Learn to Play "The Thrill is Gone" by BB King on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play The Thrill is Gone on the guitar. This classic tune by the great BB King is a wonderful introduction to the world of blues. It's a song that's both enjoyable to play and an excellent practice piece for mastering the art of rhythm guitar.

BB King is often regarded as one of the greatest blues musicians, and his song The Thrill is Gone is a testament to his incredible talent. Interestingly, BB King was not known for playing much rhythm guitar. However, the rhythm guitar parts in his songs were just as essential in creating his iconic sound. In this lesson, we'll explore how to deliver a rhythm guitar version of The Thrill is Gone that any fan of BB King would love to play.

The Magic of Minor Blues

What sets The Thrill is Gone apart from many blues songs is its minor blues progression. While most blues songs have a major feel, this one has a slightly sadder, more melancholic quality due to its minor progression. This gives the song an emotional depth that resonates with listeners.

Understanding the Chord Progression

The song follows a traditional 12-bar blues structure but with a twist. It begins with a B minor 7 chord, which we'll play for four bars. The lyrics "The thrill is gone, the thrill is gone away, the thrill is gone" fall within these four bars.

Next, we shift to an E minor 7 chord for two bars before returning to B minor 7 for another two bars. We then move on to a G major 7 chord followed by an F sharp 7 chord, and finally, we return to B minor 7 for the remaining two bars.

👉 You can learn the Thrill Is Gone's intro solo too :)

Making it Groovy, Not Fancy

One of the key aspects of playing The Thrill is Gone is to keep it groovy. It's more important to maintain a steady rhythm and feel the song's groove than to attempt fancy chord variations. Remember, simplicity often works best when creating a captivating musical performance. So, focus on making the song feel good when you play it.

Let the Thrill Begin

So, get your guitar ready, and let's dive into the world of BB King's blues. Remember, learning to play a song is not just about mastering the chords. It's also about capturing the spirit of the song and expressing it through your performance. So, have fun exploring the rich musical landscape of The Thrill is Gone and make it your own.

Don't miss out on the video, where we'll see the song step-by-step. I'm sure you'll find it helpful and enjoyable. Happy playing!

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