Monthly Archives: November 2010

Play Like BB King

Play Like BB King

We all know that we have our own guitar heroes to look up to. In a sense, that is a good thing to do because without them, we will not be inspired to pick up the guitar and learn how to play it. However, if we have exerted some effort to look up to our guitar heroes, we should also exert the same or probably much more effort to learn how they play. Knowing how to play like your guitar idols is indeed a huge step to your guitar maturity. Its leaking wearing their shoes and becoming one with them.

Play Like BB King – Knowing the Gear

If you want to play like your guitar idol, you must first know what they used. From the guitar, to the effects, and up to the amp. These are the three important factors that you need to know. Plus, you need to know the configuration of the guitar the idol is using. You also need to know the mix or the blend on his amp, the tone on his guitar, the pickup position and other stuff. That is if you wanted to truly know how they play. The skill alone is not what makes a guitar hero, the equipment matter a lot too.

Play Like BB King – how to play like him

First, you need to have the gear. Now BB king doesn’t use too much. His guitar, the Vintage ES 335 Signature Model, The Lucille by Gibson is his axe of choice. So if you want to really copy the tone, you should have his guitar. Next, he doesn’t use too many effects. No distortions, just a warm overdriven tone will do. Also for amps, try using a Marshall for that maximum blues effect. Play like BB King.