--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I bought my first electric guitar when I…" description: "\"I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis; a Gibson with a DeArmond pickup which I used with a small Gibson amplifier.\" — B. B. King" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png" --- # I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis… ![“I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis; a Gibson with a DeArmond pickup which I used with a small Gibson amplifier.” quote by B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png) > “I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis; a Gibson with a DeArmond pickup which I used with a small Gibson amplifier.” [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He acquired his first electric guitar and amp in Memphis, marking the start of his musical journey. **In simple terms:** First electric guitar sparked his career. Key Takeaway Embrace new tools to grow your art. Themes music career beginnings instrument acquisition memphis personal growth Mood reflective nostalgic Type biographical musical When to use this quote - starting a band - recording sessions - live performances - instrument learning Key Concepts creative development inspiration musical evolution Questions to Reflect On - What role did the new guitar play in his style? - How does gear influence artistic identity? A Different Perspective Equipment alone doesn't guarantee success; skill and dedication matter. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Amplifier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/amplifier/) [Electric guitar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/electric-guitar/) [Guitar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guitar/) [Memphis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/memphis/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) ## Related quotes > [When I'm at home or in the studio, I have a 1963 Martin. It's a D-28, and I love that guitar. I write on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-worsham/when-i-m-at-home-or-in-the-studio-i-have-a-1963-martin-it-s-a-d-28/) [Charlie Worsham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-worsham/) > [I bought an electric-powered chain saw with a plug-in cord so if I run away fast enough, you can only chase me so far.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-notaro/i-bought-an-electric-powered-chain-saw-with-a-plug-in-cord-so-if-i/) [Laurie Notaro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-notaro/) > [She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker. She said "There are too many gadgets and no place to sit down!"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/red-skelton/she-has-an-electric-blender-electric-toaster-and-electric-bread-maker/) [Red Skelton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/red-skelton/) > [I bought an electric scooter in sixth grade. Bankrupted me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zac-efron/i-bought-an-electric-scooter-in-sixth-grade-bankrupted-me/) [Zac Efron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zac-efron/) > [I bought my first electric car in 1970. Its top speed was 15 mph and it had just a 15 mile range - it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ed-begley-jr/i-bought-my-first-electric-car-in-1970-its-top-speed-was-15-mph-and/) [Ed Begley, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ed-begley-jr/) > [I play with feeling so I need to hear what is coming out of the amplifier to inspire me; I don't just play mechanically.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-schenker/i-play-with-feeling-so-i-need-to-hear-what-is-coming-out-of-the/) [Michael Schenker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-schenker/) > [The world is a complex place, and the influence of the media in its representation and its power of communication and interpretation is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/the-world-is-a-complex-place-and-the-influence-of-the-media-in-its/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [When I first played the guitar without plugging it into an amplifier, the people at Fender were blown away. They couldn't believe the sound.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-dale/when-i-first-played-the-guitar-without-plugging-it-into-an-amplifier/) [Dick Dale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-dale/) > [I remember one of the first gigs I played with that amp was at a local church. They wanted someone to fill in with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angus-young/i-remember-one-of-the-first-gigs-i-played-with-that-amp-was-at-a/) [Angus Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angus-young/) > [Learning to play with a big amplifier is like trying to control an elephant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritchie-blackmore/learning-to-play-with-a-big-amplifier-is-like-trying-to-control-an/) [Ritchie Blackmore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritchie-blackmore/) > [About the only thing that I'll probably end up doing is I made this amplifier with Peavey. It's in the manufacturing stages right now,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dweezil-zappa/about-the-only-thing-that-i-ll-probably-end-up-doing-is-i-made-this/) [Dweezil Zappa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dweezil-zappa/) > [Negative feedback effected amplifier performance significantly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-stephen-black/negative-feedback-effected-amplifier-performance-significantly/) Harold Stephen Black > [In the past, I have not been able to hear myself. I play with feeling so I need to hear what is coming out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-schenker/in-the-past-i-have-not-been-able-to-hear-myself-i-play-with-feeling/) [Michael Schenker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-schenker/) > [Trent likes to record guitars direct, whereas I've always preferred playing through an amplifier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daisy-berkowitz/trent-likes-to-record-guitars-direct-whereas-i-ve-always-preferred/) [Daisy Berkowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daisy-berkowitz/) > [“GGMM A1 Portable Headphone Amplifier, HiFi Digital Stereo Audio Amp for Android Devices, Ultra Light Weight Aluminum Housing W/ Built-in DAC, 3 Button In-Line…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ggmm-a1-portable-headphone-amplifier/ggmm-a1-portable-headphone-amplifier-hifi-digital-stereo-audio-amp/) GGMM A1 Portable Headphone Amplifier ## More by B. B. King > [Blues purists never cared for me. I don't worry about it. I think if it this way: When I made 'Three O' Clock Blues,'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/blues-purists-never-cared-for-me-i-don-t-worry-about-it-i-think-if-it/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die to get there!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/everybody-wants-to-go-to-heaven-but-no-one-wants-to-die-to-get-there/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [My ex-wife was trying to be nice once, so she took me to a concert in Los Angeles. I went with her to Symphony…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/my-ex-wife-was-trying-to-be-nice-once-so-she-took-me-to-a-concert-in/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [When I do eventually drop, I pray to God that it'll happen in one of three ways. Firstly, on stage or leaving the stage,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/when-i-do-eventually-drop-i-pray-to-god-that-it-ll-happen-in-one-of/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [Many people leave the country to see beautiful places. I just look out the window and see some of the most gorgeous scenery ever,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/many-people-leave-the-country-to-see-beautiful-places-i-just-look-out/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [Albert King wasn't my brother in blood, but he sure was my brother in Blues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/albert-king-wasn-t-my-brother-in-blood-but-he-sure-was-my-brother-in/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [ Playing the guitar is like telling the truth - you never have to worry about repeating the same \[lie\] if you told the truth.… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/playing-the-guitar-is-like-telling-the-truth-you-never-have-to-worry/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [I'd rather be B.B. King. That's the way I started. Let the heavy metal guys play heavy metal, let the others play the other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-d-rather-be-b-b-king-that-s-the-way-i-started-let-the-heavy-metal/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [There's a sadness to all kinds of music if you want to hear it. There's also happiness to it if you want to hear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/there-s-a-sadness-to-all-kinds-of-music-if-you-want-to-hear-it-there/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [Touring a segregated America - forever being stopped and harassed by white cops hurt you most 'cos you don't realise the damage. You hold…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/touring-a-segregated-america-forever-being-stopped-and-harassed-by/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [I was glad to see other blues guitarists like Albert King have crossover successes like me. We played in the same places like the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-was-glad-to-see-other-blues-guitarists-like-albert-king-have/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [There was a lot of other young players around at that time when I was coming, but there was older people like Blind Lemon,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/there-was-a-lot-of-other-young-players-around-at-that-time-when-i-was/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [When I was in the country and I was trying to play, nobody seemed to pay too much attention to me. People used to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/when-i-was-in-the-country-and-i-was-trying-to-play-nobody-seemed-to/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [Hard times don't necessarily mean being poor all the time. I've known people that was a part of a family and always feel that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/hard-times-don-t-necessarily-mean-being-poor-all-the-time-i-ve-known/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) > [I don't think anybody steals anything; all of us borrow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-don-t-think-anybody-steals-anything-all-of-us-borrow/) [B. B. King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) [Explore all 109 B. B. King quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/) ## More Amplifier quotes > [“GGMM A1 Portable Headphone Amplifier, HiFi Digital Stereo Audio Amp for Android Devices, Ultra Light Weight Aluminum Housing W/ Built-in DAC, 3 Button In-Line…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ggmm-a1-portable-headphone-amplifier/ggmm-a1-portable-headphone-amplifier-hifi-digital-stereo-audio-amp/) GGMM A1 Portable Headphone Amplifier > [Trent likes to record guitars direct, whereas I've always preferred playing through an amplifier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daisy-berkowitz/trent-likes-to-record-guitars-direct-whereas-i-ve-always-preferred/) [Daisy Berkowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daisy-berkowitz/) > [When I'm at home or in the studio, I have a 1963 Martin. It's a D-28, and I love that guitar. I write on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-worsham/when-i-m-at-home-or-in-the-studio-i-have-a-1963-martin-it-s-a-d-28/) [Charlie Worsham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-worsham/) > [In the past, I have not been able to hear myself. I play with feeling so I need to hear what is coming out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-schenker/in-the-past-i-have-not-been-able-to-hear-myself-i-play-with-feeling/) [Michael Schenker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-schenker/) > [Negative feedback effected amplifier performance significantly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-stephen-black/negative-feedback-effected-amplifier-performance-significantly/) Harold Stephen Black > [About the only thing that I'll probably end up doing is I made this amplifier with Peavey. It's in the manufacturing stages right now,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dweezil-zappa/about-the-only-thing-that-i-ll-probably-end-up-doing-is-i-made-this/) [Dweezil Zappa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dweezil-zappa/) > [Learning to play with a big amplifier is like trying to control an elephant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritchie-blackmore/learning-to-play-with-a-big-amplifier-is-like-trying-to-control-an/) [Ritchie Blackmore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritchie-blackmore/) > [I remember one of the first gigs I played with that amp was at a local church. They wanted someone to fill in with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angus-young/i-remember-one-of-the-first-gigs-i-played-with-that-amp-was-at-a/) [Angus Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angus-young/) > [When I first played the guitar without plugging it into an amplifier, the people at Fender were blown away. They couldn't believe the sound.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-dale/when-i-first-played-the-guitar-without-plugging-it-into-an-amplifier/) [Dick Dale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-dale/) > [The world is a complex place, and the influence of the media in its representation and its power of communication and interpretation is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/the-world-is-a-complex-place-and-the-influence-of-the-media-in-its/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [I play with feeling so I need to hear what is coming out of the amplifier to inspire me; I don't just play mechanically.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-schenker/i-play-with-feeling-so-i-need-to-hear-what-is-coming-out-of-the/) [Michael Schenker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-schenker/) > [You can't get a degree at Tisch College. It serves as an amplifier for what your focus is. If you're an engineer, you can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-tisch/you-can-t-get-a-degree-at-tisch-college-it-serves-as-an-amplifier-for/) [Jonathan Tisch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-tisch/) > [Twitter, for all its good, is a hate amplifier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathy-sierra/twitter-for-all-its-good-is-a-hate-amplifier/) [Kathy Sierra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathy-sierra/) > [The Marshall guitar amplifier doesn't just get louder when you turn it up. It distorts the sound to produce a whole range of new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-eno/the-marshall-guitar-amplifier-doesn-t-just-get-louder-when-you-turn/) [Brian Eno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-eno/) > [The Web is a compelling new medium being put to all kinds of uses, by everyone from banks to Cub Scouts to flying saucer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-saffo/the-web-is-a-compelling-new-medium-being-put-to-all-kinds-of-uses-by/) [Paul Saffo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-saffo/) [Browse all 24 Amplifier quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/amplifier/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis; a Gibson with a DeArmond pickup which I used with a small Gibson amplifier.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "B. B. King" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i-moved-to-memphis-a-gibson/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Amplifier" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i-moved-to-memphis-a-gibson/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/b-b-king-4531_amplifier_i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i_3133577.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I bought my first electric guitar when I moved to Memphis; a Gibson with a DeArmond pickup which I used with…” — B. B. King", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "B. B. King", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-b-king/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I bought my first electric guitar...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i-moved-to-memphis-a-gibson/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/b-b-king/i-bought-my-first-electric-guitar-when-i-moved-to-memphis-a-gibson/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```