Learn To Play BB King

Guitars Lessons by Lee Hodgson

Purchase options

* Online stream purchase has playback speed and looping control options

Watch course preview

Access every Licklibrary course

Alternatively you can instantly watch this course and all other courses in our Store with a Licklibrary membership more info

Join now US$24.99 pm

Learn To Play B.B. King

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

B.B. King, the undisputed king of the blues, has forever left an indelible mark on the world of music. Known for his deep emotional connection with the guitar, his style has influenced countless players worldwide. Now, thanks to LickLibrary.com, guitarists can dive deep into the heart of B.B. King’s signature sound and techniques with the new "Learn To Play B.B. King" course. This comprehensive series of lessons taught by Lick Library veteran Lee Hodgson, breaks down five iconic tracks, offering note-for-note lessons to ensure you capture every nuance of King’s legendary style.


Guitar Lessons Include:


Every Day I Have The Blues

Rock Me Baby

Sweet Sixteen

Three O’Clock Blues

The Thrill Is Gone


Lesson Performance Notes


Everyday I Have The Blues

This song provides an excellent introduction to B.B. King's bluesy approach. The guitar work heavily incorporates vibrato, making each note resonate with emotion. The scale structure is predominantly based around the classic blues scale. King's solo is a masterclass in phrasing, often using double-stops for added texture.

Rock Me Baby

One of the pinnacles of King’s style is demonstrated in "Rock Me Baby". The song has a mix of major and minor pentatonic scales, giving it a rich bluesy sound. The guitar solo provides keen insights into King's usage of unison bends and his iconic vibrato technique.

Sweet Sixteen

"Sweet Sixteen" stands out for its intricate chord progressions and use of arpeggios. The solo beautifully showcases King’s expressive string-bending techniques, providing both depth and a soulful vibe.

Three O’Clock Blues

Delving deep into the heart of blues, "Three O’Clock Blues" offers players a chance to explore syncopated rhythms and the soulful phrasing that is characteristic of King's style. The solo section is replete with expressive bluesy bends and heartfelt slides, making it a joy to learn.

The Thrill Is Gone

Perhaps one of B.B. King’s most iconic tracks, "The Thrill Is Gone" is a masterclass in blues guitar. The song incorporates the minor pentatonic scale, and King’s solo is both melancholic and powerful. Notable techniques include the nuanced use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, coupled with his emotive vibrato.

B.B. King: The Maestro Behind the Strings

Riley B. King, known to the world as B.B. King, wasn't just a guitarist; he was a storyteller. Every note he played conveyed emotion, every bend screamed with pain or joy. His guitar, lovingly named Lucille, was an extension of his soul. King had the uncanny ability to make his guitar "sing", often engaging in call-and-response sequences between his vocals and Lucille. This unique blend of voice and guitar set King apart, marking his significant contribution to these and many other songs.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

Whether you're an aspiring blues guitarist or an advanced player looking to delve deeper into the soul of blues, "Learn To Play B.B. King" from LickLibrary.com is the perfect course. It doesn't just teach you the notes, but also the emotion and the story behind each one. Dive in and let the blues take over!

Features multi-angle high quality video lessons

A screenshot of a guitar tuition course by LickLibrary A screenshot of a close-up of a guitar instructor explaining a fretboard.

All of our courses feature multiple camera angles, and online versions (lifetime streaming access and membership) additionally featured optimised device delivery, variable playback speeds and looping controls to make your learning experience even better!

Get more with a Licklibrary membership

  • 1,000s of courses and lessons available to stream
  • Exclusive new lessons every month
  • Exclusive backing track library
  • Access to every lesson and course

Technical Details

  • Code

    RDR0536

  • Artist

    BB King

  • Media

    Online Stream, Download, 2x DVD Set

  • Media format

    PAL Only

  • Genre

    Blues, Traditional Blues

  • Skill level

    Suitable For All

  • EIN No

    5060088825785

  • TAB NOT Included

  • NB: If purchasing as 'DVD', please ensure that your DVD player fully supports the 'Media format' (PAL Only) that this product is available in, as indicated above.

Frequently added to order

BB King - Backing Tracks

Five guitar backing tracks to some classic B.B. King tunes including:., Everyday I Have The Blues, Rock Me Baby, Sweet Sixteen, Three O’Clock Blues, The Thrill Is Gone

SAVE MONEY - add this backing track to your basket and get it for JUST US$13.49

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Lee Hodgson

"Lee's contribution here at LickLibrary is a masterclass in classic guitar playing, from Hank Marvin to Simon & Garfunkel, but that certainly isn't the limit of his skills. In reality, Lee is one of the most technically able country guitar players we've ever seen, in fact his book ""Hot Country""...

View More