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Solo Tone
Hummingbird
B.B. King & John Mayer
Guitarblues2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-355TD-SV (B.B. King Lucille signature, stereo Varitone circuit)
AmpGibson Les Paul LP-1 preamp head into Gibson LP-2 power amp/speaker cabinet
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass5
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Notes
Studio recording, 2010s. B.B. King used the #2 Varitone setting with both pickups engaged, stereo Y-cord into separate amp channels. John Mayer likely used his own rig for his solo, but this data is for B.B. King's solo section as per sources.
Tone Character(10)
warm and smoothsinging sustaintouch-sensitivemidrange honktreble cutquick, percussive attackarticulate blues leadhummingbird-like vibratoforceful pick attackclean headroom
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate-level phrasing, expressive vibrato, and dynamic control typical of B.B. King's style, but does not involve advanced speed or complex chord work.
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Create Free AccountGuitarblues2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-355TD-SV (B.B. King Lucille signature, stereo Varitone circuit)
AmpGibson Les Paul LP-1 preamp head into Gibson LP-2 power amp/speaker cabinet
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 2010s. B.B. King used the #2 Varitone setting with both pickups engaged, stereo Y-cord into separate amp channels. John Mayer likely used his own rig for his solo, but this data is for B.B. King's solo section as per sources.
Tone Character(10)
warm and smoothsinging sustaintouch-sensitivemidrange honktreble cutquick, percussive attackarticulate blues leadhummingbird-like vibratoforceful pick attackclean headroom
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate-level phrasing, expressive vibrato, and dynamic control typical of B.B. King's style, but does not involve advanced speed or complex chord work.