Quick Licks - Stevie Ray Vaughan: Mastering Texas Blues Guitar

"Quick Licks - Stevie Ray Vaughan" is an in-depth guitar lesson series taught by Jamie Humphries that pays homage to one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. This series focuses on the quintessential techniques that define Stevie Ray Vaughan's (SRV) style: Texas-style blues, string bending, blues shuffles, and his emotive vibrato. These lessons are designed not only to teach you note-for-note licks but also to imbue the feel and soul that SRV put into his playing.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer blues licks in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Texas Style Blues
• String Bending
• Blues Shuffles
• Vibrato

Technique Breakdown

Texas Style Blues

Texas-style blues is characterized by its swing feel, aggressive strumming, and biting lead lines. SRV took this style and infused it with his unique brand of intensity and finesse. In these lessons, you’ll explore the nuances of Texas blues, from its shuffling rhythms to its fiery solos. Learning this style will not only improve your blues playing but also give you insights into adding more expression and groove to your overall guitar playing.

String Bending

SRV was a master of string bending, using it to pour his heart into every note. Proper string bending requires precise control and a keen ear to ensure each bend reaches the correct pitch. These lessons will guide you through various bending techniques – from subtle half-step bends to the more dramatic over-bends – and how to use them to inject emotion into your solos.

Blues Shuffles

The blues shuffle is a fundamental rhythm in blues music, and SRV's playing featured some of the most iconic shuffles in guitar history. These grooves form the backbone of many blues songs, providing a driving force that propels the music forward. You'll learn the intricacies of playing an authentic blues shuffle and how to apply it both in rhythm playing and solos, enhancing your timing and groove.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique where the pitch of a note is modulated to add warmth and depth. SRV's vibrato was wide, slow, and deliberate, making his notes wail with emotion. This series will help you develop a more expressive vibrato, teaching you to control its speed and amplitude to add more feel to your playing.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: The Real-World Application

Practicing these licks over a backing track is crucial. It helps you understand how to apply these techniques in a musical context, improving your improvisational skills and sense of timing. The backing track acts as your virtual band, allowing you to experiment with different licks and rhythms and understand how they interact with other instruments.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Guitar Style

SRV is celebrated for his raw power, emotional depth, and technical prowess. His style combined traditional blues with elements of rock, jazz, and soul, creating a sound that was both authentic and innovative. His aggressive attack, use of heavy strings, and passionate vibrato made his playing instantly recognizable. By studying his style, you’ll not only learn techniques but also how to play with the heart and soul that made SRV a legend.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Mastering these techniques will enable you to:

• Capture the essence of Texas-style blues.
• Use string bending to express emotion in your solos.
• Develop a solid blues shuffle rhythm.
• Enhance your playing with soulful vibrato.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Stevie Ray Vaughan"

Completing the "Quick Licks - Stevie Ray Vaughan" series will enhance your skills in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

"Quick Licks - Stevie Ray Vaughan" offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the techniques of a blues legend. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to learn the basics of blues guitar or an experienced player looking to capture the spirit of SRV's playing, these lessons provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.