3 Stevie Ray Vaughan Licks From 1986

Here's the next episode of Three-For-All with 3 Stevie Ray Vaughan Licks From 1986.
I decided to create a doubleheader of SRV lessons today (obviously) and this episode features some of Stevie Ray's fiery licks, melodic blues phrasing, expressive string bending, and much more.
There's a lot you can learn from studying SRV's lead guitar style, and aside from strengthening your pentatonic awareness and single-note playing, you'll also pick up some slick moves and interesting phrases, which are common to hear in his music but they can add something new to styles outside of blues - such as rock, metal, jazz, country, and more.
This lesson hits a number of areas inside of SRV's inspiring guitar style and focuses on a few ideas that came from a soundcheck bootleg from 1986, in addition to some phrases from an old "guitar lesson" from around the same period. There's also a segment that focuses on his commonly-used pentatonic "hot spots" on the fretboard, which will help you not only navigate and explore different areas of the neck, you'll also unlock a useful strategic fingering arrangement for building new licks, phrases, and solos of your own design.
Give this episode a view, leave some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!
Become a Patreon supporter of Late Night Lessons for only $5 (or more) each month and gain access to PDF notation/tab files of these lessons. Thank you!
www.patreon.com/latenightlessons

[@StephenGibb1]

Live at el Macambo is probably the best live video of any guitar player ever ! Fight me ! 😂

[@crisprtalk6963]

it is mesmerizing. At the end doesn't he say something like.. you all can go home now?

[@clovis2012]

That and Jeff Beck Live at Ronnie Scott's are unmatched.

[@davidwiese9866]

Fantastic lessons! Thanks Dave!

[@johnnybgood774]

I agree

[@rabbitohsrule121]

No need to fight you? SRV was the slickest axeslinger in the west, what an inspiration. I'll never get over the brilliance of such a live face melting performance. Love always R. I. P. STEVIE.

[@josephcarter2523]

Dude, when I was still living in Chicago, I remember taking an unauthorized 3 day weekend after hearing YOU play. Worked on that sound for 3 solid days. Hell I'm still working on it.

[@jasonkeith9317]

Live at the El Mocambo changed my life. RIP SRV.

[@billtice5057]

Growing up in Louisiana/Texas. I saw him play many times in small venues before his national and international fame. The man was truly amazing! I still consider myself blessed for having had these experiences

[@ryansouthard4929]

This is my favorite place to learn now. I just found it and can’t believe it

[@nathancloud6344]

We could go on and on about him. Thanks so much for giving this MAN his due.

[@BlueBeeThemeMusic]

Stevie as a kid learned off "recuds". And who was that on those records? Ask Jimmie Vaughan, also fabulous Blues devotee. Love your story on the rented video of El Mocambo show. It's all TENSION and r e l e a s e But the intensity is from another place - the soul. His equipment and string choices do matter.

[@reinerstevie289]

i have all the albums from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Stevie RIP

[@shanehallusa]

Timeless lesson. Thank you

[@AP-ui7oi]

Best breakdowns of licks on KZbin. Great channel.

[@bobbywilliams5002]

Kick ass,kick ass, kick ass,as usual

[@alexwillis954]

David I think that you’re vibrato/bends are second to none. Every time I watch your videos I just admire how simple you make it look and it is always in pitch

[@jasonkeith9317]

Dude I rented that video too from Blockbuster I bet I've watched that concert 100 times!!!

[@Tasjudoka]

Really nice one at the end but man thank you for tuning down half a step. So frustrating if someone does an SRV lesson and just says "I'm going to play in E standard" ... seriously. Anyone learning SRV needs to either have a dedicated guitar for SRV or get used to tuning their guitar up and down. I kept one guitar in Eb for years and when I eventually got more guitars I have two now in Eb. But I mostly play SRV as my fav...

[@ivansamaniego5926]

Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan in session is a good album.

[@rabbitohsrule121]

No guitarist especially a shred guitarist has anywhere near the soul and feel that the legendary SRV had. His touch, tone, technique and just plain signature style has never been attained in my opinion, certainly not surpassed. His attention to detail is above any guitarist I've ever heard. And believe me if it came to a shred contest? The majority of modern fretboard gymnasts would be shivering in there boots. He was a ferocious jazz and modal player if needed. He was like classic Americana, they just don't make them like that anymore. Love always. R. I. P. STEVIE.

[@Eduardoyanez__]

He was never a jazz player. He said in an interview that he couldn’t play jazz. I love Stevie but he wasn’t a jazzer.

[@rtk90083]

@@Eduardoyanez__ no he wasn't a jazzer but he did write riviera paradise and that's very close to jazz imho, there are some good chords used in that song using inversions, full jazzy chords, playing the chord tones etc. pretty damn close to jazz as far as I'm concerned. But im no jazzer either and ill admit that song was much more blues jazz, emphasis on the blues lol. Stevie was a modest man tho im sure he could play some jazz but would never label himself a jazzer.

[@laureanoahmad7495]

That guy really knew how a guitar must be played

[@tat2dlukydevl]

Thanks Dave, I dig how you explain everything. Outstanding!! RIP SRV. peAce

[@voronOsphere]

Double Barrel SRV (back to back) Lessons! Thanks, David!!!!

[@wante3202]

Guitar Player for more than half of my lifetime, Im 33. Ive been trying to evolve my blues since i was 26 and i just could never find a channel a teacher that i could really understand and take the ride. Man i don't even think Stevie would've explain this as perfect as you. You are def made for this. THANK YOU!

[@wante3202]

by the way what pick ups are you using?

[@LiveMusicOntario]

The El Mocambo (regularly called the ElMo) has been under renovation since 2014 and was set to open this past March 2020, but of course that couldn't happen. The Toronto music scene reveres that place's history. The money the new owner has put into it and the experts he has collaborated with for the design of the studios added, totally new reproduced trademark palm tree sign, etc., are impressive.

[@allenlocke1935]

Sounds like we watched Live at el Macambo about the same point in time! Never has there been a player so fierce; playing what many would deem a simple type of music. Yet, he elevated the style and simple sounding tone to place we are still chasing to this day. Amazing, wasn't it?!

[@stephencrane391]

Great advice for all guit-slingers. Thanks Dave.

[@voronOsphere]

Every time I hear a tune from David Bowie's "Let's Dance," I'm amazed at how well Stevie's full flavored, raw blues playing sits so perfectly within the slick 1980s production of the album, especially in the title track and "China Girl." Special thanks to David Bowie for scooping him up and giving him a place to immediately shine for the whole world (after being practically booed off stage in France).

[@markbaird2657]

Awesome! His music and playing changed my soul!!

[@fabghassem]

I totally agree with you on those extra noises we hear from excellent players; The noises we hear actually add a lot to the melodies and most people dig them.✨🎸✨

[@paulhicks3595]

I saw SRV in 1986 ( and 1984! ) .

[@midnightflyer7510]

I’ll never forget being at my gym and hearing on the radio that he’d been killed! What a loss! Same feeling as hearing about Randy Roads! Loved him in the ‘80’s but considered him out of reach as a player as I did Randy and Eddie for that matter...lol! Could play a cheap imitation of those guys back in the day but that was about it. If I only had the resources we do now back in the ‘80’s, what could’ve been!🤔

[@jpslaym0936]

I totally agree, then I remember that most people dont seem to listen or seem to enjoy Rock (or even music by some definitions lol) these days.

[@63mckenzie]

SRV had incredible wrist and finger strength.

[@stevenhebert4117]

Thanks so much, finally a guy that can explain what it takes to even approach the greatness of SRV. Broken down so well and explained what he did to connect himself to the music and the ax to express. Played with every ounce of his physical soul. You really brought it to life. I am great full for your lesson. This is how I want to play. Your great, please do more. All the best. V.

[@PaleoPatient]

Watched the El Mocambo DVD after watching this! Nice work on SRV today!

[@TreatzTMA]

Another great vid. Live At Elmo is required viewing for any guitarist. Command control, groove and feel. I feel absolutely blessed I got to see him live just once. Unforgettable show. Still don’t think of him as gone

[@kutsbothways]

Went to a party couple of weeks ago and they had that video playing on the big screen. If you are any kind of Stevie fan at all that video is just mesmerizing. He was a musical conduit the way it just flowed out of him. Gone too soon. Thank you for the lesson.

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

Stevie is one that immediately gets your attention. I can't think of anyone who played with more emotion and conviction than he did. One of my all time favorites for sure. Also I like the new pickups in the Strat and the leds in the sign!

[@ArturoOcampoOficial]

great as always!!!!

[@keithraaum9559]

You killed it again! Great job! And everyone should search out that soundcheck video as the whole thing is amazing.

[@jdguitar1040]

Wow... Excellent, excellent, excellent. Thank you, Late Night :)

[@J24777]

This is Totally Awesome!!! Thank you David

[@sergiofigueroa9705]

Great lesson

[@longtime2live4]

SRV was gone way to soon , soul poured from his strings .

[@waynegram8907]

Dan Toler, Dickey Betts, Santana, Duane Allman using the flatted 5th blues note lessonJeff Young licks from Megadeth

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Bravo 👏👏 You really laid down a great description of SRV's feel and approach. I was in my mid twenties before really checking him out. And like you was simply amazed how great he was. I always thought his left hand was one with the guitar neck. He was definitely an inspiration to many a player !!! He's in my top 3 👍 Thanks for another great lesson !!!

[@matttaylor202]

You’re awesome! I love your videos!!! Thx

[@rogerelton6791]

GREAT JOB ROSS , I AM SURE THAT THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS APPRECIATE YOUR HELP ITS UP TO US TO DO THE WORK TO LEARN THE MATERIAL😁

[@robsummers8344]

Truly informative David ✌🏻🎸thankyou

[@jonathanbelzley2877]

Hey, here comes Dave Brewster! Ah yeah. Thanks Dave!

[@jeffburton2282]

These late night lessons are great your very informative

[@stryderkinch3873]

I was hoping it was gonna be from that same sound check concert shits incredible

[@Scottocaster6668]

Nice tone you got there. It's the new middle pick up, ain't it?? 😉👍 All of our great hero's are no longer with us, boy that sucks. SRV had a vice for a fretting hand too, great job, now I'm sad 😢

[@kevinalfrey2633]

Oh thanks again!!

[@domesticengineerlifecoach6938]

Sir I just found U! Dig your videos..Thanks

[@monsterkxf]

Nice tone dude!!! That was great! 🤘🤘

[@tmitz73]

Your lessons are outstanding Bro!! Best on KZbin!!!

[@manitheman0806]

Dave......... a definite 5 star lesson

[@han36solo]

Awesome lesson!

[@Blue_3rd]

Love it! Great video, thanks. Ritchie Blackmore calls the handling noises, feedback etc ‘accidental music’ , we should make the most of it 😃

[@robertciaschini7625]

Awesome lesson, David. I didn't appreciate Stevie Ray until long after he passed. I may buy a Fender Deluxe Amp specifically to mimic his tone. So pure and bold. Thanks.

[@smoothsam7]

Good stuff

[@tlong4577]

Getting literal chills listening to you talk and remembering my first time among 1000 that I watched El Mocambo, too good.

[@craigcampbell6690]

Nice...Thanx 😎

[@TheRiverRiseII]

You make it look so easy.

[@strivingx67]

I could listen to your playing and rambling all day bro. Always great stuff. You can get me into stuff I never knew I was into, if that makes sense? A request again (as I see a lot of your videos come from requests.) Any chance to do something on Bob Welch? Not trying to be a broken record here (requested once before), just think his playing deserves some love and you could do it right my man. Keep on keepin on!

[@luisvillarreal5262]

SRV was amazing. He was a beast on 13 gauge strings. He could bend them like they were Ernie Ball Super Slinkys. I heard he wanted something like 15 or 17 gauge strings, but his guitar tech talked him out of it, saying something about it putting too much tension on the guitar. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's been a while since I heard about this. The bridge saddles and nut must have been modified to fit these high gauge strings. I wish I could have seen him live. I've always lived and still live in South Texas, so the chance was there. Great lesson David. \m/

[@PrinceWesterburg]

No, this isn't shredding, its the bit where you grow up and play something you can do in front of an audience!

[@Ratso_DeLynch]

*David I hope you see this msg* amazing job here thanks for another awesome lesson! Blues is in Stevies blood ! some great material/solos, to choose from but it's a shame he left us all too soon! Speaking of the 90s..... *around that time* ..... one underrated shredder amongst many others LOVED SRV ..... *Request* Can you do : *3 michael lee firkins licks from 1990?* . . . I cant help but see your new ish article you wrote on *Michael lee firkins* you posted last month this would be perfect for it! . Thank you for finally giving MLF the spotlight in your article that was a great segment you did on him David!! He's no Ynwie but a unique shredder in such an untouchable way: *laughing stacks* *black Betty cover* *hula hoops* *cactus cruz* *rain in the tunnel* *carless sonata* All prove how criminally underrated he is as not only an instrumental legend but his melodies and themes are more composer esque than any of the other guys in the shrapnel label/era I'd argue! . *does this give us all a hint hint* that 3 dirty MLF licks are coming down the pipe next Dave ?! Hoping that means yes ive been looking forward to seeing you do him justice since I found your channel a year ago man and subscribed on patreon soon after as well ! . Thanks again for all your awesome content and cheers from Niagara falls canada! Hope yourself and everyone here stays safe and healthy 😊🙏🤟 - Adam

[@leafamania1]

The El Mocambo Toronto ... legendary venue

[@kevmet84]

Live at El Mocambo is a great one to have. His performance of Third Stone From the Sun is as if he is channeling Jimi; it's a mesmerizing one to watch, not to discount any of the other songs he did at that show. The Austin City Limits DVD is another good to watch. The double disc Live at Montreux is good, but the other two DVDs that are tied for the #1 slot imo, are the best of those 3.

[@spwb2k]

Worthy

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

You’ve got a new subscriber!👍😘🇸🇪

[@wdplays9160]

Yeah that first lick is very reminiscent of an old Rolling Stones song from Sticky Fingers called Can’t you hear me knocking at around six minute into the song. Check it out let me know what you think. Love your videos keep them coming!

[@SRV89Fender]

That first lick at 4:30 can be traced back to 1985. I have bootlegs and he plays some variations of that lick

[@rocksteady5200]

Cool

[@uralemekci]

chiaroscuro, dynamics in blues.

[@Bricklinsv1970]

Groovy! Shawn Lane please :)

[@strivingx67]

I could be mistaken, but I think he has a video on Shawn Lane. A 3 licks video.

[@stanky9875]

Hey, you got a different middle pickup!🤘

[@2simple132]

interesting video, i like it!! hey, wanna make a jason becker 1986 3 licks?

[@patrickmayer9566]

,,,,yes,,,,,,,,,thx,for this..........he sure lit a fire under my playing...along time ago...I had that vid too....remember???? Wow....we had late fees on the vid player and tape!!!!!😯.....over and over....what did we just see????.....same feeling when yngwie came out with oddesy........................how did they do it.......!......tnx,pat

[@jonjennings13]

SRV set his string height unusually high

[@flagelumdei8138]

Great ! Tell us about your equipment ! regards !

[@jima1325]

What was your signal chain and amp setup? Sounded great

[@jazzcat1056]

Any news on a release date for your latest book?

[@agent_o_range]

You changed your mid pickup? Great vid as usual.

[@donaldmccoy49]

you changed your neck pickup?

[@wankstaGG]

What pickups are those?

[@56brever]

What pickups are you using here?

[@DuncanPerryOfficial]

The first repeated lick has been inspired from the Rolling Stones- Can you hear me knocking 6:01 on track

[@kevint911]

You should do a video on Chris Impelliterri.

[@MyGuitartime]

Feel

[@stephenscharff6358]

it would be really awesome if you did a Rory Gallagher video on his stuff he's one of my favorite guitar players he was one of Jimi hendrix's favorite guitar players as well songs like, bad Penny

[@crisprtalk6963]

Hey what's up Dave?

[@Wolf-51-50]

Could you make a Jeff Healey episode? Thanks!

[@johnnybgood774]

El macambo was his best perfirmance.. but I hated how everyone wanted his sound lol get your own

[@PISSEDOFF-MADABOUTIT60]

He also thought his career was over when he came off the dope

[@bustercrack788]

Hold on - are we saying SRV played in Poison ? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaeljones6948]

A force of nature.

[@shinybald36]

Don’t like the passive aggressive comparison, why not just say playing with attitude and dynamics

[@UsNCollord216]

Eh, I forgive ya for not playing exactly like SRV

[@ColtonSiegel]

longest fucking intro of all time. get to the licks man cmon

[@GPLP335]

David, I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. They are superb!