The Legendary B.B. King and His Iconic Guitar Picks

B.B. King is one of the most influential blues guitarists in history. His musical legacy is not only defined by his powerful guitar riffs but also by the specific type of guitar picks he used, which have become a symbol of his unique sound and style. In this article, we explore the type of picks B.B. King used and the impact they had on his playing.

Introduction to B.B. King and His Playing Style

B.B. King, born Riley B. King, was born in 1925 in Mississippi and grew up to become a legend in the music industry. His career spanned several decades and he was recognized for his smooth and soulful guitar playing. He was often called the 'King of the Blues' due to his incredible talent and his impact on the genre.

Meeting B.B. King

The author of this article had the opportunity to meet B.B. King when they were in their mid-teens. He was described as 'really cool and very wise,' a testament to the respect and admiration the guitarist garnered in his community. B.B. King was known for his exceptional skills and the polish and slickness of his playing, often emulated by his backing band.

Gift of Guitar Picks

During their interaction, B.B. King gifted the author two white teardrop, almost pointed guitar picks. The picks were inscribed with 'B.B. King' at the top, a symbol of his personal touch and the uniqueness of his equipment.

Are Those the Picks He Used?

However, there is some uncertainty among fans and guitarists as to whether these picks were actually the ones used by B.B. King during his performances. The picks given to the author bear a resemblance to his well-known style, but official records and historical footage often show different types of picks. This raises an interesting question about the exact equipment B.B. King used during his legendary career.

The Symbolism of Teardrop Picks

Teardrop-shaped picks, like the ones B.B. King is often associated with, are favored by many guitarists due to their unique shape, which allows for smooth arpeggios and bending notes. They are particularly effective for the kind of blues playing that B.B. King mastered, with their tips allowing for subtle pressure control.

Conclusion

The type of guitar picks B.B. King used is not definitively known, but the ones given to the author serve as a symbolic reminder of the great musician and his impact on the world of blues and music in general. These picks, whether the same ones he used or others influenced by his style, continue to stand as a testament to the master's skill and legacy.

Further Reading and Resources

For more information and to explore the various types of guitar picks used by B.B. King and other legendary guitarists, we recommend checking out:

Guitar Pick Reviews on Reverb Nation The Official B.B. King Website () Online forums and communities dedicated to guitarists and enthusiasts (r/guitar on Reddit)

These resources provide in-depth analysis and discussion of different picks and their uses, along with other valuable insights into the world of guitar playing and music history.