Song Rig

Blues Power

Albert King · Live Wire/Blues Power · 1968

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The Fillmore album's upbeat opener — Albert's most driving and energetic live tone. The Flying V through the Dual Showman at stage volume produces a powerful, cutting tone that defined the blues-rock crossover sound that Cream, Hendrix, and later SRV would all absorb.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Flying V (left-handed)
2Fender Dual Showman (100W, pushed hard)
3Fender 2×15 cabinet

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume6

Bass7

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

The 2×15 cabinet gives the Flying V tone unusual low-frequency extension — most blues guitarists use 12-inch speakers, but the 15-inch cones add a physical bass presence that Albert exploited for the low bends on his down-strung Flying V.

Technique

How to Play It

Albert's patented low-string bend approach — the lowest-pitched strings on his upside-down guitar are actually on the top, meaning his bass-note bends have a different physical feel than standard bends. The resulting tone has an otherworldly quality that remains singular.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Flying V → Fender Twin Reverb or Dual Showman pushed hard → 15-inch speakers if possible (for the low-frequency character). The Live Wire/Blues Power album is the most important Albert King document for tone study.

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