Welcome back to Guitardoor.com, where we showcase the players who are actively shaping the future of the guitar. Today, we turn our spotlight on arguably the most important and exciting blues artist of the 21st century: the incredible Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi—the very heartland of the Delta Blues—Kingfish is not merely a revivalist but a true torchbearer of the Blues. Armed with a guitar prowess that belies his years and a voice that resonates with the weight of the ages, he is carrying the blues forward, blending its sacred traditions with a modern fire that has captured the attention of legends and fans across the globe.
Old Soul, Modern Fire
The musical style of Kingfish Ingram is a deeply authentic, yet refreshingly contemporary, take on the blues. His foundation is built firmly on the bedrock of his Mississippi heritage. When you listen to him play, you can hear the ghosts of the “Three Kings”—B.B., Albert, and Freddie—channelled through his fingers. The soulful phrasing, the expressive string bends, and the rich, vocal-like vibrato are all clear homages to the masters who came before him. You can also hear the raw, electric energy of Buddy Guy and the smooth, articulate storytelling of Robert Cray. He absorbed the tradition not as an academic exercise, but as his birthright.
However, Kingfish is no mere imitation. He injects this traditional base with a powerful, modern energy. His sound is infused with the hard-hitting power of rock, the deep pocket of classic funk and soul, and the melodic sensibilities of R&B. This potent combination allows him to craft music that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. Beyond his jaw-dropping guitar skills, he is a complete artist. His vocals are a force of nature, possessing a power and mature gravitas that is simply astonishing. As a songwriter, he tackles not only the classic blues themes of love and loss but also speaks to the contemporary experience, addressing social issues with wisdom and clarity.
The Tools of a Modern Bluesman
Kingfish’s technique is a dynamic blend of feel and fire. The cornerstone of his playing is his incredible expressiveness. His string bends are deep and emotive, and his powerful vibrato can make a single note sing with more emotion than many players find in a hundred. He is a master of phrasing, knowing exactly when to leave space and when to unleash a flurry of notes. And when he does cut loose, he unleashes blistering, pentatonic-based runs that showcase his rock influences and his formidable technical command. This ability to shift seamlessly from slow-burning, soulful passages to explosive, high-energy attacks makes his solos captivating and unpredictable.
His choice of gear is rooted in classic sounds but built for modern performance. He has a strong relationship with Fender, which resulted in his popular signature Telecaster Deluxe model. This guitar is a versatile workhorse, perfect for his blend of styles. He is also frequently seen playing Gibson semi-hollow body guitars, like the ES-335, which provide a warmer, thicker tone ideal for his more traditional blues and soul leanings.
To get his powerful, dynamic sound, Kingfish often relies on the classic, clean pedal platform of Fender amplifiers like the Super Reverb or Twin Reverb. These amps provide the volume and clarity needed to let his technique shine through, and they take pedals beautifully. Speaking of which, his pedalboard is modern yet tasteful. You’ll almost always find an Ibanez Tube Screamer or a similar overdrive, which he uses to push his amp into a sweet, singing saturation for his lead tones. A wah pedal adds another layer of vocal-like expression to his solos, and he occasionally uses effects like a Uni-Vibe or chorus to add texture and swirl. At the end of the day, however, his tone comes from the most important place: his hands.
Essential Kingfish: The New Blues Canon
In a remarkably short period, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has already built a catalogue of modern blues classics. To understand why he is considered the future of the genre, these powerful tracks are the perfect place to start.
“Fresh Out”
“Outside of This Town”
“662”
Christone “Kingred” Ingram is more than just a phenomenal young guitarist; he is a vital link between the past, present, and future of the blues. He plays with an authenticity that is deeply respectful of the tradition while possessing a creative fire that refuses to be contained by it. He is proof positive that the blues is not a museum piece but a living, breathing art form, and he is poised to be one of its most important voices for decades to come.
Cover Photo Credit “Christone ‘KINGFISH’ Ingram performing in Austin, Texas (2019-08-21)” by RalphArvesen is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
