B. B. King: Blues Master Highlights: Guitar DVD

This DVD captures the irreplaceable element of blues guitar that transcends technique: the storytelling and personality that make the music live. Watching King perform and share his approach offers something no notation or diagram can convey. For any guitarist drawn to blues, this is primary source material from one of the music's architects.

Raw, soulful, and energized. King's performances radiate the joy and command of a master musician in his element, surrounded by a tight band locked into the blues groove. The emphasis on anecdotes and live performance creates an intimate sense of sitting in on a conversation with a legend.

Guitar students and teachers looking for authentic blues performance documentation, as well as music fans interested in how one of the blues' greatest voices approached his instrument. This DVD works equally well for someone learning blues guitar or simply wanting to deepen their appreciation of the style.

• Pay attention to King's vibrato and note bending techniques; pause and rewind to study how he shapes individual notes rather than rushing through passages.
• Listen closely to his phrasing and use of space. Notice where he plays and, equally important, where he doesn't fill the silence.
• Observe his interaction with the band, especially how his solos respond to the rhythmic and harmonic foundation they provide.
• Study his choice of which strings and positions he uses for different musical phrases and moods.

Use this in a blues history or guitar fundamentals course to show students how blues guitar language actually sounds in performance, not just in theory. The performance-only option makes it ideal for student assemblies or open rehearsals where you want to inspire guitarists and non-musicians alike.

• Blues soloing vocabulary and phrasing
• Vibrato control and bending technique
• Call-and-response interaction with accompaniment
• Understanding amplifier tone and its role in blues expression
• Transcription skills by listening to live performances