Sweet Sixteen by B.B. King - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Introduction

B.B. King’s "Sweet Sixteen" is a timeless blues classic that showcases the depth and emotional intensity that King could convey through his guitar playing. At LickLibrary, we’ve meticulously crafted a note-for-note guitar lesson that delves deep into the techniques used in this iconic song, allowing you to truly capture the essence of King’s style. In this lesson, we’ll explore the various guitar techniques that make "Sweet Sixteen" a masterpiece, helping you to not only play the song accurately but also to enhance your overall guitar playing skills. Lee Hodgson breaks down this iconic blues song in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Techniques in "Sweet Sixteen"

Vibrato

One of the most defining aspects of B.B. King’s playing is his masterful use of vibrato. In "Sweet Sixteen," King’s vibrato is both expressive and controlled, allowing him to convey a wide range of emotions with just a single note. In this lesson, we focus on helping you develop a smooth and consistent vibrato, similar to King’s. Learning this technique will significantly improve your ability to add emotional depth to your playing, making your solos more engaging and expressive.

String Bending

Bluesy bends are another hallmark of B.B. King’s style, and "Sweet Sixteen" is filled with them. King uses bends to emphasise certain notes, creating a vocal-like quality in his guitar playing. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute precise and soulful bends, which are crucial for capturing the authentic blues feel. Mastering string bending will not only improve your blues playing but also enhance your ability to articulate notes in various musical contexts.

Double Stops

Double stops are used effectively throughout "Sweet Sixteen," providing harmonic richness to King’s lead lines. In this lesson, we break down the use of double stops in the song, teaching you how to integrate them into your own playing. Learning to play double stops will allow you to add complexity and texture to your solos, making your playing sound fuller and more dynamic.

Slides

Slides are a key technique in B.B. King’s repertoire, and they play a significant role in "Sweet Sixteen." King’s use of slides helps to create smooth transitions between notes, adding to the fluidity of his solos. Our lesson will guide you through the various slide techniques used in the song, helping you to develop the ability to move seamlessly across the fretboard. Mastering slides will improve your phrasing and enable you to connect notes more effectively in your solos.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

King often employs hammer-ons and pull-offs to add speed and articulation to his playing, especially in the melodic lines of "Sweet Sixteen." This lesson will teach you how to use these techniques to create fluid, legato lines that flow effortlessly across the fretboard. Developing proficiency in hammer-ons and pull-offs will enhance your ability to play fast, smooth runs and add nuance to your playing.

Rakes

Rakes are a subtle but powerful technique used by B.B. King to add emphasis to certain notes, creating a percussive effect that punctuates his solos. In this lesson, we explore how King uses rakes in "Sweet Sixteen" and how you can incorporate this technique into your playing. Learning rakes will allow you to add dynamic contrast to your solos, making them more impactful and expressive.

The Guitar Player: B.B. King’s Influence

B.B. King, often referred to as the "King of the Blues," is one of the most influential guitarists in the history of music. His signature style, characterised by soulful vibrato, precise string bends, and expressive phrasing, has influenced countless guitarists across genres. In "Sweet Sixteen," King’s playing is a masterclass in emotional expression and technical proficiency. By studying his techniques in this song, you not only learn to play like one of the greatest bluesmen of all time but also gain insights into how to convey emotion through your guitar.

King’s influence extends far beyond the blues; his techniques and style have shaped the playing of guitar legends such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Gary Moore. By mastering the techniques found in "Sweet Sixteen," you are directly connecting with the legacy of B.B. King and gaining tools that will enhance your playing in any musical context.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Rakes