ToneAdapt

Loading...

Solo Tone

Blues Boys Tune

B.B. King

Guitarblues1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-355TD-SV 'Lucille'
AmpGibson Lab Series L5 solid-state combo
PickupsGibson 490R (neck) and 490T (bridge) humbuckers, with Varitone circuit

Amp Settings

gain2.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3
presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, late 1990s ('Blues on the Bayou' album, 1998). B.B. King used his signature Lucille ES-355 with both pickups engaged and Varitone position 2. Amp is the Lab Series L5, his main studio and live amp from the late 1970s onward.

Tone Character(10)
warm and smoothnasal, out-of-phase midrangesinging sustaintouch-sensitivequick, percussive attackbright but not harshround, vocal-like phrasingclean with edge-of-breakupdynamic response to pickingminimal compression

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced blues phrasing, with B.B. King's signature vibrato, precise bends, and dynamic control. While not fast or technically complex in terms of speed, the expressive nuances and articulation demand strong control and feel.

Sources

B.B. King's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | EquipboardThe secrets behind B.B. King's guitar tone on The Thrill Is GoneThe story of B.B. King, the greatest blues guitar player of all time

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account

Blues Boys Tune settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

More B.B. King tones

B.B. King gear & all tones →
Blues Boys Tune by B.B. King — Solo Tone Settings | ToneAdapt