Albert King | Guitar World

A Flying V pioneer who inspired Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, Albert King was king of the blues – find out why with this lesson in his vocal playing style

By Phil Short published 11 September 23

King was a player who could say more with less, with a vibrato that give his licks a vocal quality, and this lesson with tab and audio unpacks his style

Albert King performs onstage at the Montreux Jazz Festival

Custom Flying Vs, strange open tunings and massive bends: how Albert King created his own strain of the blues – and inspired Hendrix, Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan

By Alan di Perna published 25 April 23

A left-hander, King flipped a right-handed guitar upside down, put it in an unorthodox tuning, and forged a style steeped in steely drama and epic bends

Stevie Ray Vaughan (left) and Albert King perform on television in 1983

Watch Albert King reunite, jam with Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1983: “There's a lot of guitar players that just play fast, they don't concentrate on soul – but you got ’em both”

By Damian Fanelli published 25 April 23

See King wrap his head around the (then up-and-coming) talent of SRV – a player he first knew as ‘Little Stevie’ – in a blues jam for the ages

Eric Clapton drops previously unreleased cover of Albert King's Born Under a Bad Sign

By Sam Roche published 18 August 22

Originally recorded during his 1994 From the Cradle sessions , the release comes ahead of Slowhand's forthcoming box set, The Complete Reprise Studio Albums Vol. 1

30 left-handed guitarists who flipped the instrument on its head

By Jenna Scaramanga last updated 14 April 22

We chart some of the most inspiring southpaws to ever pick up a six-string

Eric Gales and Devon Allman to host two-night Albert King tribute concert with Gibson Gives

By Matt Owen published 17 March 22

The event will also benefit the National Blues Museum, which has appointed Gales as the newest member of its board of directors

How to incorporate the string bending mastery of Albert King in your playing

By Greg Koch last updated 19 May 21

The Gristle King (aka Greg Koch) doffs his cap to another King in this essential blues lesson

Icons & Idols Trilogy: Rock ’N’ Roll auction guitars

Prized guitars from Albert King, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix go under the hammer

By Michael Astley-Brown published 17 November 20

The sale marks the first time any of King and Marley’s guitars have ever gone up for auction

Essential Guitar Licks: Albert King Funk-Blues à la “Born Under a Bad Sign”

By Guitar World Staff published 10 June 19

Learn a blistering funk-blues lick in the style of the late, great Albert King.

Career-Spanning Rory Gallagher Set, ‘Blues,’ To Be Released May 31

By Richard Bienstock published 4 April 19

Collection features guest sessions with Muddy Waters, Albert King and others.

Gary Clark Jr. and William Bell Play "Born Under a Bad Sign" at the Grammys

By Damian Fanelli published 14 February 17

We have one more bit of Grammy news for you.

Best Holiday Rock Song Poll: "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'" (Albert King) Vs. "Little Drummer Boy" (Joan Jett)

By Guitar World Staff published 30 November 15

New DVD: Learn to Play Blues Guitar Like the Master, Albert King

By Guitar World Staff published 15 May 15

With his distinctive bends, rapid-fire phrasing and sweet vibrato, Albert King is considered one of the greatest guitarists in blues history.

Poll: Albert, B.B. or Freddie King — Who Is the Real “King” of the Blues?

By Damian Fanelli published 3 September 13

Exclusive Album Premiere: Stax Remasters Edition of Albert King's 'Born Under a Bad Sign'

By Damian Fanelli published 27 March 13

Stax Records to Release Deluxe Version of Albert King's 'Born Under a Bad Sign' Album

By Damian Fanelli published 21 February 13

Rush, Heart, Albert King Among Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees

By Josh Hart published 11 December 12

40th Anniversary Edition of Albert King's 'I'll Play the Blues for You' to Be Released in May

By Damian Fanelli published 6 April 12

50 Classic Albums Celebrating Their 40th Anniversary in 2012

By Damian Fanelli published 16 March 12

101 Amazing Licks - Lick 57

By Guitar World Editors published 10 June 07

Get a little funked up with today's blues/funk lick from the great Albert King!