Marcus King: My Life In Five Riffs

Guitarist Marcus King presents the five riffs that inspired his southern rock fusion. Visit guitarplayer.com for more music, interviews, lessons and video content.

[@amjrpain919]

I've come to the realization that Marcus king is the total package. I'm really intrigued as to what he develops into as he matures... he's very young to be this talented.

[@matthewbel8126]

I played with him in high school 11 years ago he had the same “sauce” back then!

[@zackwhite1]

Just love this guy. His music, playing ability and especially his respect for musical heritage.

[@skipacuff5104]

And his general respect for everyone, as well. He got me the first time I watched him play and chat about his abiding love for the power of music to help us heal as well as lift us up. I would like to ask Markus if there is any connection between his joie de vivre and the wisdom of the late, great Chief Dan George, who co-starred with Dustin Hoffman in “Little Big Man” (1970). Chief Dan seemed to playing himself in his character, Old Lodge Skins, who encouraged Hoffman’s character to be like him, let go and permit your heart “to soar like an eagle”. I believe Markus has the gift to show the rest of us how to train our own hearts to soar like eagles, too. I regret not finding him until now, just as the grains of sand in my hourglass are in the home stretch. Better late than ever. I want thank to send a thank you shout out to a very special person, who has splendid taste in guitarists and guitar music, who introduced me to the Markus King Band today.

[@chrise6588]

24 years old and he’s playing like a polished legend. Mighty impressive.

[@OfficialFatLip]

yup, he s just 30 kilos away from been a rock star, I advise allow calorie diet, beautiful kid

[@eatass5627]

@@OfficialFatLip rock stars dont exist anymore the youth hardly likes guitar music anymore

[@LauraAkbar]

I admire the way he plays and respects his influences. He is an artist and there is no way you can tell an artist to how to live. He has an old soul and I may have a crush on this guy! 🦋

[@andrewdl007]

Clicked on this not expecting to see love for Zappa. Makes me like King even better.

[@michaelcarley7016]

This guy's soul is older than his age!

[@stevengrinold3203]

oh yeah!

[@sharonwilson7239]

You said it! An old soul

[@davidmcreynolds623]

Saw him last Friday live in Seattle and he was amazing!!!

[@XENONEZZ2]

Marcus has so much talent he could go on stage with just riffs and chat .... everyone would go home happy..!!.

[@glennkemp6565]

This man doesn't get his tone just from his gear. Marcus has beautiful tone in his hands and in his spirit. He can pick up anything and play it and it will sound like Marcus. Isn't he just one of those cats that you can stand there and watch him pick all day. Keep playing dude, and I will keep listening.

[@Winterfell1066]

Marcus King: King of Rhythm, King of Tone, King of Cool, Authentic as HELL!

[@ribotc40]

Dang. The playing on that Charlie Parker tune! Outstanding.

[@joshmckinney5682]

This guy is going to be a superstar! This kinda talent eventually gets noticed

[@darlulittledeer3738]

He is going to be BIG

[@bryanitz8401]

Just saw Marcus blow the roof of off the American Airlines Center at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. What an amazing talent!!

[@codybgg]

God I wish I was there more than anything.. I was too young to travel to the first few and couldn't swing it this time :( I bet it was amazing!! Glad you enjoyed!

[@bobfreephotography]

Must have been Friday? We were there Saturday and missed him ;-(

[@bobbynoe1]

"Don't Want You No More" - Allman Brothers Band (written by Edward Hardin + Spencer Davies) 0:28 memories 1:17 performance "Oh Pretty Woman" - Roy Orbison (written by RO + Bill Dees) 2:20 memories 2:58 performance "Gimme Three Steps" - Lynyrd Skynyrd (written by Allen Collins + Ronnie Van Zant) 3:42 memories 4:20 performance "Donna Lee" - Charlie Parker (written by CP - and Miles Davis?) 5:20 memories 6:33 performance "Eat That Question" - Frank Zappa (written obviously by FZ) 7:05 memories 8:06 performance

[@CasimirLeYeti]

Well done, good stuff, thanks!

[@kevinvoisine1922]

Thank you

[@hippydippy]

Yea. King Curtis didn't write that song. They did "Soul Serenade" by him though.

[@harmonyvegan]

HERO! Thanks!!

[@paullevine1813]

@@hippydippy Your right about that , the song was originally done & written by Spencer Davis & Edward Harden . Duane was as we all know great friends with Curtis & such a senseless loss in 1971 at the hands of fools .

[@Tonetwisters]

I was incredibly fortunate, although I did not know it at the time, to see/hear The Allman Brothers open for Frank Zappa when he had Flo and Eddie singing for him. The Allmans blew Tallahassee away. Zappa blew the future right into Tallahassee. Incredible night, between the two bands.

[@eddiepreas3693]

What a singer and guitar player love his style

[@ralphmejia3829]

Hands down the best young blues player and singer to come along in years. Better singer than 90%, combine that with the chops and legend already

[@Dirtymcgurty]

My dude! My ears love you man!

[@zoeBlove]

Man , I love your groove man I don't ever hear you I ALWAYS FEEL YOUR TUNES deep down in my soul they lift me up in a trance and make me want to dance 💯❤️🎶🤟🤠💙

[@MrPhotodoc]

So glad you gave the great Toy Caldwell from Marshall Tucker some credit there.

[@matthewmorris7510]

Got tickets to see Marcus King in October, can't wait. I think he's one of the most gifted mucisians around at the moment.

[@paramediccpo]

He’s a beautiful man ... can’t wait to see him play live

[@danielweeks3723]

Greenville boy, Marcus you've made us proud. So cool that "The Weight" with all those stars on that tune(including Ringo Star and Robbie Robertson, who wrote tha tune 50 years before) started with Marcus singing and playing. I do have a problem with you though , Marcus . With you playing these (and other) riffs I'm running out of guitars to burn. Time to start the barbeque. Where's that Telecaster?

[@brianbarney8936]

I love that 62 Gibson..Been a fan of MLK since he hit the seen,playing in small clubs..Over the past few years.I have witness greatness in the making...So glad the rest of the World is seeing him as I do.A once in a life time soul.

[@migrstorrs]

Saw him a few years ago in Vail at the GoPro Games. Been a huge fan since. He was mesmerizing.

[@AChorister]

I am just now getting him. He is indeed mesmerizing. Let me give back 50 years, and I would be in LOVE. He is the total package. I agree with you that he will go far; in fact, he may already have, for all I know. I've been missing music of this calibre.

[@gordoughs]

Mr. King is playing the riffs of my college years. God bless. Great tone and fire!

[@zoeBlove]

I ❤️ you grateful God gave you you're gift 🙏💯🤠❤️

[@sheriffjohnbird3179]

my god this guy digs zappa! Loving this dude more every video i see. I cant believe I just heard him playing off the grand wazoo!!!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Who's he jivin' with that cosmick debris?!

[@saxonsteve]

Man, that jazz scale he played was very cool! This cat can play!! Hope to see you live soon and back in Boston!!!

[@TheRoseCityRockers]

I heard "The Well" on Stingray Music Blues Channel. Became an instant fan at the opening guitar hook

[@tristanpankratz500]

His tone is incredible!

[@kevinwright1551]

Vary awesome indeed. Keep up the great work.

[@OldRunt]

Respect, young man! Much respect. Hearing you play Donna Lee raised you to an even higher level in my eyes! Awesome, Bro.

[@dougrmoe]

You cant teach what he has ! He's so frick'n good he will be scary later on in life ! Love his vibe

[@wandaburnette834]

Always LOVE❤

[@filldrummin42]

Nice to see that, years after his death, Zappa continues to inspire new musicians. An unappreciated talent for sure.

[@georgedixon1190]

Love the Jazz influences incorporated into your music. Your foundation of information is so eclectic & diverse that I predict the only thing getting in your way other than yourself is the limited time we all have on this planet. I also will predict that the Marcus L King sound will endure in the hearts of musicians for generations.

[@ryanjoseph1690]

Live about 20 minutes from Greenville, SC. Marcus is like a backyard hero to us around here

[@Steelhorsechk]

I just love u so much Marcus. Ur music makes my soul so damn HAPPY!

[@rw2806]

I've seen you two years back to back at the Peach now. Great shows! Big fan of yours.

[@daviddonpelleyable]

He even comes to Portland Oregon and plays small venue's

[@nomadman123]

OK, now I understand why I like him so much. Any kid that can dig Bird and Zappa has got his musical head on top!

[@rogerwytovich3750]

As a Bass player, I have a list of bits and pieces of music that have also changed my life, and chase'in those styles and sounds made me a better musician

[@RandomGuy-tm5ms]

1. Dont Want You No More (The Allman Brothers Band) 2. Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison) 3. Gimme Three Steps (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 4. Donna Lee (Chalie Parker) 5. Eat the question (Franz Zappa)

[@scottieblack2111]

Well, thanks for getting the camera shot, so that the microphone stands hide his hands. Bravo GPM!

[@sallhame]

I liked that Zappa riff in the end. Zappa knew how to play!

[@matthewwalden656]

Nice way to end, recognizing Zappa. The Grand Wazoo was a super complex album. Best wishes to you, Marcus.

[@davidgraney2796]

A KING BLUES PLAYER GOD BLESS YOU SIR

[@NG-Lespaul]

Dude, super crazy! My first ALLMAMS exposure was ABB Beginnings vinyl that was in my Dad's collection. Awesome!

[@mma1st105]

NgLespaul me too changed the direction of my life actually

[@NG-Lespaul]

mma 1st No doubt! Seminal moment for me! I spent a hrs upon hours staring at that dbl album w great pics inside and back!!

[@Tonetwisters]

They used to play the bottle club at the teen club (earlier hours) I used to play at in Jacksonville, Florida back around 1966-67, I guess, as the Allman Joys. My band, or The One Per Cent would play for the kids, and the Joys would come in later after we all played and work the early AM crowd. Never got to hear them ... I was always worn out.

[@brendabottini9522]

Love this - so interesting and these riffs are epic fo sho 👏👏

[@williampaisley826]

Never heard a guy make a 335 sound like a stratocaster rythm pick tone, nice Zappa sound at the end,,this guy has put alot of work in he song ,great,nice .

[@carlosu1021]

William Paisley 345*

[@parkerframe999]

Awesome that he shouted out frank, a lot of people have no idea who that is

[@badkatrising3918]

Oh stop it. I can’t throw away any more of my guitars. Lol. You are awesome Marcus. True musician that plays with more heart than I’ve seen in 20 years.

[@valarieatkinson4928]

I like this guy

[@rockybray6780]

Big fan of your music 🎶! First time I heard you, I had chills with thoughts of the great southern bands I grew up with. Missed you in Lnk Ne, hope you had a great night.

[@LonesomeJukebox]

love this kid from the beginning. and I knew you had some Zappa in ya.

[@johnnypk1963]

Lonesome Jukebox yea so true

[@EvanShawMusic]

why would anyone dislike this?

[@joshlicht1359]

Because unfortunately some us are dickheads.

[@znmcg]

He's really cool guy, wish he'd drop a few lbs but I'm not judging

[@ryanlandon2004]

Zane McGahee almost kinda gay to wish another dude dropped a couple pounds lol

[@heishephaestion4178]

Love that he was also influenced by the abb instrumental cover of don't want you no more. .cool

[@TheSoundOutside]

Great to see and hear someone acknowledging Charlie Parker. Not many rock guitarists are going to make that connection. Talk about giving all five of the fingers on your left hand a full-body workout. Marcus should look into Wes Montgomery and incorporate some of Wes' playing into his repertoire. He mentioned Toy Caldwell as one of his influences. Toy, just like Wes, never used a plectrum.

[@GregCombs100]

Right I here jazz influences in some of his solos

[@kiwibluez]

Awsome man killer tone ,,,im gonna come and check ya show out at the power station Auckland nz

[@harrypalms9491]

He plays so clean....

[@melissajahseedawtah6871]

Exellence! Truly..Sweet,~> Courtsey..☺️

[@Hermanski1]

A lot of talent here!

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

First time hearing this cat. He rocks.

[@DeadFlowerBlues]

Magnum Muscle oh man check out all his albums! He’s amazing.

[@johnspensieri4332]

God given talent. Scary.

[@f1tof2]

Charlie parker and grand wazoo- no wonder why i like listening to him

[@jambajoby32]

Damn! That Donna Lee sounds like a rapid fire weapon! Killin in!

[@meldeer6253]

he's very talanted becouse he had folks who got him a guitar and he put in the time his baby sitter , and yes the family warren ,Dickey, Darick T, so many good infuliances we enve you so much so much tallent... just dot get in to drugs.... and Remember all the people who stood be side you on your journey realy like your style it's up to you guys to carie the torch now ..

[@chrisdaveymusic4415]

Fair play, I was hooked from the first second! Brilliant work

[@ESP77769]

I wish these great blues/rock players would branch out a bit more!! Marcus, give us a jazz-rock fusion album!! :-)

[@AndalusianIrish]

Don't Want You No More was not a King Curtis tune. It was written by Spencer Davis and featured on his album "Time Seller".

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

This kid is thee Real Deal. ☝️🥴👍🎸🔊🎶

[@AA_Tactical.]

Gimme three steps great song

[@laurahastings3140]

Ty

[@bradconklin2878]

"Beginnings" is so great.

[@robthebear2850]

Allman Brothers, Skynrd, Charlie Parker and Frank Zappa in the same short segment - yeah, sign me up

[@zedstar56]

Very cool !

[@bobdillon1138]

His tone is as impressive as his playing.

[@FYMASMD]

His tone is a mess!!.

[@monkeyman1327]

It's horrid here. Absolutely hate it. Usually like him but eww here

[@ViciousTuna2012]

@@monkeyman1327 He's playin quiet on a tube amp dude, lol. Wtf do you expect?

[@matguerra333]

Saw him open for Warren Haynes in New Orleans. Holy Shit was he good!

[@cherylloftis]

Kick it! Loving it all M

[@jackshaver1568]

Guys got chops. Clean as can be

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Carol-oj4js]

Yes Marcus u blow our minds luv u can’t wait to c u again in dec in beautiful Michigan

[@TsunamiDreamJesusIsLord]

God bless brother

[@donttalktome4696]

The grandwazoo is fantastic

[@FriendM2010]

Thought there had to be Allman brothers influence 👍👍👍 one of my favorite bands🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@jordoncollins1332]

Matthew Marcus has hung around/been mentored by Warren Haynes since he was but a pup

[@ggroustra]

Cheers

[@jwcross6110]

Just worked with Billy Sanford... Billy is the session guitarist at Easy Eye Sound (Dan Auerbach/Black Keys).... please tell me you’re about to sign at Easy Eye...

[@Crinkle65]

I love this Fng guy!!!

[@mantashaft]

God bless Marcus.

[@vmat1000]

20 Year Old Guitar Slayer....all i need. Great player.

[@larrygeetar9309]

Not great yet. Very good, even excellent. But we should reserve the adjective, "great," for actual greatness. He's not, not yet.

[@poogan1239]

Several years ago I saw Marcus in the Atlanta airport, right after I had just watched an interview of him with a music reporter. I couldn't remember his name, so I did not go up to him, it's good to see how far he has progressed!

[@jclev99]

That is the most meaningless anecdote ever told. Congrats!

[@slivyo]

@@jclev99 Meaningless enough for you to leave a comment :-)

[@johnfreeman1136]

@@slivyo I guess some people just can’t be happy unless they’re knocking somebody else down :-)

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Spencer Davis Group wrote Don't Want You No More not King Curtis

[@jordannash153]

1:27 this is the tone, man...

[@jamescarlucci9867]

You have to have Lynyrd Skynyrd..Big influence on me as well.

[@Tonetwisters]

Love that 345. I have a 355, but always preferred the 45. Nice guitar, kid ... Great tones, too.

[@kentbeery8653]

I hope the Best for Marcus

[@ThisIsKyzer]

Stumbled across this amazing artist and decided to look up his last name turns out he’s a distant relative!

[@natehine8541]

markus!!

[@johnnypk1963]

Wow. Donna Lee-track 1, from Jaco Pastorius’ self titled LP was my first time hearing that Charlie Parker classic. For MK no problem ripping through.

[@trwsandford]

That is one nice looking ES

[@Rickscrux]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and skills!