GuitarJamz's video: BB King Blues Riffs and Licks in the Key of A Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, we'll explore some classic BB King blues riffs and licks in the key of A. BB King is renowned for his expressive playing style, characterized by smooth bends, vibrant vibrato, and soulful phrasing. We'll start with the foundational techniques that define his sound and then move on to incorporating these elements into licks and riffs that you can use in your own playing. 1. Foundational Techniques BB King's style relies heavily on a few key techniques: Vibrato: Use your wrist to create a smooth, even vibrato. BB King often used a wide vibrato to give his notes a singing quality. Practice this by holding a note and gently shaking your hand to create the effect. Bends: BB King’s bends are precise and expressive. Start by bending the 7th fret of the G string up a whole step to match the pitch of the 9th fret. Make sure your bends are in tune and controlled. Double Stops: Play two notes simultaneously, often on adjacent strings. For example, place your index finger on the 8th fret of the B string and your middle finger on the 9th fret of the G string. Pick both strings together to create a harmonized sound.