BB King performs live
Image: B.B. King, a master of blues guitar, delivering a passionate performance.
1. Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Texas Tornado of Blues Guitar
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Pride And Joy (Live at Montreux 1982) – YouTube 
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Pride And Joy (Live at Montreux 1982) – YouTube
Stevie Ray Vaughan was more than just a guitar player; he was a force of nature. He brought a raw physicality and profound soul to his performances, captivating audiences with his intense energy and emotional depth. Watching SRV play was an experience in itself, often resembling a battle between man and instrument, particularly during his most fervent solos. It was akin to witnessing a high-stakes arm wrestling match, but with a Fender Stratocaster instead of forearms.
Vaughan’s legendary heavy gauge strings – rumored to be 13s, 14s, or even heavier – were part of his signature sound. While some might jest that he used piano wire, his ability to manipulate these thick strings with such dexterity was undeniable. This, combined with his fiery passion and the crucial role of the Tube Screamer in mediating between his Strat and amplifier, gave him an unparalleled dynamic range. Few Blues Guitar Players, or guitarists in general, could match his expressive capabilities.
Yet, amidst the intensity, there was a remarkable tenderness in his playing. Many argue that his rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing surpasses the original in its emotional resonance – a testament to his unique interpretive skills. Though his life was tragically cut short at 35 in a helicopter crash, Stevie Ray Vaughan left an indelible mark on guitar culture, much like Hendrix himself.
His debut album with Double Trouble, Texas Flood, remains a cornerstone of the blues genre. The title track, a cover of Larry Davis’s 1958 song, is a masterclass in conveying deep emotion through guitar, painting a sonic picture of Texan gloom. Tracks like Pride and Joy and Tell Me showcase his incredible groove and rhythmic feel. While future generations missed the chance to see him live, recordings like his Montreux 1982 performance continue to inspire and showcase his extraordinary talent to aspiring blues guitar players worldwide.
2. B.B. King: The King of the Blues and Master of Vibrato
B.B. King was the epitome of blues sophistication and heartfelt expression. Born Riley B. King in 1925 on a Mississippi plantation, his journey from humble beginnings to blues royalty is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Growing up immersed in gospel music in church, King absorbed the soulful essence of blues-infused spirituals. His pastor provided his first guitar chords, and a loan from his plantation boss enabled him to purchase his own instrument.
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King honed his skills independently and by 1946, he relocated to Memphis, joining his cousin, slide guitarist Bukka White. He quickly gained traction, performing on local radio and securing a residency in West Memphis. This led to his own radio show where he became known as ‘Beale Street Blues Boy,’ eventually shortened to ‘Blues Boy’ and finally, the iconic ‘B.B.’.
Initially playing acoustic guitar, B.B. King transitioned to electric, influenced by his idol T-Bone Walker. He experimented with various guitars, including a Gibson ES-150 and Fender Esquire, before finding his signature instrument: the Gibson ES-355 thinline.
B.B. King – Sweet Little Angel (Live) – YouTube B.B. King – Sweet Little Angel (Live) – YouTube
King famously named his guitars ‘Lucille’ after a dramatic incident where a fight over a woman named Lucille caused a fire. King risked his life to retrieve his guitar from the burning building, and named it, and all subsequent guitars, in her honor.
Several elements distinguish B.B. King’s unique style. He elevated vibrato to an art form, drawing inspiration from the fluttering sounds of slide guitarists like Bukka White and harmonica players like Little Walter. King developed his signature vibrato by rapidly rotating his finger while fretting a note, creating a vocal-like quality that set him apart from other blues guitar players.
King saw his singing and guitar playing as equal partners in his performance. He often avoided playing chords while singing, dedicating each moment to either a vocal phrase or a guitar lick, enhancing the intensity of both.
Early on, King adopted the five-shape fingerboard system, but soon discovered a position that perfectly suited his style, now known as ‘the B.B. box’. This was essentially ‘shape 3’ of the pentatonic scale, pivoting around the root note on the second string. This compact area provided easy access to key notes, including the 5th, b5th, 4th, 2nd, b3rd, and 3rd, all within a small fretboard region. Combined with his masterful string bending, this ‘box’ became a cornerstone of his expressive playing.
The 1960s blues boom, spearheaded by artists like Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones, played a crucial role in bringing blues legends like B.B. King to a wider audience. Previously categorized as “race” acts, these artists finally received the mainstream recognition they richly deserved, solidifying B.B. King’s place as a king among blues guitar players.
3. Buddy Guy: The Chicago Blues Showman Extraordinaire
Buddy Guy, often hailed as the greatest living bluesman, is not only a guitar virtuoso but also a captivating showman and storyteller. Born in Louisiana to sharecroppers, he migrated to Chicago, becoming a central figure in the city’s vibrant blues scene. His early days saw him learning directly from audience reactions – if they loved it, he’d give them more, and he gave generously.
Inspired by Guitar Slim’s flamboyant performances, Guy incorporated theatrics into his shows. He would walk through the crowd, engage with fans, and even jump off bars while playing, ensuring he left a lasting impression. This earned him the moniker ‘Little Wild Man from Louisiana.’
Guy’s early semi-hollow Guild Starfires weren’t robust enough for his energetic performances. He needed a solidbody, and the Fender Stratocaster became his weapon of choice. His incredibly rich, “juicy” tone became hugely influential, particularly on Jimi Hendrix and the wave of young British blues guitar players like Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.
Buddy Guy had a knack for translating horn parts to guitar, expanding his musical vocabulary and finding notes that others overlooked. Polka dots became his visual trademark, rivaling even Minnie Mouse in their iconic status. But beyond the visual flair, no one delivers a live blues show quite like Buddy Guy, making him a must-see for any blues enthusiast and aspiring blues guitar player.
4. Albert King: The Velvet Bulldozer with a Powerful Bend
Albert King, born Albert Nelson in 1923, was a physically imposing figure at 6’ 4” and 250lbs. Like B.B. King (though not related), Albert was born and raised on a cotton plantation in Indianola, Texas.
His first guitar was a homemade creation from a cigar box, a tree branch, and broom wire. Being left-handed, when he finally acquired a real guitar, he played it upside down with the strings reversed. He also used a very loose tuning, often cited as C# F# B E G# C#.
Nicknamed The Velvet Bulldozer due to his imposing size but smooth singing voice, Albert King played with remarkable simplicity and beauty on his 1958 Gibson Flying V.
This loose tuning contributed to his highly pliable action, allowing Albert to execute entire licks by bending the top string a full fourth and then releasing it to create different intervals. This technique became a signature element of his style and a hallmark for blues guitar players aiming for expressive bends.
After initial setbacks in securing a record deal, Albert King moved to Memphis and signed with Stax Records, a soul label with the exceptional house band Booker T & The MG’s. The MG’s backed King on his seminal 1967 album Born Under a Bad Sign, which featured blues classics like Crosscut Saw, The Hunter (later covered by Free), Oh Pretty Woman (covered by Gary Moore), and the title track (covered by Cream).
Nicknamed “The Velvet Bulldozer” for his contrast between his size and smooth vocals, Albert King played with both power and finesse on his iconic 1958 Gibson Flying V. His influence is readily apparent in the playing of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Joe Walsh, among many others, cementing his legacy as a giant among blues guitar players.
5. Joe Bonamassa: The Modern Blues Ambassador
Joe Bonamassa Official – “Going Down” – Live at the Greek Theatre – YouTube Joe Bonamassa Official –
Joe Bonamassa’s position as the highest-grossing blues artist of all time might be a little uncomfortable for him, but it undeniably validates his impact. He has dedicated his career to expanding the appeal of blues music.
Through initiatives like the KTBA blues cruise, his record label, production work, and Nerdville studio, Bonamassa actively promotes the genre. However, his most powerful advocacy comes through his guitar playing. His muscular, technically brilliant style draws from the ’60s British blues scene, the electric blues pantheon, and even classic rock and prog, adapting to the needs of each song. Bonamassa represents the modern face of blues guitar players, bridging tradition with contemporary flair.
6. Robert Johnson: The Mythical Crossroads King
Perhaps no musician is shrouded in as much mythology as Robert Johnson. Would rock and roll have given us anthems like Sympathy For the Devil and Highway To Hell without the folklore of Johnson selling his soul at the crossroads? Would metal fans sport pentagrams and throw up “the horns” if Johnson hadn’t sung Me and the Devil Blues?
Beyond the captivating mystique, Johnson and his Delta blues contemporaries possessed a sophistication and diversity often lacking in modern blues. While contemporary blues can sometimes be confined to endless 12-bar progressions, Johnson’s work incorporated jazz and country influences. His compositions often broke free from the 12-bar structure, and his first recording, They’re Red Hot, was an upbeat ragtime piece.
With his singing and slide playing, Robert Johnson subtly explored microtonality, a technique now praised in players like Jeff Beck and Derek Trucks.
Playing solo allowed Johnson and his peers to experiment with time and tempo, resulting in songs with irregular bar lengths in unexpected places. His exploration of microtonality in his singing and slide guitar work predates and arguably rivals the celebrated microtonal explorations of modern guitarists like Jeff Beck and Derek Trucks.
Musical immortality hinges on great songwriting, and beyond the legend, Robert Johnson’s enduring fame rests on the power of his songs. Dust My Broom, Crossroad Blues, and Sweet Home Chicago are foundational blues standards.
The Rolling Stones covered Love in Vain and Stop Breaking Down, Led Zeppelin adapted Traveling Riverside Blues and The Lemon Song, and Steve Miller and Duane Allman both interpreted Come On in My Kitchen. Guitarists like Ike Turner and Chuck Berry built upon Johnson’s template to create rock and roll hits.
While crediting Johnson alone is an oversimplification – Delta blues musicians shared ideas freely – his impact is undeniable. He embodies the countless black folk musicians who developed the genre with limited recognition or compensation.
For aspiring acoustic blues fingerstyle guitar players, Johnson’s turnarounds remain the gold standard. For slide guitarists, his licks are essential learning. And for songwriters, capturing even a fraction of his profound exploration of the human experience is a worthy aspiration. Robert Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire generations of blues guitar players and music lovers alike.
7. Rory Gallagher: The Celtic Blues Rock Maverick
The Irish guitar virtuoso Rory Gallagher straddled the worlds of blues and rock, showcasing a dynamic electric style and distinctive sound that resonated across popular culture. Brian May’s use of a Rangemaster treble booster with a Vox AC30 was directly inspired by Gallagher.
Gallagher rose to prominence in the early ‘70s with Taste, later embarking on a successful solo career. He championed blues authenticity, infusing his music with a Celtic flavor drawn from skiffle and folk influences.
Equally adept with electric and acoustic guitars, and proficient in slide playing, Gallagher’s raw energy was legendary. His heavily worn Stratocaster guitars bore testament to his intense playing style. Rory Gallagher’s passionate performances and commitment to raw blues made him a beloved figure among blues guitar players and rock fans alike.
8. Muddy Waters: The Chicago Blues Father Figure
Muddy Waters – Hoochie Coochie Man (Live) – YouTube Muddy Waters – Hoochie Coochie Man (Live) – YouTube
Six-time Grammy winner McKinley Morganfield, known as Muddy Waters, reigned over the Chicago blues scene from the mid-1940s onwards. Moving from Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1941, he transitioned from acoustic to electric guitar by 1943. Muddy assembled a band of top-tier musicians, including Little Walter (harmonica), Otis Spann (piano), and Jimmy Rogers (guitar).
Muddy’s band was a live powerhouse. Jimi Hendrix famously described them as “terrifying,” recalling, “I first heard him as a little boy and it scared me to death.” Hendrix even drew direct inspiration from a Muddy lick for Voodoo Chile. Muddy’s playing was primal and deeply impactful.
Bluesman John P Hammond described Muddy as “the master of just the right notes; profound, deep and simple.” While he wrote original songs, Muddy is best remembered for his definitive versions of covers like Rolling Stone (inspiring both the magazine and the band’s name), Got My Mojo Working, Mannish Boy, and Hoochie Coochie Man.
Muddy Waters was rarely seen without his red Fender Telecaster, primarily using it for slide and occasional riffs. His legend and musical influence remain unparalleled. As B.B. King stated, “It’s going to be years before people realize how great his contribution was to American music.” Muddy Waters is rightfully considered a foundational figure for all blues guitar players.
9. Johnny Winter: The White Lightning Slide Master
Johnny Winter, born in Beaumont, Texas in 1944, was immersed in music from a young age. He began recording at 15 and achieved his breakthrough in 1968 when Mike Bloomfield invited him to play in New York. Columbia Records took notice, offering him a record deal. His debut album, 1968’s The Progressive Blues Experiment, signaled his blues-rock direction.
Winter enjoyed a prolific career, becoming synonymous with the Gibson Firebird, particularly his 1964 Polaris White Firebird V. He was renowned for his blistering slide guitar skills and aggressive attack, characterized by rapid triplets and double-stops. Like many blues players of his generation, Muddy Waters was a significant influence. Winter paid homage by jamming with Waters and producing three studio albums for him. Johnny Winter’s fiery playing and distinctive style made him a standout among blues guitar players.
10. Freddie King: The Raucous Texas Blues King
Freddie King – Hide Away (Live) – YouTube Freddie King – Hide Away (Live) – YouTube
Of the legendary ‘Three Kings’ of the blues (B.B., Albert, and Freddie), Freddie King was the youngest and most overtly energetic. His guitar style was characterized by speed and ferocity, featuring wide string bends and intense vibrato, complemented by his raw, guttural vocals.
Born in Gilmer, Texas in 1934, Freddie began playing guitar at six and moved to Chicago as a teen. He frequented blues clubs, absorbing the performances of legends like Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and T-Bone Walker. He studied their stage presence, admired their musicianship, and aspired to emulate their success.
After initial rejections from Chess Records, he signed with Federal Records on Chicago’s West Side, a hub of a burgeoning, hipper blues scene. Freddie became a club favorite, and his first single for Federal, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, became a blues standard, later popularized by Eric Clapton.
Freddie King profoundly influenced a generation of white blues guitar players, including Clapton, Peter Green, Michael Bloomfield, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. His instrumental tracks like Hide Away, The Stumble, and San-Ho-Zay are legendary. He is also remembered for leading one of the first racially integrated bands. Freddie King’s hard-working and hard-living lifestyle tragically led to his early death from pancreatitis at just 42, but his powerful legacy endures among blues guitar players and fans.
Honorable Mentions: More Incredible Blues Guitar Players
Samantha Fish, Encore, Up Close & Smokin’ Hott & AMAZING! ! ! – YouTube Samantha Fish, Encore, Up Close & Smokin
Samantha Fish: Evokes the raw sound of early bottleneck recordings with a modern punk energy, often using a four-string cigar box guitar.
Peter Green: Known for his subtle touch, precise bends, and dynamic control, evoking deep emotion in his playing.
Elmore James: A pioneer of electric slide guitar and loud amplification, giving us Dust My Broom and laying the groundwork for blues-rock.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe: A largely overlooked but hugely influential figure who fused gospel and electric guitar, inspiring Chuck Berry and others, essentially inventing rock and roll guitar.
Jeff Healey: Developed a unique lap-style guitar technique, achieving incredible control over bends, slides, and vibrato.
John Mayer: Demonstrates the continued commercial viability of blues, blending Hendrix and SRV influences into popular, accessible songs.
Derek Trucks: A master of microtonality and phrasing, creating uniquely compelling slide guitar performances.
Gary Clark Jr.: A modern torchbearer of authentic blues, honoring tradition while forging his own contemporary sound.
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Jonathan Horsley
Jonathan Horsley has been writing about guitars since 2005, playing them since 1990, and regularly contributes to publications including Guitar World, MusicRadar and Total Guitar. He uses Jazz III nylon picks, 10s during the week, 9s at the weekend, and shamefully still struggles with rhythm figure one of Van Halen’s Panama.
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