What we should learn from B.B. King - 'The King Of Blues'

*Backing tracks + worksheet available on Patreon*
In this video we'll go deeper into B.B. King's playing style. From his note choices, to his phrasing, timing, feel, vibrato & more. The blues is strong!

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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on YouTube.

Thank you for watching!
Paul

[CrispyRice]

You're like the Bob Ross of guitar videos. I could sit and listen all day.

[fandlpetroleum]

The fact that we are still talking about and dissecting the playing of B.B. King is so damn awesome. What a legend.

[jamjar]

One of the greatest videos I ever saw was BB King on stage with Gary moore playing the thrill has gone. They improvised a massive instrumental that was just a complete masterpiece. You see guitarists that can wail, shred and all sorts of stuff ( which is amazing ) but then BB just walks on stage and plays one note and the crowd would go nuts. Amazing

[jal]

I saw BB just before he died. It was more like going to church than going to a concert, it was so spiritual. This discussion is a real tribute to BB, and just makes me like you even more!

[jedsparks]

B was my good friend & inspiration. Talking to him was just like his playing. Warm friendly, sincere with a great sense of humor. A rare person.

[jeffshaw]

I'm a new guitar player in my late 50's. I knew of but didn't listen to B.B. King much in my younger days instead finding blues-based rock very appealing - AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, the Stones etc. Now I find myself going to back many of the predecessors of these blues-based hard rock bands and finding so much artistry and blues magic. Thank you Paul for this video, it makes stepping into this new guitar hobby so much richer.

[dongonzulman]

I found Paul's channel about a week ago and ive already watched a ton of videos...I have to say, his filmography, sound design, guitar and production skills, and concise way of explaining things is absolutely outstanding! Thank you so much, Paul

[kerrym]

This is one of the best cover of B. B. King ever. Not because you covered information no one else has, but because of the respect you showed. Well done.

[andersonsprairieviewfarm]

I've seen BB twice, his playing was absolutely captivating, I actually found it very difficult to watch the show, because I continually found my self zoning off into the music, and I had a show to watch, a show that was absolutely beyond professional, I feel absolutely blessed to have seen him live.

[akiani]

The notes may be easy to play, but it's how he plays them that makes them special.

[DavidDiMuzio]

Great video Paul. I watch your videos all the time, so time I left a comment. I particularly loved this one. Extremely well done. You're a very entertaining and thoughtful dude :)

[cclark]

I've seen Eric, I've seen Jeff, I've seen Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray, David Gilmour, Eddie V etc...
And I got to see BB open for Gladys Knight and open for U2 back in 87 and only as I've gotten older have I really begun to appreciate his guitar playing...thank you for this...

[HiMalSaru]

Kings’s licks are as smooth as butter and so is your teachings.
Paul, i love your videos.
God bless ya 😇

[taura]

10:05 You hit this nail on the head: BB King is the blues guitar player he is because he is the blues singer he is. If you're trying to play BB just by copying/appropriating his guitar WITHOUT singing the Blues good luck. All the best blues players are blues vocalists. All the worst blues players don't sing. The adage "if you can't sing it you can't play it" applies here. Put the other way, start singing the Blues if you want to seriously play like any blues hero and make the most of the tips offered in this excellent video.

[CyberDocUSA]

I was taught the call & response in music, particularly blues, mimicked birds in nature. Clapton said something about phrasing that stuck in my craw; to teach himself not to play too many notes, he would stop playing when he exhaled, then begin again during inhalation. Fun exercise!

[renleblanc]

I think BB King and Albert King's greatest strenght was restraint - they are some of the only players that never overplay and even the best current guitarists who try and copy simply can't lock into that mindset. With BB the fact that he was such an incredible singer really is at the core of his playing. Great lesson.

[JeffreyBurtonYT]

I saw B.B. once. It was at the Central Florida Bluesfest. It was one of the very few perfect performances I've witnessed live. Just brilliant.

[CAZ]

I am so glad you refer to the notes and their numerical relation the Tonic.
Not just the string and fret location.

Thank YOU.

[interstelar]

My first concert was watching BB King open up for U2 in 1987. I've been chasing BB's tone and style ever since! Thanks, Paul, this really helps!

[artificialtears]

I am learning a lot from you. I have been playing off and on for many years and feel stuck. I found myself guilty of beginner bad habits and enjoy how you explain the theory of his songs. Makes me want to learn new things and from other people, something I’ve always been reluctant to do. I’m slowly rekindling the interest I once had in playing thanks to you.