B.B. King was born September 16, 1925, in Itta Benna, Mississippi. He began performing in 1949 and at the age of 87, still plays over 100 shows a year. He is known as “The King of Blues,” and has influenced famous guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix. His genre is the blues, and his standard sound has not changed much since 1949. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
King is one of the world’s most famous blues guitarists. To replicate his guitar sound, very little effects will be needed and he uses very simplistic equipment. He is best known for playing his Gibson ES-355, whose nickname is Lucille. For effects, he merely uses Fender Twin Reverb. For amplification, he uses a Lab Series L5 2×12 combo amp, which has an onboard compressor, four inputs, and a parametric EQ.
B.B. King’s style is based solely on the blues, with string bending and vibrato. King is also a baritone, with gospel and soul influences. To replicate his voice, a strong masculine voice will be needed.
B.B. King’s sound can be emulated, but it will take a strong and soulful baritone voice combined with an expert knowledge of blues guitar playing. King has a simple and clean sound, but it is his technique that may be a bit of a challenge. However, others have done it in the past, so it is not impossible!
Keep Rockin’!!!
BB King by LittleO2 taken on July 11, 2004
Clifford Tribute Guitars Boz Bros taken on November 11, 2008
