That was freaking awesome! I got to meet BB after a show & spent some time talking to him. He told a few stories about growing up down South but never once discussed music. He seemed more interested in what I had to say & asked me a lot of questions. One of the nicest & most genuine people that I have ever met in my life! I cried like a baby when I found out that he passed away. RIP BB & thanks for the memories..................... 👍👍🎸👍👍
I didn’t cry. I just thought, hell, what a life well-lived. 89 years old, only two weeks after your last live show. Unbelievable legacy and nobody has a bad word to say about you. Doesn’t get much better than that.
Oh yea, I’ve been working on the not playing parts since I was a kid. Practiced especially well with a TV remote in my hand. Love the content of his videos.
BB sang his solos, he didn't play them. What I mean is if you really listen to how he solo's with the lack of phrasing that's how you would sing right? You don't just keep singing the lyrics non stop, you say a phrase and then pause, then say the next then pause, this is what he is doing and I for one love it! I would rather listen to a guitarist playing like this over any of the shredders and the guys who think you have to fill every beat of a song with a note from your guitar while soloing. That video clip you showed of BB and that other guy playing is an interview he gave and I found it amazing that he does that vibrato of his with all FOUR fingers!! Yes, he can even do it with his pinky finger!! The man was truly one of the greats!
i remember when i was a kid my dad singing and playing blues but i didnt know what song it is. i listen it in the car and i love it. i asked my dad and he said it was a bbking song. i started to listen and listen it everyday and i really enjoy and feeling it. all the passion controls my body one day. i really want to play guitar. i really enjoy listen to Why I Sing The Blues and that song brought me to play guitar. thank you BB King and my dad. i might not know blues if it wasnt from you :) and now me and my dad everyday and everyday we have the blues and jam together.
One trick I learned from Lindy Fralin is that a Strat can sound like BB if you have a blender pot. Start by selecting the neck pickup and then, blend in a bit of the bridge. Instant 355 tone (for a Strat).
Your video is fantastic, I want to learn the BB King guitar sound. Last week I was on vacation in Mississippi and we went to the BB King Museum in Indianola Mississippi. It is a must see for any who loves Blues guitar. Absolutely incredible!!!
Guitar Pilgrim I have to say that I watch a lot of guitar stuff online and there all great but you are one of the very few that make me want to play more. Your videos inspire to “learn” and not just teach. Keep it up.
"One note!" Man, no truer words have ever been spoken. There are precious few who can achieve this. Miles only has to play one note, Joni Mitchell only needs to play one chord, Ella just has to sing one note, Louis only needs one note. There aren't many others that come to mind. And you are SO right about leaving space. Miles said once that he hears the notes his band members don't play louder than the ones they do. It must have been a real honor being your teacher Thom! You are an excellent student.
You’re incredible!! I was lucky enough to see BB King live three times, he was also like a stand up comedian on stage. Hilarious and very kindhearted, incredibly sweet touch on guitar, great singer too 🙏 I wonder if you’d ever be into doing a Paul Kossoff episode, his vibrato technique was insanely beautiful. People probably first think of The Hunter intro, especially the live version when they think of his vibrato. But I also love how he later slowed it down, incredibly beautiful playing on the song Come Together In The Morning on Free’s last album for example and the jam Time Away from his solo album Back Street Crawler. His use of leslie speakers in the later years was absolutely spellbinding. Even with his tragically sad drug addiction 😔 his playing still evolved right until the end. He plays magic in the live Back Street Crawler album as well in 75, live at Croydon. He had such great touch and control and he really meant what he played. Very few get close to how he played but your control is so insane, I think you have a good chance at it 🤭🙏. Every video of yours blows me away, and I’m very grateful for what I’m learning 🙏🎉. Cheers and greetings from Finland ✌️
My first concert when I was 7 years old! I've been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of many musicians, but I weeped when BB passed. He still holds such a special place in my heart. One of my my mother's and grandmother's favorites, and such a genuine person
Thom, I've seen a number of UA-cam instructors do BB videos. The same concepts are there but you have such a zest for guitar and teaching. Your energy, seamless editing, tabs on screen, and pure love of guitar (and musicians you cover) is so inspiring! I will certainly watch this video more than once! Smashing the sub button last year was one of the best UA-cam decisions I've made (I'm not proud of some of the others... 😉) Cheers to you, Guitar Pilgram!
Wow! I love your videos so much. I am OBSESSED with the blues. It all started with Stevie and just got even better as I discovered the greats. You play with so much feeling and inspire me to keep working even harder!
FYI - After watching thousands of BB videos with other arts... I am pretty sure that "Signature Lick" octave of the root is forbidden unless you are BB. By the way - you are better at capturing his sound than anyone I have ever heard. On a strat, none the less! You could even give lessons to someone like John Mayer. Cheers! You rock!
5:03 Holy shit. I seriously thought that was BB playing because I didn't look at the screen. I only realized once you did that fast lick super clean and looked and was amazed.
Was rather amusing when my guitar teacher tried to teach me a "proper" vibrato, and I found it really difficult, so I tried pushing up and releasing, completely unaware that's how BB did it. He was gobsmacked when I managed to do that pretty much flawlessly (just found it easier and more natural), and we spent the next 25 minutes just jamming to The Thrill Is Gone
When you're starting to give lessons, I'll be interested. Your enthusiasm, guitar skills, and humor does the right thing for me. Keep up the good work or as we say in Holland, goed bezig man!
Still great....I've grown Up in the EVH Eruption Hype....and returned couple of years later to a total different Sound....Open the Gates to the Blues Heros....a never ending road
Great video Thom. B B really was the King of the Blues and we can all learn a lot from him. His influence on players like Eric Clapton and Peter Green was immense. Apart from being a great guitarist he was also a fine singer and a consummate performer. His ability to connect with an audience was perhaps his greatest skill and fortunately for us some of his best live performances were captured on record for us to continue to enjoy, in particular "Live At The Regal" and "Live At Cook County Jail". I was lucky enough to see him live many times as he regularly played the Hammersmith Odeon when I lived in London and he always put on a great show.
My country western band was invited to go see him back in Denver in the early 70s at a time when the Black Panther and some racial stuff was going on. A member of his band came and escorted us through the crowd to the front of the stage total class!!!!
Seriously my friend,how do you do it? I mean I watch guitar videos all the time but after watching your's,the first thing I do is grape my guitar and start practicing with all the advices you say in the video and therefore progressing You are an amazing guitarist who inspire young players like me and most importantly you come with a great soul
Fantastic video. You give a class like a great storyteller, making it even more interesting and then you prove you know what you're saying with your playing.
Bro, have you heard of a singer called Renee Gayer. She does a wicked version of this song off the album blues license, and her guitarist does an amazing job, well worth a listen
Loved this video ! Very well done !! I have been playing B B King tunes since the 60's , but you have mastered the little nuances that makes B B sound like B B ! Thanks for a great video ! So many people play his music , but , very few succeed to sound just like him ! You have dine very well my friend !
I love your videos which I have found to be the most educational of any I’ve seen. You covered Mr King in great detail but one thing I have observed is the dynamics between notes. He may stab one really hard and the next one sounds like he used a feather it’s so soft. :)
Wait.... Playing a major scale in a minor key sounds bad???: 6:12 ..... It sounded just fine to me. In fact, if my guitar playing ability sounded even half as good as that example you gave, I would be a very happy man!
Great lesson Pilgrim! I learned some great tips. I saw BB King live. The opening band had a guitar player that was all over showing off his technical proficiency. His set ends...then BB walks on the stage...sits in a chair...is handed his guitar...he plays just 2 notes...and the chills went up the back of my spine! I thought that is why he is BB King!
In 1968 (?) I attended a show at The Fillmore East with a young pup named Johnny Winter opening, followed by B.B. King, headlined by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, then featuring Elvin Bishop on lead (Bloomfield had recently left to form the Electric Flag). Winter was excited to open for B.B. and said so "I can't play half as well as him"...and then proved it! B.B. gave the most riveting performance I had ever heard. The PBBB was great too, but B.B. owned the night....
Hi, im from brazil. You have just earned a subscriber. You teach and explain with so much passion, its inspiring. I couldnt help to get my guitar and start playing a lil bit in the middle of the video. Its so exciting the way you teach that I couldnt wait for the video to finish (wich I did later dont worry hehe) Thanks for the content and keep up the good work!
Just gotta say Thanks.,..and hats off...you are a great teacher...you ve got ...." didactic" ..some like...you know how to teach. Not like so many " teachers" that just scream over youtube...hey...look how fast I play...
Love your channel man! Any original music we can hear? Your explanations of expression and execution are really great and would love to hear some original stuff! Jeep up the great work!
That was freaking awesome! I got to meet BB after a show & spent some time talking to him. He told a few stories about growing up down South but never once discussed music. He seemed more interested in what I had to say & asked me a lot of questions. One of the nicest & most genuine people that I have ever met in my life! I cried like a baby when I found out that he passed away. RIP BB & thanks for the memories..................... 👍👍🎸👍👍
If true WOW
@@kevingodding9316 It's true! I have the picture taken of BB & Me that night.
@@sapelesteve then I give you wow, wow great story
I know a couple of people who have met him and they say the same thing. Really sweet, humble, genuine person.
I didn’t cry. I just thought, hell, what a life well-lived. 89 years old, only two weeks after your last live show. Unbelievable legacy and nobody has a bad word to say about you. Doesn’t get much better than that.
I have the “not playing” part nailed. 😝
What a phrase!
Oh yea, I’ve been working on the not playing parts since I was a kid. Practiced especially well with a TV remote in my hand. Love the content of his videos.
you should make a cover video about that
I hear ya brother & we’ll get there .
Cheers
Still working on it.
No Lucile was required. Great Job.
BB sang his solos, he didn't play them. What I mean is if you really listen to how he solo's with the lack of phrasing that's how you would sing right? You don't just keep singing the lyrics non stop, you say a phrase and then pause, then say the next then pause, this is what he is doing and I for one love it! I would rather listen to a guitarist playing like this over any of the shredders and the guys who think you have to fill every beat of a song with a note from your guitar while soloing. That video clip you showed of BB and that other guy playing is an interview he gave and I found it amazing that he does that vibrato of his with all FOUR fingers!! Yes, he can even do it with his pinky finger!! The man was truly one of the greats!
You know you’re good when you can make a strat sound like Lucille.
Was just listening to the thrill is gone live at crossroads. Such a great artist.
I like that you’re playing BB on a Strat instead of a Gibson, and it still sounds like BB. Spot on BB licks, dude. Kudos.
You should really do a video on all 3 Kings! Cheers for the showcase of the blues legend
4 Kings - you forgot EARL ("Come on baby let the good times roll" was covered by Hendrix for example).
@@2009framat Ahhhh definitely true!
Five kings, you forgot Guy King. he's incredible
ua-cam.com/video/rH-kv33wiqE/v-deo.html
Does this include Freddy King?
@@EbonyPope Yes!
Been checking out all the BB box videos today, yours is one of the best. Just subscribed, thanks.
i remember when i was a kid my dad singing and playing blues but i didnt know what song it is. i listen it in the car and i love it. i asked my dad and he said it was a bbking song. i started to listen and listen it everyday and i really enjoy and feeling it. all the passion controls my body one day. i really want to play guitar. i really enjoy listen to Why I Sing The Blues and that song brought me to play guitar. thank you BB King and my dad. i might not know blues if it wasnt from you :) and now me and my dad everyday and everyday we have the blues and jam together.
BB 😊😊 used heavy guitar 🎸 😊 strings 4 his sounds that's the way guitar strings was back that's the tone 😊😅 BB wanted 😊🎉 OMG 5 1 2O24
His cousin was Bukka White, a legendary blues musician in his own right.
i just learned from here that the normal vibrato is left to right, ive been doing in up and down since i started
Whatever works best for you is the right way , no rules.
Buick Santos - side to side vibrato is the classical technique, up and down is the rock n roll approach so you’re doing good 👍😎
Sensational Pilgrim, you too have a nice style. BB always puts the hairs on the back of my neck up when I hear those solos. Thank you.
One trick I learned from Lindy Fralin is that a Strat can sound like BB if you have a blender pot. Start by selecting the neck pickup and then, blend in a bit of the bridge. Instant 355 tone (for a Strat).
Gotta love the King. He really took blues to the next level. BB always said that he couldn't play slide to save his life. God rest him
Great ! I' ve been trying to tell people for more than 40 years and you nailed it ! Thanks a lot for your work !
Great lesson! Saw BB play with U2 in 1988, epic showman!
Awesome stuff, as always :)
One key ingredient I was hoping you’ll touch is his fabulous dynamics.
I can't tell you how well you've explained his guitar playing style. You're the master!
Thom, your enthusiasm is unmatched my friend. You make learning fun ! Thank you
Now we just need one of these on Mark Knopfler. Love BB King. Great video.
You are such a skilled teacher. Thank you for your lessons and the respect you show the guitarists your doing lessons on. Blessings to you...
Your video is fantastic, I want to learn the BB King guitar sound. Last week I was on vacation in Mississippi and we went to the BB King Museum in Indianola Mississippi. It is a must see for any who loves Blues guitar. Absolutely incredible!!!
These blues lessons are the best
I even liked the “endless stream of notes “ at 4:37 you did lol
Good choice my friend. Maybe an Albert King video in the future. I mean everyone loves the Albert King bends.
Albert king is one of a kind for sure!
Guitar Pilgrim I have to say that I watch a lot of guitar stuff online and there all great but you are one of the very few that make me want to play more. Your videos inspire to “learn” and not just teach. Keep it up.
Your enthusiasm towards guitar music and those who play it well is entirely contagious. Amazing videos!!
Man you are awesome guitarist and this is awesome channel. My time is always well spent here.
One of my fondest memories was getting to shake Mr. Kings hand...the hand that made such beautiful music
"One note!" Man, no truer words have ever been spoken. There are precious few who can achieve this. Miles only has to play one note, Joni Mitchell only needs to play one chord, Ella just has to sing one note, Louis only needs one note. There aren't many others that come to mind. And you are SO right about leaving space. Miles said once that he hears the notes his band members don't play louder than the ones they do. It must have been a real honor being your teacher Thom! You are an excellent student.
Thank you man!!! King is an eternal legend, and you are a brilliant musician!!! ❤👍🎸😁🇧🇷
You’re incredible!! I was lucky enough to see BB King live three times, he was also like a stand up comedian on stage. Hilarious and very kindhearted, incredibly sweet touch on guitar, great singer too 🙏 I wonder if you’d ever be into doing a Paul Kossoff episode, his vibrato technique was insanely beautiful. People probably first think of The Hunter intro, especially the live version when they think of his vibrato. But I also love how he later slowed it down, incredibly beautiful playing on the song Come Together In The Morning on Free’s last album for example and the jam Time Away from his solo album Back Street Crawler. His use of leslie speakers in the later years was absolutely spellbinding. Even with his tragically sad drug addiction 😔 his playing still evolved right until the end. He plays magic in the live Back Street Crawler album as well in 75, live at Croydon. He had such great touch and control and he really meant what he played. Very few get close to how he played but your control is so insane, I think you have a good chance at it 🤭🙏. Every video of yours blows me away, and I’m very grateful for what I’m learning 🙏🎉. Cheers and greetings from Finland ✌️
My first concert when I was 7 years old! I've been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of many musicians, but I weeped when BB passed. He still holds such a special place in my heart. One of my my mother's and grandmother's favorites, and such a genuine person
The next could be something like
"Why johnny winter kicks ass"
That would get my vote too.
Absolutely
Hmm, I might do that! :)
Would be interresting to know "Why Rory Gallgher kicks ass" :D
Guitar Pilgrim please do!!
Great video, thanks. But what really stood out for me, was the fantastic demo solo at the end. It was truly superb!
You forgot one of the most important things. Dynamics. He plays with incredible dynamics - like a singer.
This really is amazing clarity and understanding.
Thom, I've seen a number of UA-cam instructors do BB videos. The same concepts are there but you have such a zest for guitar and teaching. Your energy, seamless editing, tabs on screen, and pure love of guitar (and musicians you cover) is so inspiring! I will certainly watch this video more than once! Smashing the sub button last year was one of the best UA-cam decisions I've made (I'm not proud of some of the others... 😉) Cheers to you, Guitar Pilgram!
Ps... Your SRV video was AMAZING! So talented!
Thanks Cain, that’s awesome to hear! I will keep doing my best trying not to let you down! All the best!
Wow! I love your videos so much. I am OBSESSED with the blues. It all started with Stevie and just got even better as I discovered the greats. You play with so much feeling and inspire me to keep working even harder!
Thé best B.B King guitar lesson I heard on UA-cam
FYI - After watching thousands of BB videos with other arts... I am pretty sure that "Signature Lick" octave of the root is forbidden unless you are BB. By the way - you are better at capturing his sound than anyone I have ever heard. On a strat, none the less! You could even give lessons to someone like John Mayer. Cheers! You rock!
His playing reminds me of a mysterious night on a Caribbean beach... With stars, palm trees and a beautiful girl...
I can even smell it...😎
Great solo!!!! Fantastic feeling for the blues!!!
5:03 Holy shit. I seriously thought that was BB playing because I didn't look at the screen. I only realized once you did that fast lick super clean and looked and was amazed.
You obviously demonstrate that great guitarists sounds (signatures) come from hands and not from gear... Great job ,thanks !
this has to be best guitar lesson i wish i had received back in the days... good guy guitar pilgrim !
Awesome playing (as always). You make the tough stuff look easy, that way we don't lose the hope of one day being able to do it. Congratulations!
I hope you'll never stop making these videos;)
Thx brother, I hope you never stop watching!
We can't find elsewhere in UA-cam such didactic breakdowns from the greats. Awesome channel
This is the best lesson on UA-cam ever - I’m sold what blues courses do you teach
That’s coming in the future at some point for sure!
Guitar Pilgrim hope I can get first access Please
Skype lessons?
Was rather amusing when my guitar teacher tried to teach me a "proper" vibrato, and I found it really difficult, so I tried pushing up and releasing, completely unaware that's how BB did it. He was gobsmacked when I managed to do that pretty much flawlessly (just found it easier and more natural), and we spent the next 25 minutes just jamming to The Thrill Is Gone
Close my eyes and I'd swear it was the Man himself. Great job Thomas.
Absolutely superb!! Flashbulb, lightbulb and tulip bulb moment!!!
GP: an ass kicking guitar player explainig the technical reasons why legendary players kick ass. Best guitar channel in the UA-cam.
When you're starting to give lessons, I'll be interested. Your enthusiasm, guitar skills, and humor does the right thing for me. Keep up the good work or as we say in Holland, goed bezig man!
Still great....I've grown Up in the EVH Eruption Hype....and returned couple of years later to a total different Sound....Open the Gates to the Blues Heros....a never ending road
Great video Thom. B B really was the King of the Blues and we can all learn a lot from him. His influence on players like Eric Clapton and Peter Green was immense. Apart from being a great guitarist he was also a fine singer and a consummate performer. His ability to connect with an audience was perhaps his greatest skill and fortunately for us some of his best live performances were captured on record for us to continue to enjoy, in particular "Live At The Regal" and "Live At Cook County Jail". I was lucky enough to see him live many times as he regularly played the Hammersmith Odeon when I lived in London and he always put on a great show.
That must have been an awesome experience to see him live!!
@@GuitarPilgrim Certainly was ;-)
You Got Man ! Yes. Less Is More !!!
Great Video. Thank You. ✨️✨️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤸🎸
I would like you show us a exceptional blues from Eric Clapton: Catch the blues...amazing last blues from Eric. Lapton...You can donde that?
Your channel is great. Really good playing and very interesting explanations. Congratulations!!
1:55 Too much excitement for one note xDD , wonderful video thought.
Nice feel on this. Strat gets that 335 tone amazingly.
Thank you for this... It really has helped to ease the new year blues
BB king had some top tier dynamics as well
I like this "Thom Helwig" guy. He's a good teacher.
Great stuff here, as always ! Watching you vamp on that one vibrato note cracked me up !
Had the pleasure to see BB twice and first time was in the front row kept watching his fingers and he smiled at me a few times
Great taste in music! B.B was one of my favorites ❤
My country western band was invited to go see him back in Denver in the early 70s at a time when the Black Panther and some racial stuff was going on. A member of his band came and escorted us through the crowd to the front of the stage total class!!!!
Oh man, the BB box on a manor blues, that's been amazing, thank u, greetings from Spain👍😎
As long as I'm paying the bill, I'm paying the cost to be the boss..
One man, one guitar, one chamnel and all guitarist amd styles well covered, perfectly nailed ! Bravo
Seriously my friend,how do you do it? I mean I watch guitar videos all the time but after watching your's,the first thing I do is grape my guitar and start practicing with all the advices you say in the video and therefore progressing
You are an amazing guitarist who inspire young players like me and most importantly you come with a great soul
Glad to help my friend! I am just trying to do the best I can, have a great weekend!
@@GuitarPilgrim believe me you are drawing a wonderful path here,have a great life my friend 😊🙏
Fantastic video. You give a class like a great storyteller, making it even more interesting and then you prove you know what you're saying with your playing.
Man you are GREATE. So nice explanations. All of your videos are awesome, helps a lot to improve our own style
Bro, have you heard of a singer called Renee Gayer. She does a wicked version of this song off the album blues license, and her guitarist does an amazing job, well worth a listen
Loved this video ! Very well done !! I have been playing B B King tunes since the 60's , but you have mastered the little nuances that makes B B sound like B B ! Thanks for a great video ! So many people play his music , but , very few succeed to sound just like him ! You have dine very well my friend !
Thanks Kenneth, I appreciate that! Creating this video just reminded me how brilliant bb king was and how hard it is to try to play like that!
i loved your improv, i couldnt guess what was coming next and it all sounded great!
He plays it down ,this man has the blues he is incredible
great lesson and some sick playing at the end
I love this series. So helpful and interesting.
I love your videos which I have found to be the most educational of any I’ve seen. You covered Mr King in great detail but one thing I have observed is the dynamics between notes. He may stab one really hard and the next one sounds like he used a feather it’s so soft. :)
Wait.... Playing a major scale in a minor key sounds bad???: 6:12 ..... It sounded just fine to me. In fact, if my guitar playing ability sounded even half as good as that example you gave, I would be a very happy man!
Man you are awesome guitarist and this is awesome channel. My time is always well spent here. Now, to solo like him, my high e string is dead.
You play very well. I am one of many folks that like what you do. Thank you.
Great lesson Pilgrim! I learned some great tips. I saw BB King live. The opening band had a guitar player that was all over showing off his technical proficiency. His set ends...then BB walks on the stage...sits in a chair...is handed his guitar...he plays just 2 notes...and the chills went up the back of my spine! I thought that is why he is BB King!
Right on brother!
In 1968 (?) I attended a show at The Fillmore East with a young pup named Johnny Winter opening, followed by B.B. King, headlined by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, then featuring Elvin Bishop on lead (Bloomfield had recently left to form the Electric Flag). Winter was excited to open for B.B. and said so "I can't play half as well as him"...and then proved it! B.B. gave the most riveting performance I had ever heard. The PBBB was great too, but B.B. owned the night....
Hi, im from brazil. You have just earned a subscriber. You teach and explain with so much passion, its inspiring. I couldnt help to get my guitar and start playing a lil bit in the middle of the video. Its so exciting the way you teach that I couldnt wait for the video to finish (wich I did later dont worry hehe) Thanks for the content and keep up the good work!
BBking the legend of blues. RIP. We have your music. Thanks
Cool.. love your videos.. and your playing. Thumbs up!
You left out.. The pick hand must play with emotion!
Not only do you play well, but your video editing and production is great too!
And Wen you play some BB King on a strat, it becames John Mayer... cool video...
Yes,,,that is the blues sound,,,,it must be simple,,,but also incredibly complicated,,,, you figure it out ! Lol !!!!!!
😜👍🎵🎶🎸🎹
Just gotta say Thanks.,..and hats off...you are a great teacher...you ve got ...." didactic" ..some like...you know how to teach. Not like so many " teachers" that just scream over youtube...hey...look how fast I play...
This is a very good lesson, thanks.
Have not heard better Blues Pickin. Awesome
Love your channel man! Any original music we can hear? Your explanations of expression and execution are really great and would love to hear some original stuff! Jeep up the great work!
That was an excellent lesson. You are a master.
Awesome video! where can I find those sweet backing tracks, please share🙏
All 3 backingtracks are available on patreon.com/guitarpilgrim :)
Your like a digital amp.
You can emulate so many kick ass guitar players!
Great as always video! Thank you