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Chapter 17: Ten Blues Guitar Giants
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guitar. But Albert’s style was distinctive and unique, because he played a
right-handed guitar upside down (see Chapter 12 for details). As well, he played
in unusual tunings, and he bent strings by pulling them downward, toward
the floor, instead of upward like other guitarists, which made it even harder
to pin down his style.
B.B. King (b. 1925)
Because of his unmatched technique, long career, and brilliant artistry, B.B.
King is the most enduring and important blues guitarist of all time. King uses
his voice, performance persona, and lyrical, soulful soloing to the envy of
every blues player who came after him. His early records were produced by
Elvis discoverer Sam Phillips, and of particular note, King’s vibrato is considered
the most evolved of any blues guitarist. Chapter 12 contains more info
on B.B.
Albert Collins (1932–93)
Albert Collins was the consummate blues performer and showman. He hailed
from Texas and his highly distinctive style is characterized by explosive,
stinging, and abrupt punctuated phrases delivered by a twangy, alternativetuned
Telecaster, which he fingerpicked and often capoed high on the neck.
Collins influenced such modern blues players as Debbie Davies, Stevie Ray
Vaughan, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and John Mayer, and had a
profound influence on Robert Cray. Flip back to Chapter 12 for more on Collins.
Otis Rush (b. 1934)
Otis Rush was the leader in the West Side blues scene, which included Buddy
Guy and Magic Sam. His expressive technique and lyrical string-bending
became hallmarks of the style. Rush influenced an astonishing number of guitarists:
Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Michael Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, and Stevie
Ray Vaughan. Check out Chapter 12 for more info on Rush.
Eric Clapton (b. 1945)
Eric Clapton is perhaps the most successful and influential blues player in
history. He was a student of traditional American blues in his native England
and distinguished himself on the local music scene with his deep knowledge
TEAM LinG