In this insightful video, B.B. King himself takes us through the nuances of his iconic slow blues solos, offering a rare glimpse into the techniques that defined his legendary sound. From the deliberate phrasing of his “Slow Blues Solo in G” to the intricate bends and vibratos that bring his music to life, King demystifies his approach, making it accessible for guitarists at any level.

As he walks us through each chord and note, we not only learn how to play like the King of Blues but also get a deeper understanding of the emotion and soul behind each riff. This masterclass is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to infuse their playing with the depth and expressiveness of B.B. King’s timeless blues.

Gear: The Tools of the Trade

B.B. King’s sound was inextricably linked to his guitars, all lovingly named Lucille. Here are three models available through Get My Guitar that capture the essence of his iconic tone:

• Epiphone B.B. King Lucille Ebony with Epi Lite Case: Priced at $879.00, this guitar is a tribute to B.B. King’s legacy, inspired by the Gibson ES models he famously played. The Epiphone Lucille combines the legendary sound of the blues with modern craftsmanship, making it accessible to players of all levels.

• Gibson ES-335 Dot Satin Cherry with Case: The Gibson ES-335 Dot is a legendary semi-hollow body guitar, cherished by players since its introduction in 1958. Priced at $2,999.00, this model features a Satin Cherry finish, pearloid dot inlays on a rosewood fingerboard, and a hand-rolled Rounded “C” mahogany neck. Equipped with Gibson Calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups and a hand-wired control assembly, the ES-335 delivers the versatile tones that have made it an icon for over 60 years.

Each of these guitars represents a piece of B.B. King’s musical journey, offering players the opportunity to connect with the blues in a tangible way. Whether you’re a seasoned blues player or just starting out, these Lucille models provide a gateway to the expressive, soul-stirring sound that B.B. King was known for.

To achieve a sound similar to B.B. King’s iconic tone, you would want an amp that delivers a clean, warm, and articulate tone, with just the right amount of headroom to avoid distortion while maintaining clarity and smoothness. A modern-day amplifier that fits this description is the Fender ’65 Twin Reverb Reissue.

Why It Works:

• Clean Headroom: The Twin Reverb is known for its crystal-clear tone, even at higher volumes, which is essential for replicating B.B. King’s smooth, clean sound.
• Warmth and Clarity: The amp’s all-tube design provides warmth and depth, allowing the natural sound of the guitar to shine through, much like B.B. King’s own setup.
• Reverb and Vibrato: The onboard reverb and vibrato (tremolo) are essential for adding the subtle, atmospheric effects that B.B. King often used in his music.

Influences and Legacy

B.B. King’s influence stretches far beyond the blues, touching genres like rock, jazz, and pop. His approach to guitar playing, characterized by its emotional depth and technical precision, has inspired countless musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and John Mayer. King’s legacy is not just in the notes he played but in the emotional connections he forged with his audience, making him a beloved figure in music history.

Wrapping up

B.B. King’s influence on music is nothing short of legendary. His ability to channel raw emotion through his guitar, Lucille, transcended the blues genre and became a universal language of expression. As the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King’s artistry was not just in the notes he played but in the profound emotional connection he forged with his audience. His music didn’t just tell stories—it resonated with the human experience, bridging cultures and generations.

From his humble beginnings in Mississippi to his rise as a global icon, B.B. King’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music. His signature vibrato and bending techniques are now fundamental tools for guitarists worldwide, a blueprint for conveying the soul of the blues. As we honor his contributions, it’s clear that B.B. King’s legacy is eternal, living on in every note that echoes the essence of the blues.

More than just a musician, B.B. King was a storyteller, an innovator, and a beacon of inspiration. His music continues to be a guiding light for artists seeking to express the depths of human emotion through their instruments. As we look back on his remarkable legacy, we are reminded that the thrill of the blues is more than a sound—it’s a shared journey, and thanks to B.B. King, it’s one that will never fade.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How has B.B. King influenced your guitar journey? Share your experiences and reflections in the comments below. Don’t forget to visit our Guitar Blog for more insights, tips, and discussions on mastering iconic guitar sounds.