B.B. King Guitar Lesson - 5 Licks To Get Started!

Tabs and backing tracks available on my Patreon:
/ jackruch
Check out my Truefire course here:
truefire.com/o....
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/ jackruchgui. .
In this video we look at, what has become know as, the 'BB Box.' A position on the guitar made famous by the great B.B. King. I'll show you the underlying chords, scales, and arpeggios needed to have a full understanding of this position and 5 different lick examples to get you started.
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[@permculture]

There is tooooooo much info on youtube with a ton of great teachers, but Jack Ruch is my go-to guy. Clear, concise, the one person I would pay for lessons.

[@JackRuch]

Thank you very much!

[@johnyundertone9427]

U actually can on his Patreon:)

[@aaronblack9043]

Haven’t watched much but love his style… got any video recommendations

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Glad to read this . I’m 46 and looking for a good lesson to improve solo or lead work . And I just enjoy the community of players online but it can be hard to see a path

[@faridfollowerofchrist]

​@@BrianOboylemusic I can really understand the struggle in seeing a path, as there are also so many possibilities and things one can do for improvising. What I found helped me the most with improvising was focusing on the chord tones (especially the guide tones, the 3rd and 7th of a chord). If you can manage to map them out on the fretboard relating to the 5 pentatonic positions (or better the respective major/relative minor scale), you will be able to improvise melodically and with intention. I think thats why Jack and many other great teachers I have seen stress the importance of learning your chordshapes/arpeggios so you can also find the important notes for each chord in the harmonic progression. Starting to think and practice that way really improved my playing almost overnight. When you know where the important notes are for each chord, you will gain the freedom to play almost anything, as you can resolve any "wrong notes"/outside notes, and the tension and dissonance one creates with it, by hitting a chord tone right after. Throwing in some blues licks, and some of these chord substition tricks like the diminshed 7th arpeggio one half step over the functioning dominant chord, and you have yourself a great sounding solo, while also being able to actually express yourself creatively through the instrument.

[@j.r.goldman3279]

Jack . I taught Both guitarist In Korn. One guitarist In Powerman5000 and a couple more. But I don't play that stuff. After playing and teaching guitar forever. I am 55. I must say you are a prince of a guy. I have learned to slow down and phrase better. Also grabbed some licks. I just wanna thank you .

[@jimc6687]

We are so fortunate these days...........and I sometimes wonder if most musicians/guitarists today really can appreciate this great fortune..........we have Jack Ruch showing us how to play dynamite guitar that's just enough colored outside the lines with his unique style yet still well within the grasp of great artists styles such as here BB. We are very grateful and supporting of Jack but mostly we have this super medium called the internet and YT where all these super licks and styles and techniques are expertly demonstrated by Mr. Ruch (and others) and as a child of Mel Bay books and basically Mel Bay only with a few VHS tapes........not really trying to get too philosophical here but Jack is able to craft these lessons together and have us get it all under our fingers for near immediate gratification and I for one am super grateful to Jack and our technology especially over these last two decades!! Jim C.

[@JackRuch]

I agree! I do kinda miss my VHS tapes though. Ha! Glad you enjoyed the lesson!

[@word67]

Thanks for showing all the scales in the "box." I can play comfortably in the box live. But I continue to watch BB Box lessons because there are so many subtle mysteries. This is the best lesson I've ever watched -- great work. I'll be referencing this and expect to expand my phrasing. Thank you

[@JackRuch]

Thank you Charles!

[@kendipietro6855]

Another outstanding lesson packed with a ton of information that seemed to be over in no time while actually lasting 17 minutes. The time just flew by and I hung on your every word. As a suggestion, please consider expanding this into an expanded course by taking the same backing track and emphasizing how other musicians would approach this song. I can see everyone from Albert King to Jimi Hendrix being examples of how each musician's style would color the same foundation. Thanks again Jack, it's always nice to sit down and enjoy another one of your lessons.

[@JackRuch]

Awesome Ken! Thank you.

[@DanRussellGuitar]

I've been studying & teaching from the Blues Master series for years, this lesson comes a close second to the man himself. Thanks, great stuff.

[@JackRuch]

Great! Thanks Dan

[@tinman8014]

Brilliant Jack. I’m on your Patreon and the output on there is well worth it. Brilliant lesson here, well pitched theory and super tasty licks in the style of BB.

[@JackRuch]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jfar3340]

As usual, amazing tutorial and amazing playing. 1.5 steps bends: a little bit of strenght, or 0.08 gauge like what BB used. Lots of of players use a gauge that's too heavy because of SRV and tone misconceptions, and wonder why they can't play BB licks...

[@grade43podcast]

I literally just recorded myself playing. 08s and. 10s on a guitar (restrung of course) and my friend couldn't tell the difference. I had the same SRV misconception. He would sound amazing regardless of string gauge

[@jfar3340]

@@grade43podcast agree; for blues, rock, country etc, gauge doesn't matter much. When in comes to jazz however, flats vs rounds, very high gauge etc does make a difference.

[@grade43podcast]

So far in my string tests I find that gauge impacts feel more than anything, which translates to phrasing for me. I went crazy and put vintage 12s on my hollow body so basically no bends for my wimpy fingers. I lean into the jazz blues chitin con Carne type phrases.

[@jfar3340]

@@grade43podcast I love kenny burell

[@ne2607]

Jack, these instructional videos you make are some of my favorites and I have learned so much from them. I think you are the best blues teacher on KZbin and I really mean that. The motifs video was a real breakthrough for me and this one has done even more for me. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Please keep them coming. 👍

[@JackRuch]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@jerrywilson4371]

Thanks Jack! Best explanation of the BB box I've ever heard. Was a bit surprised though, after watching your Utube stuff l kinda expected to hear a diminished line between the 4 and 1 chord, although the D7 run almost gave the same flavor. Big fan brother.

[@JackRuch]

Great to hear!

[@ew6629]

Your lessons are soooo excellent and helpful! I've learned quite a bit though have to admit, some of the videos are beyond my ability to fully grasp. But those I can like this one, it's fantastic sir! Thank you so much.

[@JackRuch]

Great to hear!

[@allenchief6351]

Another great instruction! Can't get enough of your playing and teaching!

[@JackRuch]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mrcatfishjohnson]

Wow! Jack this is an information packed lesson. This will fuel my practice sessions for the next few weeks. Plus on patroon, for basically the cost of a cup of coffee, I can download the sheet music and backing tracks. You’re making this world a much better place one guitar lesson at a time.

[@JackRuch]

Awesome, thank you!

[@petersmichaeld59]

Mr. Ruch......this B.B. King tutorial was so good....concepts provided excellent comprehension. Too Generous thanks for sharing

[@robertscherer8860]

My daughter’s signed me up for a one subscription to your patreon. I can’t wait to dive deeper. Thanks so much Jack.

[@JackRuch]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mayuquitomayu4743]

Geez. This is an amazing lesson. So easy to follow. And you have that sound. You would make the maestro proud to see your playing.

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@toripeterson1593]

Jack! You are the best! Thank you!

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@joem4757]

Jack you are a great teacher what a tasteful player

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@schecke8445]

Thank you so much Jack! I am a german guy and my englisch is not so good but your pronunciation is so easy to understand! You make me better! Thanks a lot!

[@juanvictorioalbanese8939]

Love your videos and approach Jack! Keep them coming!

[@JackRuch]

Glad you like them!

[@devinvail67]

Awesome lesson. as usual. I looked for the tabs for these on Patreon but couldn't find them.

[@andybeers4538]

I encourage y'all to give Jack some Patreon love if you haven't already. Almost everyone who leaves comments praises Jack's sessions and his abilities. This is money very well spent,

[@JackRuch]

Thanks man!!

[@CharcoalPencilPusher]

Jack, I am so glad I found your channel. Thanks for sharing your take on it all. I love all the shredders out there but it's really a breath of fresh air to hear (and learn) the real blues. Bravo! You're a wonderful teacher too.

[@gasparepellecchia]

Sir, you are a Master

[@doubleuwest]

Hell yes--this was on the mental wishlist. Thanks Jack!

[@JackRuch]

Awesome!

[@rolfduijkers9941]

Very relaxed, precisely and sympathic! Thanx Jack you're my faforite teacher!

[@randybrooks5754]

Your the best jump blues player and teacher on the tube i've seen, great licks my friend.

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@seltzerjunebug8760]

The turnaround lick at 4:10 is very cool. At the end, the roll from the flat7 to 6th, then the quick E. I guess a C mixo idea. I hear that stuff all the time, but never put it together. Thanks!

[@gavinb144]

Your lessons are some of the best. Going in-depth and understanding everything is awesome. You contextualize the lesson so you can use this stuff outside of the examples. Thanks dude!

[@JackRuch]

You're very welcome!

[@philippvonbuch8460]

This was by far the best lesson around the BB King style an phrasing, explained perfectly clear and straight! Knowing Jack we just started scratching the surface.. :-)

[@JackRuch]

Thank you Philipp!

[@mojogypsy]

Sweet!

[@JackRuch]

Thanks!

[@davidlockwood9915]

Thought that I understood BB Box etc until I saw this lesson. Fantastic explanation and Demo. Great teaching Jack!!

[@paulholmes8885]

Very good and well explained. I am signing up for your channel.

[@RienDekker]

Great and awesome lesson again, thanks a bunch, Jack!

[@delpanos]

Jack's content belongs to my YT category of stuff where I hit the like button before I even watch the video !

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@alanhowell3646]

What a great lesson. wonderful phrasing and tone. I find bending up to the F in the 2nd lick is easier if you use your pinky and bend up from the Eb and remove pinky on the bend release to the D.

[@JackRuch]

Thanks Alan!

[@chrisfrancis18]

I came across your channel. Firstly love your sound and how you play and explain Stuff thx

[@sonnycooper702]

BBking would be very appreciated amazing playing and teaching'

[@druwk]

Still knitting my Triads, Intervals, Arpeggios and Pentatonic Scales under my fingers. Great lesson for putting it all together! Love the context on the classic vocabulary and the basic “how to”. Connecting the Licks to Arpeggios over the changes sounds so good. BB was likely do it all by ear, but breaking down the bending especially, illustrates the subtle Mastery that’s going on. Similar lick, with a slightly different bend, makes it fit over the whole 12 bars. As a casual listener, you think he’s just playing the exact same thing over everything. Changes, Changes, Changes

[@JackRuch]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@JamieTorevell]

Unreal. Love love love these, thank you!

[@Chemcaster]

This is a really cool complement to your previous enclosures lesson. It’s nice to know different strategies to resolve notes in a blues chord progression - thanks again, Jack!

[@JackRuch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NicholasPalance]

Dying to get my hands on one of those Mockingbirds! Love the content, please keep it coming.

[@salsplace]

Best lesson on BB Box. Thanks

[@JackRuch]

Glad you think so!

[@GerryBlue]

YT just suggested me your channel and I'm loving it, thanks for the videos

[@JackRuch]

Glad you like them!

[@emanuel_erol_germann]

Thank you for the real down to earth blues constalation of ideas ! Much respect from 🇧🇷

[@JackRuch]

Any time!

[@jacqueszins8876]

So clear.....but not so easy !Very Nice to play. Thank you so much👍

[@JackRuch]

You are welcome!

[@analogalien]

Fantastic lesson. I'm really glad I subscribed to your channel!

[@phillipwalsh7648]

Jack, I love your channel! Great guitar sound and playing. Excellent, easy to follow instruction. Mesmerizing “Bob Ross” delivery! I’m always excited to see a new post from you. Recently bought your Shades of Blues course on True Fire.

[@JackRuch]

Awesome Phillip. Thank you!

[@jhchaplin1]

I too love Jack’s videos, and I also highly recommend his Shades of Blues course on Truefire (where one of the early segments goes even deeper into the aspects of this vide). Cheers to you, Jack!

[@phillipnorman7423]

Great lesson, ta fella.

[@danieldoke7725]

Oh Jack! What a great lesson! See you at the Underdog

[@loosecanon7734]

Great lesson ! The funny thing is you're talking so slowly i had to go to my settings to check the speed was not at 75 percent : ) Its a good thing though especially after just watching a video of Justin Vandercoe that drove me nuts how fast he was talking without stopping . Thanks a lot , this was very helpful .

[@JackRuch]

Glad it helped!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

such a great reminder of where the money notes are. Thanks jack

[@JackRuch]

Thanks!!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

@@JackRuch you’re probably hip to him already, but Richard Barrett’s “Blues Headlines” column in Guitarist mag is full of killer phrasing ideas as well. The vids are on YT but the scores/tabs are in the digital magazine as well as the backing tracks…Check it out if u get time.

[@belo1971]

What an amazing video Jack once again ! Cheers from a French fan 🇫🇷🥰🎸

[@JackRuch]

Thanks again!

[@TheFeelButton]

Good stuff Jack!

[@JackRuch]

Glad you liked it!

[@johndooley7812]

Superb! Thank you

[@clemensauleithner1833]

your channel is amazing! thank you so much for doing it!! best wishes

[@JackRuch]

Thank you too!

[@13thAMG]

BB King blues sprinkled with Jack Ruch excellence. It's like blues steroids. 🤩

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@juliobow3232]

Tastiest blues playing I’ve heard in a long time. Mr Ruch, you are a super bad @$$ player that teaches like a pro. Thank you sir! …PhilleeColOH

[@JackRuch]

My pleasure!

[@RedLion88]

Thanks, Jack. Always amazed how much mileage you pros get out of that little area of the neck.

[@JackRuch]

Thanks Richard!

[@timpitts9256]

Really enjoying your lessons. Great work!

[@JackRuch]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Merisao9]

Great lesson as always. Thank you very much! I liked that this time your Video is longer then usual :-))

[@JackRuch]

Glad to hear that!

[@mayuquitomayu4743]

Awesome. Love to see this video. You sound phenomenal.

[@juanguinea8752]

one of the best tecaher guitqrr player

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Thanks Jack! 🤙🤙

[@jaapyoutube6563]

Great lesson, thank you sooo much!

[@CGDGCD]

Really like your style Jack. Nuance over flash (though I'm sure the flash is there if you need it). Great stuff!

[@randalltindall282]

Great lesson brother!!! Really enjoy listening to you play

[@JackRuch]

Glad to hear it!

[@mpos9786]

Love it!

[@JackRuch]

Thanks!!

[@dwaynemullett9462]

Great lesson well done

[@JackRuch]

Glad you liked it!

[@dwaynemullett9462]

@@JackRuch very much so now if I could just learn to play like that

[@paulhicks3595]

Great. Thanks.

[@malcolmedwards296]

Thats the B.B man nice very cool dude😅🎉

[@johnmac8084]

Inspirational Jack, thanks

[@JackRuch]

Thanks John!

[@williammorson1535]

Jack is the white replacement for BB King. Play on Jack we're all listening.

[@vladimirverline8251]

the best!

[@walthompson8210]

Your tuition clips are brilliant Jack! The "335" you're using in this clip . . . ? What is the make and is it Gibson scale length (628mm) or Fender scale length (648mm) please?

[@globalfatmas]

1:22 Extreme close up!!!!!

[@elpastor7155]

sweet! what string gauge do you use, jack?

[@carlm4020]

Great Lesson! Really appreciate it. Which Settings (Cabinet & Mics) are you using on your OX Box?

[@davidlockwood9915]

Sorry Jack. Mistake rectified. Thanks again for everything.

[@JackRuch]

No worries!!

[@mr.redduck2576]

thank you 👍😍🍺

[@JackRuch]

You bet!

[@mr.redduck2576]

@@JackRuch 🍺

[@wanTANdan]

cool

[@sylviegiguere1825]

Dis moi quelle clé d'harmonisation je prends pour t'accompagner ?

[@jbf16falcon]

Do you think in notes names or degrees from the root of the scale you happen to be in. At that point in just getting away from cords and trying to figure out what I should concentrate on to learn to solo. Have basic music theory down now. And know notes on the E and A string and can find others from there. I don’t just want to learn to parrot play. Sort of in no man’s land in the learning transition. Not sure if the next step is arpeggiating (book), just playing scales, or what to work on so that I understand what notes I should be hunting one after the other and when to resolve back to the root type of material. Or if there is another step to take first. No one near to take lessons from that knows anything beyond just teaching cords and strumming basics. Just look for for material that would get me to a point of understanding these great videos enough to apply the content. Just a next step recommendation. Seems most courses are written at a level beyond mine or below and I end up just hanging and noodling: with no direction.

[@jeale778]

Hi. Do you have lesson on Minor Blues??

[@BluesBoykings]

beautifull 🙂🎸 Mega... 🎸🙂🙂🙂

[@JackRuch]

Thank you!

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

I notice your thumb locked-something I associate w George Benson and “backward picking” gospel players. Do you have a video on your picking technique?

[@vascogama2741]

This use standart tuning ?

[@proudamerican9438]

Are there any tabs on Patreons for this lesson?

[@JackRuch]

Yes 👍

[@diegomz1677]

9th? 6th? What are those? Sorry 😮

[@mojogypsy]

Sweet!