Solo Tone

Blues Boys Tune

B.B. King

Guitarblues1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-355TD-SV (Lucille)

AmpGibson Lab Series L5 solid-state combo

PickupsGibson humbuckers (490R/490T or similar, stereo wiring, Varitone circuit)

Amp Settings

gain2.5

bass7

mid6.5

treble6

reverb3

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, late 1980s-early 1990s. B.B. King used his signature Lucille ES-355 with both pickups engaged, Varitone set to position 2, plugged into a Gibson Lab Series L5 amp. No pedals; effects are from amp. Settings are based on cited blues tone recommendations and era-correct sources.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothsinging sustaintouch-sensitiveedge-of-breakup crunchquick, percussive attackhighly melodicmidrange honktreble cutample clean headroompowerful vibrato

Difficulty

While not technically fast, the solo demands advanced phrasing, expressive vibrato, and nuanced dynamic control, making it challenging for intermediate players to capture B.B. King's signature feel.

Sources

10 B.B. King-inspired blues intro licks you need to know | Guitar World B.B. King’s guitar tone on The Thrill Is Gone: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World How to get BB King like sound? : r/Guitar - Reddit

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