EPIC RIFFS: Stevie Ray Vaughan - The Hardest Blues Riff?!

[@memng4]

i saw srv play in memphis on the river ampitheater. it was an epic blues show sure, but ill never forget that in tbe middle of the show, he paused, this is what he said, and its worth repeating. "if you are struggling with addiction or know anyone who is, please go get some help. you dont have to do this alone. There are people out there who want to help " or something like that. i learned later that some of my friends happened to be in an aa meeting with him earlier that day. so he was speaking from his heart. He helped me that night, maybe i can help him help you too? help is available, you are worth it. pass it on. peace.

[@thegoodone2770]

Thats Deep. Stupid fuckin helicopters.

[@garrettLevi0511]

@@thegoodone2770 I think a guitar legend would of died that day Clapton or SRV. And it was SRV

[@stirlingstark1983]

@@thegoodone2770 kobe approves of this message 👌

[@Pound_Shift]

I saw him say the same thing at red rocks

[@charlestheos8954]

I was there. 15 year old kid jaw dropped all night

[@lowrising8130]

This is a masterclass in how editing makes things so watchable.

[@christianramos767]

The effort he puts in his videos is much appreciated

[@alastairmackay4861]

Yeh, I must admit I find it a bit flashie though. You know, personally I would just rather he get to the point.

[@treatb09]

really? it annoyed me to no end

[@alastairmackay4861]

Bo Huggabee I felt the same, but maybe I am just grumpy. I don’t mean this to sound mean but it just all feels a little bit much and a bit show offy. Don’t get me wrong, the guy is 40 times the guitarist I am but, I think he is a tad in love with himself or at least that’s what comes across

[@SKATE87410]

alastair mackay hes showcasing talents hes learned in life. It would be a waste to learn that stuff at any point in life and not use it especially in his videos that he wants to capture viewers attention with. It was a little extra though.

[@daveedson32]

Three things: 1. Scuttle Buttin means gossiping. 2. Thanks for breaking this down. 3. There is still something elusive, something magically mysterious happening with Stevie’s hands in this song that no lesson can capture. And that’s OK!

[@jttech44]

Not to mention he could play like that drunk off his ass while keeping a pipe lit.

[@StompingRabbits]

Yes, very special combination of female DNA and testosterone injections...

[@flanneldaddy5220]

@@StompingRabbits the hell are you on about 😂😂

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Have you ever seen the size of his hands? They are crushers for sure! He played with 0.013 to 0.058 gauge (Extra heavy) strings to control bends better.

[@daveedson32]

@@Bob-of-Zoid Yes, I know all about his string guage, tuning, and more. He didn't actually have big hands. He had strength and finesse and soul for days.

[@nickburmanmusic]

When I saw the title, I knew it was THAT riff. Here's why.... When I first started playing, I got a copy of Guitarist magazine which had a transcription for Scuttle Buttin, by some guy called Stevie Ray Vaughn, whoever he was. It took me DAYS to learn it note for note, but I got it down, and was very proud of being able to play it at 80bpm. Shortly afterwards, I was in the library and found a cassette of Couldn't Stand the Weather. I took it home, dropped it in my cassette player and pressed play. And waited... then I got hit by this barrage of notes, the likes of which I had never heard before. Of course, Stevie was playing it WAY faster than I had learned it, and I spent the entire track with my mouth wide open. I was in shock! But I've been hooked on his playing ever since. Thirty four years later, I still wrestle with the lick. It's a beast!

[@Lucho24cr]

SRV passed away today 30 years ago. Let's take our hats off for a legend.

[@Lucho24cr]

@@strawhousepig of course.. but we'll need a microphone

[@Tomorer]

R.I.P Stevie

[@brickstosticks4281]

Total badass he was. RIP

[@chrisl6989]

🎩📴

[@richardstevens2242]

With absolutely no disrespect, "Let's take our PIMP hats off for a legend."

[@CA10Z]

Paul, your approach to teaching far exceeds so many wanabe instructors. I'm 72 years old so I won't have much time to even get close to this. But I'm gonna give it one hell of a try....Great job Paul

[@naydss_2635]

Good Luck !

[@suckmah7438]

Lol and here’s me thinking I started to late at 25. I’m rooting for you dude!

[@CA10Z]

@@suckmah7438 I've been pick'n for 60 yrs. But always looking for something new.... 25? Hmmmm That's not to late keep at it.

[@osullibr]

I want to see your progress in a year. I'm a newbie (47), but I'm going to give it a go too.

[@ORflycaster]

@@suckmah7438 I'd do SO MANY things differently if I was 25 again, and learning guitar would easily be in the top 5. I'm just starting my third 25yrs as I learn to play guitar. Consistent, daily practice is paying off, but I've got soooooo far to go I feel like I'll never get there. I'm trying to enjoy the journey though, rather than being impatient about the destination.

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

A "Scuttlebutt" is a Naval term that refers to a water fountain, in the days of olde, the buckets which held drinking water. Sailors would often congregate around the scuttlebutt and pass gossip. The act of gossiping became known as "scuttlebutting." Here in Texas, amongst other places, we have a tendency to drop the "g" from the "ing" ending of words. Thus, "scuttlebuttin'" was a word for gossiping, or just talkin' 'bout whatever comes to mind, meanderin' from subject to subject. Stevie's use of the word here is referencing the idea that this was just a quick little improvisation riff with no real intent to flesh out to something more substantial. Just a riff. A glorious riff. I tell you what.

[@stevelogan1699]

John Boley Jr. excellent, really informative comment. Thank you!

[@bill9163]

Huge pp

[@irchristo]

There's no "watt" in "whut!" LOL

[@ChemXFX]

MmmUhhh huuuh 👍

[@brianwood7237]

You bet!

[@Hrithik23]

Stevie Ray Vaughan YESSSS!

[@mlankford6077]

I saw Stevie play twice, was a huge fan. Was driving home from his concert when I heard his helo went down. Just when he hit it big, he died. So happy to see that he's not been forgotten. RIP SRV.

[@nvrumi]

SRV will never be forgotten.

[@cactuscanuck6802]

SRV is the best Blues-Rock guitarist in history. He will never be forgotten

[@Halliday7895]

30 years later an NO ONE CAN DO IT LIKE LITTLE BROTHER STEVIE !!! Rest in Peace SRV

[@joemagarac405]

Austin won’t let one of their favorite sons be forgotten. images.app.goo.gl/HkyTtS2sSwXsUYot8

[@Nick-xi6fc]

its sad to think that we may never get someone like him again

[@Deathshuck]

I vividly remember the first time I heard Scuttle Buttin'. I was a teenager metalhead who only listened to death and thrash metal, but hearing that lick was the most in-your-face and unapologetic thing I ever heard on guitar, it had so much attitude that it just made all the metal music I was listening to lame in comparison. It blew my balls so high into the ceiling that I'm still scraping them off today. SRV is a legend.

[@2plyanddjdualflush255]

Ceiling Balls is a common affliction for those exposed to the magic of SRV. His early recordings came with what looked like an extendable back-scratcher, for testicle removal.

[@dallasonfire604]

What is an example of an apologetic riff?

[@TSOE-JustGoodMusic]

❤

[@diemturner5755]

lol....THIS is me, myself and I circa 1990-1991. I too was a teenage metalhead a couple of years into playing guitar myself and this just blew my god damn doors off. A legend indeed.

[@victornice858]

Great comment

[@leebatt7964]

I strung a strat with 13s six years ago trying to get that “stevie tone” . I played them for about an hour and i swear my fingers still hurt from that foolish, tragic day.

[@Rellemann23]

I hope you tuned them down a half-step

[@CorbCorbin]

The strings don’t matter. SRV even went to thinner strings after Cesar Diaz proved to him that the thick strings didn’t matter. If they’re more comfortable than thinner ones for you, then keep them on, but it’s testable now. 9’s can get the same tone as 13’s.

[@CorbCorbin]

@SEK-I SRV is definitely known fit thick strings and pretty high action guitars, at least up until just before he got sober, if I’m remembering correctly. I know that he definitely made a change to lighter strings based on Cesar Diaz telling him for awhile, and he finally stuck with them. He also was having more pain from the thick strings whenever he was sober. If I can find the article with Diaz talking about it, I’ll put a link. Do what feels best and yields the best performance out of you. *I like the action pretty low too. And I use 9’s on a Strat.

[@harrymills2770]

@@CorbCorbin Pretty strange mix of truth and fiction. Understandable, when Stevie was doing things with fat strings and achieving a sound and having unmatched virtuosity with them and the high-action. De-tuning and playing with fat strings was probably how he learned, and it may have been partly because the heavier strings held up better. When you're poor, that's an expense.

[@Aviator27J]

I put 12 gauge flat wounds on a Strat and had a similar result. I could saw on the strings like Stevie but I wasn't close to having the ease or endurance with which he played. That guy could really use the guitar (or a bass) as an extension of not just his body but his soul, and he could play as well as anyone who's ever lived. He was insanely good!

[@minermike61]

Many years later, Stevie is still badass. There are plenty of guitarists who can "shred" but Stevie poured hot sauce and bacon grease all over it and then turned the volume up.

[@CloneDaddy]

I've never heard his playing described like that before, but I *do* like it. You just about nailed it.

[@lequitasch]

Don't forget the speed

[@minermike61]

@@lequitasch I don’t even see his fingers when he plays. I can’t move my eyes that fast.

[@ORflycaster]

He could play with brute force, speed and endurance without giving up accuracy and finesse. And of course brought true feeling to his music as an authentic blues artist.

[@minermike61]

@@ORflycaster Well said. I had already liked blues but he actually made me like it more which led me to listen to more of the older music.

[@0num4]

Bending, not sliding, is how I was taught to play Scuttle Buttin' over 20 years ago. Glad to see my teacher was on the money.

[@roshambo5895]

But he does slide it.

[@jiimmyyy]

@@roshambo5895 LMAO. Watch the video.

[@tomdijk5549]

@@jiimmyyy he slides it in live footage many times, maybe he did both?

[@loganmccurdy1328]

@@tomdijk5549 He did it both ways. Paul talks about it in the video

[@asukalangleysoryu6695]

@@tomdijk5549 DID YOU EVEN WATCH THE VIDEO?!

[@aashishkhadka8303]

Hey Paul, The quality of this video is *MAGICAL* ;) Edit : Actually all of your videos

[@ilikechicken8403]

Bro Nepali ho timi?

[@aashishkhadka8303]

@@ilikechicken8403 ho bro

[@Bartfieldsmusic]

Okay… great video! You totally get the 99.99% correct. I was actually blessed to have had Stevie personally show me this song and how to play it. (I still have a hard to getting it right) however, in the opening part of that riff, he used a third finger pull on that 1st e string. When I was trying to accomplish this, he tells me, “it’s so easy. It’s hard”. I commented back… “yeah, for you!” And we laughed about it. Keep it up brother! Stevie would be proud!

[@fytakytemusic]

Aha! #1 is spot on! I learned to play the bend from a Guitar Player TAB way back in the early 90s, and it always sounded and felt right. Then, around 20 years later, a guy who had learned it from YT said "No! It's played with a slide"... I was: "What?!?!? No way!" He was so adamant, I started to second guess myself. Glad you finally put that to rest!

[@Mexxx65]

So..do you play your live cover, like the original album recording, or like the umpteenth live versions SRV himself played using slides.......

[@elrincondelaguitarra3050]

Agree with you, Sir. Andy Aledort's transcription on Guitar magazine back in the 90's stated the first note actually is a bend (on the recording). The riff itself It's not that difficult to play; it's difficult to play it at speed (around 156-158 BPM). On a side note... this piece was inspired by another riff from a tune called 'Chicken Picking' by one of Stevie's mentors, Lonnie Mack.

[@fytakytemusic]

@@Mexxx65 I don't even attempt to play it live. It usually only gets pulled out for rehearsal room jams. Its one of those tracks where, no matter how great the player is who covers it is, it always comes off sounding like a pitiful imitation compared to the original. It sure is fun to challenge yourself with, though... Oh, and I play the first bend as a bend, and the second bend as a slide, btw. 😎

[@fytakytemusic]

@@elrincondelaguitarra3050 Yep, that was the one! I really like that idea of guitarists passing on inspiration... Those fast SRV instrumentals like "Scuttle Buttin'", "Rude Mood" are what inspired me to write this piece, called "Faux Cowboy": kzbin.info/www/bejne/q56ZgmyGqdCjp9U

[@Mexxx65]

@@fytakytemusic My only point here today .. I bet my bottom dollar, that out of all the half Ass** attempts at covering this lick perfectly as on the record, that the guitarist that does it so wrong, and puts his personal take on it, especially a lick of this extreme tempo, is the cover in youtube that'll draw the most likes..

[@austinbmoon]

I’ve seen guitar teachers struggle to teach this riff for years. This man did it in less than 14 minutes. Legend.

[@NickBaranov]

Agree !

[@2010njdevil]

@@NickBaranov Yup. I rarely played it live and made up my own thing that got me 80% there but always bothered me. Then I saw this and still practice Paul's lesson to "undue" what over 15+ years of faking it did!

[@Meatdevil]

Paul is a PhD in teaching guitar and breaking down notes. I have never played a guitar but feel I could learn from this gentleman and his genius teaching style. I’m in awe.

[@MetalMarauder]

That’s because most guitar teachers can barely fucking play lmao most of them are grifters

[@seansnyder2855]

Lol? Not even almost.

[@Spuzzmacher]

This is the first riff I learned how to play, by slowing it down and figuring it out. 20 years later I can still do it! …and still at half speed.

[@rosegeaber7533]

🤣Bless you! I am 64 years old and I think I might try it! 😂😮😂

[@solarflare4345]

This is hands down, the best, most educational, most fun to watch, intersting guitar channel on youtube. And the editing is fantastic, props to you Paul, fantastic work!

[@adamscottv]

Yeah it's really good but TGP is the best IMHO. Completely different format though.

[@vetlerradio]

@@adamscottv Ok, and what is TGP?

[@adamscottv]

@@vetlerradio sorry typo TPS That Pedal Show

[@kingjb99]

Absolutely agree

[@ramzocalrissian332]

IDK what TGP is but i gotta step in and rep Tomo Fujita are for guitar wisdom. Thank you

[@austerereligiousscholar2314]

A lot of the stuff Stevie played combined with the showmanship was not easy, but he just walked out on stage and did it like it was nothing. So amazing! Thirty years ago 8/27/2020.

[@Footygodsarewatching]

Stevie Ray Vaughan was and still is the most influential guitarist in my life, he had a natural gift from God, that most of us mortals have to work extra hard to achieve. R. I. P. STEVIE.

[@Stryder-mc1lu]

Scuttlebutt was a term in the Navy we used for Gossip ( "casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people " )

[@THLGargamont]

Which got its name from the age of sail for the water barrel (butt) that sailors would congregate around and gossip. It carried forward to modern times as the water cooler. To "scuttle" a vessel was to bore holes in it below the water line, usually to sink it. The "scuttlebutt" was a barrel you bored a hole in to serve water out of.

[@orph82]

@@THLGargamont I came to learn guitar and got a cool history lesson too!

[@jlee.glassburn]

@@THLGargamont US Navy vet here. came to say just what Stryder and Mike said. Can confirm. Scuttlebuttin' is gossiping (sometimes but not always near a watercooler/fountain)

[@joehahn8817]

A more modern definition is a "loose woman". "I wouldn't fuck with that scuttle butt"!!! As in her butt has been "bored" repeatedly... I'm pretty sure Stevie was referring to the traditional definition tho'!!!

[@Aviator27J]

Exactly. Scuttlebutt is literally watercooler gossip. The term is probably a couple hundred years old :)

[@mccloysong]

My friend was his guitar tech from '85 until the end. He once asked Stevie if he could show him how he played it, and show him slowly. Stevie tried, but he got so confused, he totally forgot how altogether. Once he stopped to think about it, it screwed him up.

[@arrondaniels358]

I do not have the talent of SRV, but I agree. When I’m playing live and I think about what I’m doing, I will muck it up big time. Most of the time I am just feeling the music. I’ve learned not to think, “what comes next is….”. That’s a good way to kill a great song. The same applies when slowing things down to teach someone. Sadly, it’s not in my skill set.

[@connorduffy8620]

What was your friend’s name??

[@mccloysong]

@@connorduffy8620 Rene Martinez. There’s a Video of him replacing a guitar mid song when Stevie broke a string on Austin city limits. It is poetry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWOaY6CXbNmor7s

[@alfredochavez2318]

He let Rene play 3 or 4 acoustic songs before the show. This was West Germany on the Double Live tour.

[@mccloysong]

@@alfredochavez2318 I thought so. I know Santana let him open for him acoustically with his flamenco playing when he tech'd for him years later.

[@mischeviouslingo8065]

In the US Navy a scuttlebutt was the water bucket, later the water fountain. Hanging out by the scuttlebutt was a good way to waste time. I was SRV play his last show in Dallas. These is still a break in my heart.

[@jiimmyyy]

I remember the first time I heard this track, I was about 15 years old. I was in bed falling asleep listening to the album The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. I was in that weird part where you're kind of half way between awake and asleep when this started playing and I had no idea what was going on. When I woke up the next day I thought it was a dream or half-conscious hallucination because of how nuts it sounded. Turned out to be a real track.

[@LMurphyMusic]

The same thing for me but it was the solo from couldn’t stand the weather

[@maitrybajracharya5550]

I'm a simple man. I see Stevie Ray Vaughan, I click.

[@georgebarjoveanu3137]

This comment inspired from a comment on the Danny Carrey drum camera video of Pneuma. Spot on, anyway.

[@oops1304]

Same lol

[@maitrybajracharya5550]

@@georgebarjoveanu3137 Yeah its copied sir. And u can find this comment every where, it's a famous statement.

[@rsohlich1]

Im an odd man I see stevie ray vaughan and I think dick.

[@davidcolin6519]

I had the extraordinary pleasure of seeing him play this live at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on the Live Alive! tour. This was his opening number and he came on stage playing this from the sides. What blew everybody's mind was that he came on playing the whole thing one handed, waving at the audience and running down the front, touching hands. To this day, I can't figure out how he played it, but I swear he did. This was the second time I'd seen him play and I was going to see him a third time, but we all know what happened before that European tour. Such a sad day, but what a glorious legacy of extraordinary playing.

[@edan4046]

Just wanted to say Paul, your consistently great video editing and creative ways of teaching guitar does not go unnoticed. Thank you for putting so much thought and creativity into it your tutorials.

[@WimRijksen]

Next week: how to break a string and change guitars while continuing to play and sing.

[@room2738]

hahaha! brilliant! .. there's a Vai video out there somewhere,where he breaks a string on a floyd ... and keeps on playing!

[@Marcus_C51]

@@room2738 It's not too bad on a Floyd actually if it's a high e, everything goes down a half step and you can usually still play chords in tune, usually...(ha ha)...or it's a clusterfuck and you're working your fine tuners on the fly. Changing guitars while continuing to play and sing like Stevie used to, that was awesome.!

[@parkerjonesjr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHqplYCYnaiUb5Y

[@pookatim]

And play behind your back.

[@msinger426]

Stevie was a master ... the best. Tough to compare to BB as they’re really different styles.

[@propmaster101]

Shout out to how well he’s explaining the process of learning a song with ur ears as a guide.

[@andertons]

Awesome... You're a legend sir...

[@crackawood]

Stevie's the legend...But this guy's f'n awesome

[@neelparekh3448]

@David Taber Yes. Let's see you do it now.

[@borisos9832]

@David Taber oh he created this video alright, accessible, informative, fun to watch -that's a lot.

[@4dogsannacat]

Agree

[@4dogsannacat]

David Taber no shit sherlock

[@mr.mckinnon5680]

Truth is, Stevie was never weak with either hand. While you're trying to figure out what he's doing with his fretting hand. The power of the song comes from his strumming hand. And while you're paying attention to his strumming hand... The power of the song it's coming from his fretting hand. Houdini called this, misdirection. And Stevie, is a magician of the guitar.

[@drsmith4582]

He could fret all over the place using just his middle finger. Amazing abilities he had there.

[@johne1599]

Very well put!

[@wallacesanders265]

This quote should be on the back of and in a biography entitled Magician of the Guitar

[@MagicMatt504]

"He was weak in the hand" is one of the lamest excuses I've heard someone use as to why they don't play a song correctly. It's shameful.

[@garbygarb31]

Nice copy pasta

[@Mihirishere]

Paul you've gotten so good at making videos that you can read my mind while the video is happening and give me a perfect explanation and then shred in my face. Thank you so much!

[@lucasdeaver9192]

I'm really good at missing half the notes when I play that song.

[@heathkish6901]

PLAY MORE NOTES! If they're wrong, just call it jazz! 😉

[@rcala1980]

Heath Kish LOL Yes that’s right

[@crabsodyinblue]

@@heathkish6901 lol...true that..

[@SteveAragon3d]

I miss half the notes when I’m LISTENING to SRV.... Genius!

[@nicirvin1994]

Hey... I can do that too :)

[@stephenhanlin2388]

You’re tone sounds so great even on my phone. Can only imagine how it sounds in person. Jealous

[@joehahn8817]

I saw Stevie at DAR Constitution Hall in D.C. not too long after"Couldn't Stand the Weather" was released. I've seen most of the great guitarists of my generation, Blackmore, Gilmour, Page, Malmsteen, Van Halen, Satriani, May, Iommi...the list goes on. Stevie had a natural ability that none of the other greats seem to possess...it was like he had a connection to another realm or something. He just NEVER ran outta steam!!! So glad I got to see him!!!

[@christopherbrothers6170]

I’m a drummer but love the strings, I just love that srv was who he was

[@RaffaeleAngius]

Srv could have bended even your drumsticks probably

[@ondero8050]

This song is such an underrated track of srv. You can find on KZbin his "soundcheck" video where he looks like he just woke up yawning playing this song during soundcheck with such ease. So effortless. It's intense, powerful and leaves you speechless. Same thing with dirty pool. Technique is difficult enough but to add stamina into that....mind....blown. If only i could have seen him live. One can wish. I'll have front row seats to him and hendrix forever tour one day.

[@Idan_the_guitarist2603]

That’s deep

[@grantwilhelm8653]

Thanks! This is the best breakdown I have ever seen.

[@spacelyzrocketband1181]

I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan in the fox theater in Atlanta, What a show! I love how you show how it is really done!

[@RC32Smiths01]

SRV is essentially a God at rhythm guitar. Pride and Joy I think very captivates that. Scuttle Butting is also such a guitar driven song, it's what made me fall in love with his guitar work!

[@brunomonasterio1584]

At lead guitar too tho

[@hammyjammies]

Rude Mood too. SRV took the Hendrix skills of blending lead and rhythm and added steroids to it essentially

[@brunomonasterio1584]

@@hammyjammies a lot of steroids... A lot... And a lot of cocaine too

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@brunomonasterio1584 Definitely, but his technique in Rhythm always fascinated me.

[@brunomonasterio1584]

@@RC32Smiths01 SRV is the greatest of all time🤷‍♂️

[@naMnivraM]

Not only does he rip it effortlessly, he changes it a little every now and then, and improvises a solo that is never the same. Just endless ideas and the talent to pull them off with articulation and perfection.

[@kgoerbig]

I'm a trumpet player, however, keep in mind that most jazz, blues, and rock musicians also have lightening improv skills. Many of these licks come from straightup improvising these melodies, and then composing the rest of the song building from that improv riff. Straight from the mind to their toy, whatever instrument they've mastered.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

Your video production and editing skills are nothing short of world class. And then there's your guitar playing abilities. I sir, kneel at your feet.

[@davespears2241]

I saw Stevie in 1986 in Sydney Australia and he came out on stage playing that riff jumping and I'm saying jumping all over the stage best concert I've been to and ever will again apart from Jimmy Vaughan.

[@johne1599]

Paul, I don’t know if you’ve seen Stevie’s interviews where he talks about this song. He “confesses” he lifted the “riff” from another Texas legend. Lightnin’ Hopkins. Of course, Stevie went on to make it his own song, with all the passion, heart, and soul that Stevie put in to all of his playing. Stevie played fierce, like a man who knew he was in a race with time. God Bless You and Love You, Stevie! RIP Brother

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Stevie actually copped the main lick from "Scuttlebuttin'" from his childhood guitar idol and later running partner, the late great Lonnie Mack. Lonnie could play very fast and clean himself, he was no slouch. There probably aren't many guitarists who could have hung with SRV, but Lonnie could - and did on numerous occasions when they played and recorded together. Man alive, those guys sounded great together!

[@JacodeJong]

One often overlooked aspect of Stevie's playing is his use of the pick. He didn't use the pointy part but rather the rounder point of the rear side of a standard pick. He also used very thick picks at the time. The rounder part of the pick also give you more "speed" (Rude Mood) or ease of playing when using the raking-technique (as in Pride and Joy) for open strings. Also, your sound change when you use that part of the pick, especially when you use different angles when hitting strings, and try to play with the grip of the pick, that also impacts your sound! Oh, and most importantly: use HEAVY strings!!! I have been playing and studying his stuff since the '90s and delved very deep into his playing. Your video is great and touches some very good parts of his playing. I also like the fact that you use the original recording and not the live version! Excellent job!

[@jpdemer5]

That's why he dropped the pick so often: he was holding it by the pointy end. No problem, though - he could pick it back up off the floor without missing a note.

[@SamuelChaparo]

Even learning this the way SRV played it… there’s something impossible to copy, the way he treated the instrument, something magically happening, something he only has… thank you SRV

[@kellycoleman715]

Keep in mind that Stevie could strum and bend steel prison bars with his fingers.

[@AminNazari666]

May I know what the title of this song? Thank you.

[@WeenukChog]

his e top was a 18 i believe..thats like cable thick lol...s

[@kane6529]

@@WeenukChog no sir he wasn't using 18'S he used 13'S on the record and second half tour he was playing with 11'S towards the end due to pain in his fingers from being on tour playing night after night. The stories have become like a mythical beast and while SRV is my idol and the GOAT he was indeed an earthling 🤣

[@dart3407]

I "almost" believe that!!! LOL

[@PHeMoX]

@@kane6529 Actually, he absolutely wanted to use 17s all the time, but his management complained it would destroy his fingers / playing. Which was kind of true with how many gigs he played at, but he liked playing the thicker gauge strings way more. Not just for the sound. If you _can_ play them, it kind of makes sense, as you can go a lot crazier with them without them snapping. Stevie Ray Vaughan never used strings below 12 gauge. You're also wrong on how he used 13s on the record, he actually didn't. He used a 15 and 19 instead of a 17 and 26 you'd typically see in a 13s set. He played his main guitar, number 1, plenty of times with the heaviest strings he preferred actually. He also played with very high action, meaning plenty of room to bend those thicker strings. So nope, he didn't just 'pick the heaviest gauge strings he could find' _at all_ . He actually used a custom set to suit his playing style best. And what you hear on his record varies a bit actually. It's not strictly his 13s custom set at all. And yes, compared to the average guitar player, the guy preferred some insanely heavy strings. So what? Doesn't make him a god. He did have pretty large hands and fingers, so it kind of makes sense anyway. (And yes, he was basically a small dude at 5'4".)

[@johnvlas3639]

I WAS JUST ABOUT TO LEARN THIS AND PAUL LITERALLY READ MY MIND

[@irchristo]

"Every" SRV lover is "about to learn this," LOL 😂!

[@johnvlas3639]

@@irchristo yeah I was "about"to learn it for like a month xd

[@irchristo]

@@johnvlas3639 yeah, they're about to learn that they need to finish Jedi Master class before this one...LOL

[@robertbrown380]

A 13 minute video to explain something SRV probably figured out in 13 seconds. Dude was such a legend, this stuff just emanated from his soul. That’s not to diminish the work he did to master his craft, but one doesn’t play like him with JUST practice.

[@delanezdelanez5253]

Scuttlebutting* I would assume scuttlebuttin is a pronunciation with a accent of the term scuttlebutting. Scuttlebutt = A cask on a ship used to hold the day's supply of drinking water (or a drinking fountain of modern) Scuttlebutting = a slang word for taking a extended water break to talk to your shipmates, or maybe also known as slacking off. its still in common use today. Scuttlebutt, also used as a slang meaning for gossip.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Paul, a very impressive presentation/lesson! Thanks for doing it. You do know, right, that SRV didn't write this tune - at least not alone. He learned it from Lonnie Mack, one of his guitar idols. That's where he got the super-fast T-Bone Walker lick that is the main riff in the tune. Stevie took that riff and made an entire tune from it. OK, now that you have done such a great job demystifying "Scuttlebuttin'," please do the rhythm-lead hybrid riff from "Pride and Joy," in which SRV mixes single notes with chord comps not unlike a boogie-woogie piano player. That's another tough one to get just right....

[@jhobbs8024]

Bending 13s is the reason he would have to superglue his fingernails back down where he would split them from his fingers. Man was a beast! Awesome video!!

[@lawrencewoody3544]

I got it up to speed after about 2 hours of practicing it. Thanks for the help with this! I pulled the slides instead of the bends, and hybrid picking for the high E, but at speed, it sounds identical. It's not quite as clean as I want it to be. That last E in the riff was really hard to include cleanly. It's the easiest one to just give up on, but it sure does make a difference to the overall sound. What a fun time, and I never would have even tried without this video.

[@kelleyotto4714]

The reason Stevie Ray Vaughn could play like that is because he ate, breathed and slept playing his guitar. He would practice and practice till his fingers bleed till he got it right. He wouldn't even bath for days because it was all he had on his mind. How do I know this. My father Joe Bob Wilmore 'Jo Jo Gun' his best friend and bandmate from childhood.

[@wallywalpamur4960]

That's not true. he actually signed his soul to the devil and done heaps of coke. You can do anything on coke man!

[@Hi-levels]

It's like reverse addiction. Which makes you a legend boss demon guitar king

[@orange-rv9ek]

Speed and cocaine tends to have that effect

[@Marco-717]

@@orange-rv9ek no amount of coke could give you as much talent as this man possessed on his pinky alone. Clown.

[@tendiboi912]

did you make this comment to tell us you dad knew stevie are you really that deperate for attention

[@regbale]

By far a likable guy, very creative, great player, teacher, and a main reason to continue to use KZbin and view his channel

[@drsmith4582]

This should be the “end all” KZbin video for the Scuttle Buttin’ lick. Fully analyzed and great job! To learn to olay it properly, subgroup the notes and practice, practice, practice. Also it is important to mention that SRV played the individual notes of his live slide version using only his middle finger. 😳 😎

[@GuitarforHISGlory]

He actually hybrid picked that stuff. 👍🏻

[@michael4630]

Absolutely love your editing, your sens of humour plus speaking about a great great song by the legend Mr Stevie Ray. Couldn't expect any better :) Very interesting Mr Davids

[@accouswk]

Saw him play this live about 4 times. Never get tired of it. When I lived in DC I remember seeing a MLB baseball commercial playing awesome highlight plays to this song. Just perfect.

[@valentijnpiscaer-diemel7689]

That 4th wall break to explain "Challenge 0.5" was epic video editing.

[@Ojoe2010]

I like how it has to be slowed down to 20% to actually see and hear what SRV does :)

[@garynarducci8366]

Stevie Ray was inspired by his idol, Lonnie Mack. He played like that because he was paying tribute to Lonnie's song "Chickin' Pickin'. He also used a Leslie speaker to get the vibrato sound. That was Lonnie's signature tone. The exception is Lonnie played through a Magnatone amplifier with a stereo Vibrato channel. I have seen both Lonnie and Stevie play live.

[@lidoevera]

This was an amazing video... I love the fact that you include the way to study it and alternative picking and alternative ways to actually play it. Thank you very much, please do include these things in future videos. Much love from Argentina.

[@tjlazr]

Every now and then when I need some inspiration I go to the live at el morcambo videos, this is a fantastic breakdown of a riff I’ve always struggled with!

[@KennyEvansUK]

The best guitar lessons on the internet bar none. So much depth and additional info that all go to make the part.

[@derekemrie2987]

Fan: "Can I have your autograph" Stevie: "Sure, but I gotta let my hands cool down or I'll cause a fire"!

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Had a feelin' it was this riff before even clicking. The struggle is real...

[@irchristo]

I agree. I knew cold dead certain what Paul was going to cover before I clicked and it broke my heart, but I had to look, had to try again.

[@pjfee]

The thing about Stevie is he could play amazingly fast but also he could play so soulful too. "The Sky is Crying" or probably my favorite "Lenny", for example. I know there are some videos floating around with him playing acoustic too. Just a great player. I don't live too far from where he passed away, but I couldn't make to that show. I wish I could have seen him live. RIP SRV

[@slashusr]

Thanks, Paul. Another one for the files. Scuttlebutt is nautical slang meaning shipboard/shipyard rumor, gossip. I was in the USN and we used it commonly: "The scuttlebutt is, we're shipping out for 'Nam next week", for example. It derives from the butt (barrel) of water usually lashed to the mainmast, where seamen would gather for a drink of fresh water. Wow, I guess it's sort of like modern water-cooler gossip in the office, now I think on it. Also, when you sink a ship on purpose (but not by firing upon it), you scuttle it.

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

This is one of those riffs you can't think too much about. I find when I over-analyze a riff (or solo) I just get in my own way. If you try breaking it down and learning it slowly, step by step, you'll never get the fluidity. Once you know basically where you want to be just throw your fingers into it until they find the right pattern. Trust your ear. May not work for everyone but it's helped me immensely over the years (I've been a studio/session player for 30+ years). Great riff and great lesson. Stay safe everyone. Cheers.

[@pyratoothNL]

Agreed, at times the the just f-in go it for it technique is sometimes faster and more natural sounding.

[@dannyrybeck]

Scuttlebutt in slang usage means rumor or gossip, deriving from the nautical term for the cask used to serve water (or, later, a water fountain).[1][2] The term corresponds to the colloquial concept of a water cooler in an office setting, which at times becomes the focus of congregation and casual discussion. Water for immediate consumption on a sailing ship was conventionally stored in a scuttled butt: a butt (cask) which had been scuttled by making a hole in it so the water could be withdrawn. Since sailors exchanged gossip when they gathered at the scuttlebutt for a drink of water, scuttlebutt became Navy slang for gossip or rumours

[@stefanoprevitali1954]

Wow, amazing explanation

[@thomaskane9298]

I've never really listened to SRV until I watched this.... pop some tracks on whilst showering....wow!! Terrific vid.

[@Maurizio70GilmourFan]

Paul did the best rendition on the web for this incredible lick!

[@latfat]

Paul is so watchable and makes me feel the content he covers is achievable by pleebs like myself. Some vids are just showcases for their abilities but this guy takes care to break down the finer points, giving you just enough info about theory without losing your interest. Great teacher and excellent musician!

[@DavidHainlin]

When working on this challenging riff, I take a break by watching the SRV soundcheck vid (big yawns, goofing around dialing in tones and then straight in to Scuttle Buttin for the freaking sound check). Def inspires me to keep pushing for the fluidity and ease of this cramped and blisteringly hard riff. I'm playing on Les Paul scale length with 10's can't imaging 13's on Strat length. Legendary.

[@t.vandijk2018]

Totally amazing!

[@budgetguitarist]

Yeah, I noticed that too. Like Stevie could order lunch while playing that riff - it appears effortless for him. And I can't even come close to his speed after years of trying. He was a speed demon.

[@billytremoloband7456]

By the looks of it to on that sound check vid he is nursing a really bad hangover......! It was probably at the peak of his booze/coke days!

[@irchristo]

Strat's 3/4" longer than a Les Paul... Is that what you mean?

[@DavidHainlin]

Chris Thompson yep. 25.5 always feels heavier on bends on first few frets to my old hands

[@OhanaFilms]

Me 13 minutes ago "I'm going to learn this" Me now "I quit"

[@zolfodor4835]

Ha ha same.

[@TheWindmill75]

For real bro.

[@alfredojarillo3146]

Don’t brother , fucking hated it, but you WILL get it! Even if it takes you 5yrs

[@gezor20]

just slide it and hum the rest

[@NoNameNo.5]

It’s Stevie bro, I quit him Like every 3 months (start with tight rope tho)

[@alexanderwicks9211]

Bro, I grew up in Texas my dad played Stevie ray aaaaaalllll the time, I’m so glad you put respect on him I feel a lot of people don’t.

[@TheRumbles13]

Couldn't stand the weather is still one of my favorite albums

[@MikeYeary]

I've always liked this song, but never viewed it as one that I wanted to learn. Watching you break it down, though, has me interested. It'd be a good one to have in the back pocket and pull out at a jam.

[@neilholmanmusic9087]

Great humour. And u resolved the slide-live v bend-record mystery. Legend!

[@Notjay95]

Scuttlebutt was like a water fountain on a ship. When sailors gathered around it for water, they commonly exchanged gossip, so scuttlebutt became synonymous with gossip

[@DomesticTruther]

Go Navy

[@harrymills2770]

It dates back to sailing ships, when they dipped water out of a barrel.

[@lorenzopallotti2000]

"Click that like button, gently, if you learned something" Oh yeah...I learned I'll never be able to even try this at full speed haha

[@brettallgood6541]

I'm gonna try it. I already know i will never get it at any speed, injured right hand can't even hold a pick. But, i think it will add to my knowledge because the left hand still works. Something from this lesson will end up in my playing

[@phildavies6107]

Thanks Paul for your excellent videos. I have been playing for many years and your videos really do what you proclaim: "Keeping guitar playing fresh". Your work and sharing your knowledge is greatly appreciated!

[@dchristo10]

Never mind the guitar. How is he holding that pipe in his mouth? That's the most rock star move I've seen.

[@firstnamelastname1101]

Gangsta!

[@Starcrunch72]

@@creamwobbly hmmmm, I think it was Colomiban flakes...;)

[@MikeB3542]

That's an old Donald "Duck" Dunn move

[@jasonkeith9317]

@@MikeB3542 I think he probably got that move from his hero Albert King.

[@AdrianAndersson]

Stevie was inspired by Albert. King always did that on his shows

[@jennhill8708]

I really love how you explain & illustrate guitar. I’ll never play guitar. I have small hands & could never quite reach those chords. It’s great fun! I’m planning to learn to play my Gothic harp. I turn 65, this month. I’m going to just play folk songs. But, I love those who understand the bones of the music.

[@dmartyair]

Don't let hand size stop you. That dosen't matter! You can do it!!!

[@TheseStars]

Awesome Video! So much fun to watch! In the comments I read that the SCUTTLE BUTTIN' is a term used in the Navy about casual gossip. That's exactly what the lick sends a message of ---people chattin' non stop---just like this lick. Whats even more fun is that his name STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN anagrams into HEAVES NAVY GUITAR. Stevie is in a league all his own.

[@jonathanblaine4121]

One of my favorite licks (riffs?) by my absolute favorite guitarist. Love SRV. What a beast he was.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

He didn't write it. Lonnie Mack did. He got a lot of his licks from Lonnie. Stevie was a lot more popular but I think you have to pay homage to who actually wrote these originally. Lonnie was a great guitar player from a small record label and he didn't get near the recognition. Listen to camp Washington chilli. Stevie called Lonnie the baddest guitar player around. He was super heavily influenced by him. The two were friends so I'm sure Lonnie was appreciative of the fact that Stevie took some of his licks to the mainstream.

[@joeedbkk]

SRV was a beast and noone comes close. RIP.

[@johnmattei2799]

Paul. You are just the best teacher i have ever seen. You are so controled and smart.

[@PapaShongo25]

Stevie could play like everyone else but no one could play like Stevie

[@donricchio4817]

Stevie can’t play like everyone else. Can only play like himself

[@ymrollover]

@@donricchio4817 はい、そして我々はそれに感動し、挫折します。😅

[@SonsOfThunder229]

@@donricchio4817he may have meant other blues guitarists.

[@BrettPapa]

Lol 0.5 love it!! Great vid man!

[@subchan6595]

I first hears SRV back in early 80s play Cold Shot - I was beside my self. Then I heard Scuttlin Buttin and went to my guitar teacher to ask for advise on how to play it. I struggled with it for about 10 years but could never come close I saw Stevie play in the Hordan Pavillion in Sydney in the 80s, 3rd row from front, was 3 meters from him and it was aamzing. Such a solid sound.

[@VodkaSelekta]

You obviously havn't heard about Stevie Ray Vaughan's open string bending technique. All he has to do is look at an open string and he bends it using only his mind. Apparently, he stole the technique from Uri Geller.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

haha... 'love it !!!... Crossbow

[@OkinInc]

😂😂😂.

[@paulwilberforce9659]

Surprised you're thr first to comment this !

[@dthree4113]

"only try to realize the truth...there is no string"

[@douglasfuqua7082]

@@dthree4113 That's good!!!

[@TurdFerguson101]

When my kids were young, I would play this on my guitar, during their birthday parties, as they played musical chairs. Both of those kids ended up playing guitar.

[@pffffffff476]

Never seen such a good explanation of ear use to point out lick details

[@Br4dSp34d]

I've always loved your video content, but adding in the "interruptions" had made your videos even more enjoyable. Great lesson here, keep up the great work!

[@rapidrhinoplumbing-monrovi3269]

Stevie knew what he wanted, had high aspirations, and he did the work. The world is witness to that. Few played better.

[@rossechols1313]

Scuttlebutt in slang usage means rumor or gossip, deriving from the nautical term for the cask used to serve water (or, later, a water fountain). The term corresponds to the colloquial concept of a water cooler in an office setting, which at times becomes the focus of congregation and casual discussion.

[@darkside5963]

I love your humor where your other personality inturpts you all the time it makes me laugh every time right off the hop it's actually why I started really listening to you in the beginning