Quick Licks - In The Style of BB King
Course Content Overview
This course features meticulously crafted blues licks that will demystify BB King’s iconic sound. Your instructor, the renowned Stuart Bull, will guide you through each lick, revealing the secrets behind BB King’s legendary technique. You’ll master the core elements of his style, including:
- Vibrato: Learn to create BB King’s signature “butterfly” vibrato, a technique that gives his notes their incredible warmth and sustain.
- Mixing Major and Minor Pentatonics: Discover how to seamlessly blend major and minor pentatonic scales to create a rich and complex tonal palette, full of both sweet melodies and bluesy grit.
- Blues Phrasing: Go beyond simply playing notes and learn the art of musical storytelling. This course will teach you how to phrase your solos like a conversation, with call and response, and emotional depth.
- Leaving Space in Solos: Master the art of restraint and learn why the notes you don’t play are just as important as the ones you do. Discover how to use space to create tension, drama, and maximum emotional impact.
- And much more: You’ll also learn essential techniques like double stop bends, string bending, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, all in the context of BB King’s timeless music.
To ensure you can apply these concepts in a real musical setting, the course includes a professional backing track, allowing you to practice your new licks and develop your improvisational skills.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is the perfect choice for any guitarist who wants to:
- Learn the authentic guitar style of the legendary BB King.
- Develop a more expressive and soulful approach to blues guitar.
- Improve their understanding of blues phrasing and soloing.
- Master the art of vibrato and string bending.
- Learn how to create emotionally powerful guitar solos.
- Gain insights into the musical philosophy of a blues master.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
“Quick Licks - In the Style of BB King” is a comprehensive and effective way to learn the secrets of one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. By breaking down his style into its essential components, this course provides a clear and accessible path to mastering his techniques. The combination of expert instruction, a focus on practical application, and a high-quality backing track makes this one of the best online guitar courses for anyone who wants to play with the heart and soul of a true blues legend. With Licklibrary.com, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace and unlock your full potential as a blues guitarist, all from the comfort of your own home.
WE CAN HELP...
1-ON-1 COACHING
Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!
Quick Licks - In The Style of BB King: Mastering the Blues Guitar Legend's Techniques
"Quick Licks - In The Style of BB King" is a comprehensive guitar lesson series by Stuart Bull is designed to help guitarists emulate the iconic style of BB King, one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. This course specifically focuses on techniques like Vibrato, Mixing Major and Minor Pentatonics, Blues Phrasing, and Leaving Space in Solos. Accompanied by backing tracks, these lessons provide an enriching practice experience.
What You Will Learn In This Course
Killer blues licks in the style of BB King. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:
- Vibrato
- Mixing Major and Minor Pentatonics
- Blues Phrasing
- Leaving Space in Solos
Technique Breakdown
Vibrato: The Heartbeat of BB King's Sound
BB King's vibrato is legendary for its expressiveness and depth. This technique, which involves subtly vibrating a note back and forth to create a warm, pulsating sound, is a cornerstone of King's emotional playing style. Our lessons break down the nuances of his vibrato, teaching you how to infuse your playing with the same soulful feel.
Mixing Major and Minor Pentatonics: The Blues Tonal Palette
One of the hallmarks of BB King's playing is his ability to seamlessly blend major and minor pentatonic scales. This approach gives his music a unique tonal quality, mixing a sweet, melodic sound with a bluesy edge. You'll learn how to combine these scales to add depth and complexity to your blues solos.
Blues Phrasing: Speaking Through the Guitar
BB King's phrasing in his solos is akin to a conversational language. It's all about telling a story with your instrument. These lessons will guide you through his phrasing techniques, teaching you how to express emotions and narratives through your guitar, just as King did in songs like "The Thrill Is Gone."
Leaving Space in Solos: The Art of Restraint
"Quick Licks - BB King" also emphasises the importance of leaving space in solos. King was a master of restraint, knowing when not to play was just as important as the notes he chose. You'll learn to utilise silence effectively, creating a more impactful and expressive solo.
Practising with a Backing Track: Enhancing Musicality
Practicing with a backing track isn't just about playing the right notes; it's about playing them in the right way. This approach helps you understand how your playing fits within the context of a band, improving your timing, rhythm, and ability to interact musically with others.
BB King's Guitar Style
BB King's guitar style is a blend of storytelling, emotion, and technical mastery. By studying his techniques, guitarists can not only learn to play the blues more authentically but also gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional power of music.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
- Develop a soulful and expressive vibrato.
- Learn to blend major and minor pentatonic scales for a rich blues sound.
- Enhance your storytelling ability through blues phrasing.
- Understand the power of restraint and space in solos.
Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - In The Style of BB King"
"Quick Licks - In The Style of BB King" is an essential course for any guitarist looking to delve into the blues genre and capture the essence of BB King's timeless style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these lessons offer valuable insights into the techniques and musical philosophy of a blues legend.
* THIS PRODUCT IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR MADE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BB KING, NOR DOES BB KING PERFORM OR APPEAR ON THIS COURSE *
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Stuart Bull
As co-founder of LickLibrary and Total Accuracy, Stuart plays a tremendous part of all the goings on in LickLibrary today. Looking at our entire catalogue, the entire contribution from Stuart is phenomenal and has had an impact on tens of thousands of aspiring guitar players the world over. Stuart's professional...