Why is BB KING so admired as a blues guitarist?

Question

He doesn't even play chords on his guitar. Yes, I know....He has more feeling in one note than many do in 100.....but come on. He is far from a master of guitar.

i dont mean to bash him or his fans just stating my own opinion and asking why ?

If anything, Buddy Guy plays much better blues or Stevie Ray

Answer 1

if u have to ask u just dont get it--he is one of the pioneers of morden blues THATS WHY!

Answer 2

Blues music, even if it simply is a I, IV, V chord progression, is expressed in the way the lead instrument (guitar, sax, piano) creates a mood.

In the case of B.B. King, his guitar (Lucille - see link), sings to the listener.

B.B. certainly has an excellent, gravelly voice and he can belt out a blues song.
But when "Lucille" sings, she can put the tears or joy in your heart.
B.B.'s style of playing has certain attributes - his trills and string bends are accents that emphasize whatever the backup band is playing.

Now, your definition of a master guitarist is probably different from mine.
But the fact is, had there been no B.B. King, the style of most rock guitarists today would be vastly different (and probably very boring).

You see, King influenced more than two generations of musicians.

And perhaps your listening ears are not sophisticated enough to grasp that.
But given time, you'll eventually mature and come to understand what a master guitarist really is all about.

Answer 3

I can't even believe you could ask this question! I think the answer that states if you have to ask, you won't understand the answer. Given time maybe you begin to understand that speed and walls of effects and amps are not the" masters "choice. His feel for placing the notes to " say " the most is the key. Also, he is credited with the modern style of vibrato that everyone tries to mimick these days. Most of the "masters" as you call them, would be like a deer in the headlights, if you take away their effects and heavy distortion. These effects give an illusion of playing ability that fool's so many people. Even Stevie Ray may have rolled after your question. Sorry! One more point, you must look at B.B. from the whole package perspective. His vocal quality, and delivery, is second to none. Haunting and heartfelt, no-doubt.

Answer 4

In blues ability is secondary. What you feel is more important. BB King can make you feel what ever he wants just by playing some simple notes. He can play chords but he has a hard time with them. He actually knows a lot about the fretboard of the guitar.

Answer 5

After reading all the comments thus far I felt compelled to leave one of my own. While B.B. King is one of the most heartfelt and moving blues artists to ever draw a breath of free air, he is far from a great guitar player. One of the best blues songwriters that has ever lived, yes, but by his own admission not a great guitar player.
In one comment I saw the terms "fluid" and "melodic" used to describe his playing, and something about his fingers flowing across the fretboard. I mean, have these people ever listened to any of his music? Because if they have, there's no way you could say those things about his playing. They are obviously not blues guitar players.
Please do not misunderstand, I love B.B. King and have everything he ever recorded, and consider it a cornerstone of my vast blues-based library. But as a blues guitarist, in my opinion he's not a great guitar player, good yes, but not great. Thank you for your time.

Answer 6

Wow, this is shocking, and so so sad. He plays leads, constantly soloing and improvising over the rhythm guitarist playing the chords you so seek. If you know anything about the blues, than you should know he is great. To the person putting Eric Clapton in the same category as BB, come on, give me a break. Eric Clapton isn't even close. Stevie Ray Vaughn was way better than Clapton.

Answer 7

A life of blues was his style.Read a book bout him.He kinda came from the big band era,and captured that sound for the blues.He more or less was a Blues Poet.His guitar was just something to hang on to.He could have chose any instrument,but most likely chose the guitar so he could use an instrument closest to his voice,IE bending notes,while he sang.If you listen,his guitar playing sounds similar to his singing.He's like salt and pepper to the dinner table,a must for the basics. Hope this helps to answer your question.

Answer 8

Saw B.B. at the Fillmore many, many years ago. At that time, I thought he had so much feeling and didn't have to play alot to play a lot.. Carlos Santana seldom plays a lot of chords either,but he has decent chops. Back then, I was impressed by Freddie King and Albert King as well as Johnny Winter. So many good guitarists/musicians. You just gotta pick what appeals to you. Some of the greats, Clapton and Beck, teethed on B.B.

Answer 9

Far from a master of the guitar?

Ok maybe, but Master of the Blues Guitar?
He is that and so much more.

Just listen to the music, listen to the magic of his fingerwork and his incredible talent.

He is by far one of the best, if not THE BEST Blues guitarist around.
Maybe, maybe Eric Clapton is close, but BB King is just so fluid and melodic and it never seems like he is making an effort as he just strolls along his fretboard.

BB and Lucille make beautiful music together.

Answer 10

As an anaolgy, have you never wanted to rip the sax out of Kenny G's lips and whip his azz with it? It's like gnats a picnic. Just too many and they're all annoying. Same goes for that damn John Popper, although I have heard him play some good blues.
Players Steve Vai, Mwalmsteeen, etc are incredibly talented but BOOOORRRRING!!!!
I would rather hear SRV, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, and any number of newer players any day than all that note laden flutterbug sh!t.

Answer 11

Why ask a riddlculous question and include the answer within it?!!!

BB King is the master of modern blues, he made blues universal, and the fact that he makes it look so easy is his brilliance and talent. Noone that couldn't play extremely well could make it look so breazy!!

He has more class and talent than most can ever dream or aspire to get.