Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd

String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. In this episode Kenny Wayne Shepherd discusses the importance of vibrato and playing the right combination of notes.
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
Kenny Wayne Shepherd plays Ernie Ball Cobalt strings: ernieb.al/1Rxltat

[@williammills3632]

One of the best underrated and under appreciated guitarist around. Come on people open your eyes and ears

[@tailorlayne5888]

I agree I've learned so much from this video .. Really all of them ... But this one got me , the "vibrato."

[@davidwile1277]

Meh..hes not close to the best..philip sayce is underated and blows this guy away

[@Utubewrk123]

Yea there are a few that are underrated. Actually, too many to jam. KWS and Chris Duarte and Indigenous’s Mato Nanji. All overlooked because they stuck with their heart.

[@stonerdemon]

I remember buying a Guitar magazine around 98' and seeing this "kid" on the cover. I can't believe almost 20 years have passed. Time flies indeed.

[@pedalfiles4441]

Everything this guy says/plays feels like it should have a crowd of people shouting amen in unity afterwards. What he said about an individual players vibrato really stood out to me. You can tell the personality of someones playing by their vibrato.

[@Casey_J96]

PEDAL FILES yeah vibrato is one of my favorite things to listen for. So many great players have iconic vibratos. One of the most overlooked but important little facets of guitar playing.

[@Casey_J96]

I also like what he said about speed vs note choice. Yeah crowds are impressed by fast repeating licks but great phrasing is what is more impressive.

[@raserx63]

Seen Kenny 4 times . He plays his ass off & leaves you breathless . So much fun..

[@alancastellon9225]

Hes a great player

[@ianbarcelos]

He's awesome. One of the best of the 90s generation.

[@magicdaveable]

10's on my Silhouette hard tail and my Silhouette tremolo. Both HSH, hard tail 2002, tremolo 2004. Both black with maple fingerboards. Both are by far the best solid body guitars I have ever owned or played including the '59 Les Paul Sunburst, and 1960 Strat. I owned other Fender and Gibson guitars too. If Music Man would build a semi-hollow 335 style guitar I would be thrilled. I can't wait to try out an Armada. I suspect it is a great guitar. And Kenny Wayne is one of the greatest blues guitarists around. He is near the top on my list of great players

[@michaelferry2733]

September 7, 2017 @ 4pm - Austin, TX - Dear Kenny Wayne, I love you brother. I wanted to share with you that after the show in Bar Harbor, during which my soul was 'penetrated' with the love you so fully express, I drove here to Austin and 'Lay It On Down' did not leave my cd player for one second. I just couldn't get enough. Over and over and over, each song an absolute masterpiece. My favorite lick of all time now is that hovering line you play on 'Diamonds And Gold' where you maintain the rhythm until it explodes and releases. You know the line I mean. I swear Kenny, I could listen to that line 1000 times in a row and never tire of it. It's the perfect example of what you're talking about here. I really don't know how to adequately describe it. It's just the product of your decades now of experience and your consummate feel. Shortly after I got to Austin the cd (but not the signed case) was taken out of my van. (I know why and it's cool but frustrating) So yesterday I went to see 'The Texas Gentlemen' at Waterloo Records and they just burned the joint down and guess what I bought? You guessed it...another copy of 'Lay It On Down'. So, I was happily listening to that on my way over to Saxon Pub where I caught a couple of amazing acts. I asked the drummer if he wanted to smoke the two roaches I had left and told him I'd be out in the van listening full blast (since Natalie Merchant isn't around) and guess what? You got it...cd was fucking gone!!! I forgot to tell you that when I came out of Waterloo Records and went to put the cd in the player, guess what...you guessed it...the original cd was back in the player so I had two copies. Just as I realized this a dude named Chris pulled in beside me on his bike and I said: "dude, it's your lucky day, I got a copy of one of the best records I've ever heard that features my number 1 favorite lick of all time..." I told him to pass it on with instructions to continue passing it around. Just an astonishing masterpiece Kenny. So now I got none and won't buy another one cause they'll just take it cause I'm supposed to be listening to Sun Radio so I know what's goin' on. So, it's cool but I'm jonesin' for that fucking record. So, I come here now to listen and caught this interesting article about 11 gauge strings. Synchronicity up the yin/yang between us brother. Hope you make it to Austin soon. I'll alert the Fire Department. When you find God you've got to get on your knees and I'm doing that right now in front of everyone at Whole Foods here...that's done brother...you are my cosmic kin and I hope the powers that be will allow us to write a couple of songs together. It would be the absolute highlight of my life and I've had some miraculous things happen in my life. Can't say it's number one cause you 'know' that place belongs to Shawn Colvin. But brother, you're right there beside her in my world. I adore you. I would serve you. Anything you want. All my love, Arthur Michael Shepherd. Peace

[@anthonyorre320]

Nice

[@cbeserra]

He’s so good.

[@sudharsanpaskaran]

really awsome blues

[@draghitatismanaru837]

He's awesome...

[@ficknoti]

Dude kicks ass

[@StratMatt777]

Being an SRV guy, what he said about the string gauge is really REALLY helpful. Now I know that 11s are plenty. Another great video from you guys. And that's saying a lot since this is ultimately an ad, and I hate ads. ;)

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Guitar is such an awesome instrument! It is easily the most expressive instrument ever. And it's so personal. Like KWS said here, he thinks his best tone comes from using an 11 gauge string. He says there is a big jump in tone from 10's to 11's. That's where HIS best tone comes from. But Billy Gibbons, who I think has awesome, massive, stinging tone, uses 8's. Sometimes even 7's!! Guitar is such a personal, subjective and expressive instrument for sure!

[@thediminish8517]

What's his guitar? Is is all rosewood neck?

[@ckmoore101]

Aside from the unfortunate light patch up top, that is a beautiful strat.....

[@bill.clifford.59]

Billy Gibbons played heavy strings until BB King asked why you working so hard after trying his guitar and he ended up playing 8's!

[@kencromwell2805]

Heavy strings give you a distinct sound, a growl.. SRV played heavy strings and his sound was one of a kind...KWS has, what I consider, the closest SRV sound of anyone I've heard.

[@davidwile1277]

He plays 7s

[@DELREYGUY]

Nice guitar strings commercial.. LOL 11s sound great on a Strat or an Ibanez in standard tuning.... I have the same white (yellowed) Les Paul Custom as on his wall. I bought it new in 1986... O.G.

[@stephenplante2273]

that's a.gorgeous stray. does anyone know what model this is

[@imationlh]

It might be this one: www.kennywayneshepherd.net/gear/guitars/13

[@jjfafrak2564]

Could anyone imagine shaking his hand after meeting him he must have a death grip handshake especially if he uses 13 gauge strings that’s crazy

[@TheMeJustMe75]

What he was playing at the beginning really sounded like Billy Gibbons.

[@marileedenr8473]

Glad you learned to play awesome music.lol Marilee

[@michaelferry2733]

By the way, I have not taken off your 'Blue On Black' T shirt since the Bar Harbor show and I will not until I see you again and get it signed...Peace

[@anthonyorre320]

Nice

[@Dark83Noodle]

where's my free pack of strings EB

[@bobolsen8067]

So to the most important thing about this post?So what kind of gauge do you use!I know the E string is an 11 but what about the rest!I wouldnt be able to hold back on that i would just"spit it out!"

[@xdisciple2776x]

Lang - stays to meet every fan, great down to earth person.. genuinely is appreciative of fans and takes time for them. Shepherd - Fans? No thanks I'll just ignore them over and over

[@randocommando11]

He hardly uses his pinky at all

[@EXPORT1867]

I respect the guy but can't get over his SRV influence I hear to much SRV vibrato

[@StratMatt777]

That's cool. I'm sure Kenny doesn't mind. Rock on!

[@joethompson61]

I just wish he'd stop sanding The body of his guitar to look like his pic did that Other net is a great guitar player

[@hoytbenson6016]

I don’t think he’s sanded that one down

[@kencromwell2805]

I heard Fender does what they call a Relic Finish.. Its a finish or paint process that fades and wears down very quickly to give it that look.

[@EzequielPestanianena]

Better than vai. Malmsteem and gilbert

[@BadOmenRGV]

Gilbert is the goat to me.