Guitar Techniques Revealed: Sound Like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Clapton, and More

[@mikelundquist4596]

I think it was John Mayer who said that lots of folks can sound like Stevie for a few licks, but no one can sound like him for a whole show. I'm loosely paraphrasing of course.

[@evergladesrhythm]

That makes a lot of sense. Every player is unique, especially when you 'find your voice' as a guitar player. It's good to pick up what we can learn from all the greats.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Yeah it's pretty obvious - he played with a certain intensity.

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Why does JM let his fans call him a blues guitarist in the same league. He is more than an admirable pop song writer and singer, but he is neither a bluesman nor a guitar hero.

[@mikelundquist4596]

@@whimpypatrol5503 well, I'm not a JM "fan", but I saw him at a Crossroads concert and he played with Clapton, BB and Buddy Guy. He didn't suck. Also, don't fool yourself, he is a guitar hero to many.

[@shable1436]

He can play for one measure like anyone, Hendrix, srv, or Garcia., but his ego won't let him develop a sound of his on

[@angusmacdonald9484]

Thanks Darren .....getting loads out of your posts. Great teaching style and an encyclopaedic understanding of the greats.

[@evergladesrhythm]

You’re Very welcome Angus. The pianist in Everglades Rhythm is almost like a rock and roll historian- working with him the last decade has been an education! Plus I've been playing professionally my whole life in some shape or form.

[@picksalot1]

This is one of the best videos I've seen demoing one of the most important techniques necessary to get a great sound from the guitar. And to have explored so many different styles accurately in such a short time speaks volumes to your abilities as a guitarist and teacher. Really impressive! Subscribed. Thanks 😎

[@evergladesrhythm]

Wow, thanks! I am glad you watched it. It is amazing how those little things, like changing the angle of your picking hand can influence your whole playing style! Thanks for Subscribing.

[@SMBorthwick]

This is an absolutely fascinating breakdown of styles and techniques. Clearly a huge amount of thought and dedication went into this. Well worth a sub. Looking forward to learning more from you.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Wow, thank you! Great to hear the positive feedback.

[@Sadlander2]

It is true that as soon as SRV plays a couple of notes, you immediately recognise that it's him. Out of curiosity, I've watched quite a few videos about how to get that tone. A lot of people mention the strings gauge, what model of Tube Screamer he used and how to set it up, the guitar pickups, the guitar itself, the amp and amp settings... I was never really convinced but as soon as you started playing with your Squier, that tone sounded very familiar!!!

[@evergladesrhythm]

That's really cool. Glad I'm doing something right eh? Thanks for watching

[@roscius6204]

Yep, I can dial in a close enough for jazz SRV tone but that picking style is just not in my fingers. There's always something new to learn. Haven't used a celluloid pick forever. I also think there's a lot in the way he releases the strings with his left hand that add to that percussive quality.

[@tymanngruter1808]

Its in the fingers, nobody sounds the same! That celluloid pick is a must to get a nice tone! 🎯

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes, I like the sound of the medium Celluloid a lot, very different from the Nylon.

[@tymanngruter1808]

@@evergladesrhythm let us buy 666 of em both! 🤭

[@jamesbond4633]

This was great!! Excellent and easy explanation o follow along with. Very practical!! Also the little video clips reinforced exactly what you were pointing out and demonstrated. So very credible presentation and well thought out!! Thumbs UP from Canada!!!!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad it was helpful! Glad you found the channel James Bond (?!)

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

SRV runs through my blood like a cousin, I've lived the life. I remember where I was, which direction I was facing when I heard the news. Spent my whole childhood planning to meet Stevie, the sky fell hard that day. I was 10. Rest in peace SRV. Guitar hero..

[@evergladesrhythm]

Guitar Hero indeed.

[@michaelbiggs7129]

Great Great Great video.. Thanks 👍👍

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you too!

[@BlueJAndrew]

Incredible video. Great insight.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Much appreciated!

[@stuie382]

With Jimi - try playing an upside down strat and the hand and arm position makes a lot more sense

[@evergladesrhythm]

Good point!

[@swordfish211]

I greatly admire your ability to understand and reproduce those sounds. Best I just keep my playing to myself😢

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you friend- best way to get better as a guitar player is to play with other people. Get out there!

[@mrnomad55]

this is great stuff. you play just like they do in every way. Great video

[@evergladesrhythm]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@Vincent.Blanchard]

i like your attack on showing, teaching and storytelling. I appreciate you sir. @MarlboroManBand

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you're here Vincent! Thanks for watching.

[@Thiagomancha]

Very good!!! Thank you so much for this incredible explanation

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks so much! Glad you watched.

[@johndooley7812]

Awesome lesson.🎯🎯🙏

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you! 😃 Glad you found the channel John.

[@raygarcia2727]

Could you please demonstrate how Carlos Santana gets his sound . I wish I had you as my guitar instructor when I started playing . Thank you for an incredible video . Best I’ve seen on KZbin . Peace ☮️

[@evergladesrhythm]

great idea!

[@Peter-em7wl]

Killer break down

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Peter

[@brianmatthews232]

superb!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you! Cheers Brian.

[@Freeontheland2030]

Very enjoyable and I may have gleaned a thing or two as well, seriously great playing, thanks.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LRHutch]

Good video man. Tone is in the hands thats right.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching

[@motherelmtree609]

For a no pick user or thumb player I always liked Toy Caldwell from Marshall Tucker Band

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes, there are some incredible no pick users!

[@jakeblues3676]

I agree with others, just fantastic video

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you so much. Glad you found the channel.

[@andymat7359]

This is great, thanks man.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you found the channel!

[@MrFrenchHarp]

Playing with the other end of a pick and using rakes and lots of up strokes are a big part of my playing. As well as palming the pick and using 3-4 fingers to play something ( Mark Knopfler and Roy Buchanan stuff ) and then fluidly pulling the pick back out of my palm to use without any noticeable pause in the flow of my playing or phrasing. As far as hitting two notes at one time as a way of supporting the melody itself IS something I do on harmonica and guitar alike. Like slurs or one strong note with a subtle other note lightly blending in but not distracting the primary note line. Little harmonies.. root 3rds 4ths and 5ths, etc. This is a killer video on the subtle things that can make one guitar player ( or harmonica player ) sound drastically different than another.

[@roscius6204]

Nailed it. Nice gear is great but most of the vibe is in the fingers. Zappa's pick technique is an interesting one, he use a lot of up and under the strings for that snappy attack.

[@evergladesrhythm]

yes!

[@ron3676]

Its the (fingers) the (Gauge) of strings and (pick-ups) these three make a big difference in signature tones.

[@evergladesrhythm]

👍🏼 Agreed

[@TomiLoveless]

DARREN!!!! Auto subscribe Share and Like, Very Nice Playing. You got my attention immediately! why have I never heard you before? Are you related to ROY Clarke?

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Tomi. I'm not related to Roy no. I've been playing guitar my whole life, also writing songs, building businesses, producing for people and these days producing media channels (like this one) and Podcasts (my day job)! But guitar has been my passion and the common thread since i was 10:) I'lll have to do an ABOUT ME video when i hit 10K Subs.

[@richardcasey4439]

This is great

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Richard 😎

[@gerrygreen1]

Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it thanks. My first time here and will definitely be checking out more of your stuff 😊

[@evergladesrhythm]

Nice! Glad you found the channel Gerry

[@aminahmed2220]

Hat a fantastic video have a wonderful day ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you! You too!

[@crabbybastardguitars9955]

Another great video. I got to know what that black double cut guitar is. I can't stop staring at it.

[@evergladesrhythm]

It is a custom Gene Baker. Kind of like the Robben Ford guitar. Gene is an awesome guitar builder. I have had that guitar for a long time! In fact it was once even stolen from me, but it found its way back to me by a miracle.

[@LeeMcDaidDonegal]

3:01 The thing that struck me the most in this clip (I never noticed this until recently) was the amount of "Economy Picking" Stevie uses ... I've watched this clip many times but only twigged on to the economy picking aspect of his playing when I began seriously studying economy picking myself last year.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Very true

[@camdenwilliams7583]

This channel is going to explode. This was an incredible video, thank you for the insights on all these topics. Perhaps I halfway knew bits of this in the back of my mind but you explained it so clearly that I can now use it in my own playing, great lesson

[@evergladesrhythm]

I hope so! Thanks Camden- glad you found the videos

[@Tigers25]

Subscribed! Thanks!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Awesome, thank you!

[@spatnaspolecnost]

Looks like this video really exploded for you huh? I admit it was the thumbnail and SRV that got me hooked. I saw a couple of videos recently discussing Jimi's picking, seems like a thing people are starting to talk about now. Sweet explanation man, subbed!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Tha ms so much! Appreciate it!

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Great video. One thing I always loved about Jimi and SRV is the great rhythmic drive fueling their playing. (In a trio, you an’t just play lead!)

[@evergladesrhythm]

Couldn't agree more!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jeffro.]

This is great stuff, just the kind of stuff that i like to think about! Y'know, I've tried other picks, and I've even tried to practice with 'em until i "get used to 'em." But i always come back to the same thin, red pick that i like best, i wanna say its delrin maybe? I've tried nylon, i like that too, but i haven't found a pick with the shape, thickness and texture (for a good grip) that i like. I always go back to the same red, thin pick with the great texture that i like best! On using the rounded edge instead of the point: I've had ppl tell me, seen in instructional videos, etc, that "in order to play fast, you MUST use the rounded side instead of the point." I have tried, and again, I've practiced like that for awhile in order to adapt to it, but i still can't play as fast as i can with the point! I guess it boils down to personal preference. I do a lot of things with my pick to get my sound, and i can't do those those things with the stiff rounded edge, only with the soft point! I mute, kill notes, and all kinds of stuff with the soft, flexible point. i can pick fast, play with hard attack, & much more with that soft, flexible point. And, i like the sound & percussion i get when playing rhythm with that pick. I have pretty good speed & accuracy with it, too, i can jump strings & so on with no problem. I also can't play with a coin or a sea shell (Ed King, Skynard). I don't know how they do it! Oh, well. Maybe I won't make a career sounding like other players, but I'll sound like me, I guess. 👍👍👍

[@evergladesrhythm]

Exactly. Do what’s working for you!

[@graemethorne4540]

Thank you 👍 subbed

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks for the sub! Makes a big difference.

[@johnhotz1400]

Please technician! Technician! Love it thanks!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Hi John, Thanks for watching!

[@therealBocaStudios]

No one ever talks about Warren Haynes. Warren is the best guitarist alive today and is top of the list of all time.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yeah he's amazing. I love slide- I’ll have to do a slide video soon.

[@vspaulding1]

Very Nice:)

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you! Glad you found the channel.

[@Chasetenny]

Dude this was a fantastic video! Thanks for taking the time to share your teachings on this! Sure intrigued to play more and see more of your content. Also... what squier is that?! Sounded great!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you enjoyed it Chase! Its an 80’s Japanese Squire.

[@roberthoury4034]

Thank you!

[@evergladesrhythm]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching Robert

[@johnphillips752]

Yep, that's the basic DNA of those sounds. I just caught on by playing by ear and tactile feel from the early 70s. I had the vinyl recordings and would happen to discover the feel and sound and think "Oo.. that sounds like... so THAT'S how it feels to get that sound!?" As I got older I started analyzing and systematically breaking down how I did those things and then compare to videos how the greats were getting those sounds. But by then I had my own approach. Some of it was just like them, but in other ways totally different than anyone. You just sort of develop your own quirky style. It's great to break habits and learn new ones, and then go back to what came about naturally. After a while, it all sort of blends and you emerge out of the cocoon. But then again, there's those times when I think I could never really play anything to begin with.

[@evergladesrhythm]

100%. hahaah.

[@bloozedaddy]

In your clip of SRV he's clearly playing with the pointed end of the pick. Agreed his playing style was about attack. I tried to point this out to a guy on a Strat forum who posted a vid of an SRV song and he replied "well it was late and I couldn't get too loud"...I'm pretty sure he wasn't getting my point. 😅

[@brentmarcum1806]

I have that same Strat but can’t make it sound near as good, great video

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Brent! It's a process for sure. I've been doing this a long time:)

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Robin Trower mid 70's ... Yngwie Malmsteen mid 1980's ... 🎸

[@evergladesrhythm]

Nice!

[@MARKLINMAN1]

You forgot one thing, STRING SIZE will also have an effect on sound!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Totally, you're not wrong Mark! (Just not the focus of this video).

[@perkins1439]

The single coil pick up is the Secret

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yep that’s the Stevie sound

[@Wilyam-07]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks for watching!

[@weareelectricgi]

i love your strat tone in neck and middle position! is it out of phase? also i have a question, does srv and jimi hendrix uses out of phase on their strat?

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes its out of phase! And in answer to your question, SRV is famous for using the neck pick up but he often used position 2 and 4 (as did Hendrix)

[@weareelectricgi]

Thank you very much for the valuable information!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Of course! Glad you found the channel ⚡

[@As-pf1zu]

I am so frustrated now, I cannot get that 2 and A minor lick in little wing. It just doesn’t sound right. Any help would be appreciated Andrew

[@evergladesrhythm]

Have you tried slowing it down? That always helps me, its like putting it under a microscope.

[@waynegram8907]

EVERGLADES< when choking the guitar pick the way Hendrix & Clapton would choke the guitar pick how do you use the picking fingers to somewhat mute the strings without create pinch harmonics? I think hendrix, Clapton and Jimmy Page used NYLON picks while SRV used Cellulose picks?

[@evergladesrhythm]

Hi Wayne You have to find the sweet spot, where the pick is between the pads of your fingers. When you play around with different positions, you suddenly find the right mix of lick and fingers and it sounds really great. (The pinch harmonics normally happen off the thumb, so you can pull the thumb back a bit)

[@waynegram8907]

@@evergladesrhythm but you're using the guitar pick + meat of the index finger & meat of the thumb finger? It's hard to not create a pinch harmonic when doing this Hendrix Clapton choking picking

[@roscius6204]

@@waynegram8907 It's the confluence of events. You're correct but it's the contact and the timing that creates the pinch. Remembering to that part of that technique is adding harmonic nuance to the note.

[@waynegram8907]

@@roscius6204 that is a "partial" pinch harmonic

[@roscius6204]

@@waynegram8907 Not really sure what you're trying to uncover here. There's harmonic content in all notes. The degree to which you project them is determined by the style of attack. I personally play a thumb and parallel side of pointer style with a nylon JazzIII or Ultex pick edge parallel to the pointer. Not dissimilar the Clapton style most of the time I'm making contact with all 3 , top of pointer nail and edge of thumb nail, I open it up and or or use my wrist to alter the angle and attack. Using that same style I roll my wrist forward and project my thumb further and expose more pick tip for the pinched harmonics. I also alternate to just fingers with or without a pick. Thanks for making me take a closer look at what is really a life time of subtle adaptation.🤗

[@bluesdawg8014]

I've always use the round corner of my pick not the tip, 2mm gator pick. I play all G&L Los Angeles

[@evergladesrhythm]

I love G&L's! The ASAT's are beautiful. For years, I only used the tip of the pick, but then when I learned about Stevie, Jimi and how many different sounds you can make by adjusting your pick, it opened up a whole new world of tones! Very cool.

[@Shadowman-1960]

Ed King used to play with sea shells for picks.

[@evergladesrhythm]

That is cool! I'll have to try that.

[@sn00pgreen]

Ed was awesome

[@Shadowman-1960]

@@evergladesrhythm Ed talks about it in this video about the 17:22 mark. I read it gives the strings a chime and different tone. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ_Qlaybn7aMqc0si=tpwoKb7w8QUfgYgr

[@zzshankzz1968]

I believe it's Unmistakeable.....ahem

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks!🙂

[@lebethonii6683]

Like!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks for watching!

[@zenlandzipline]

Do you live in South Florida? (If you don’t want to say, I understand).

[@evergladesrhythm]

No I'm in Nashville! But our pianist (Rob Perkin) spent summers there and loves that part of the world (hence the name Everglades Rhythm).

[@zenlandzipline]

@@evergladesrhythm ok. Yeah, I thought maybe you were down here in S Florida because of the name of your channel. Great content bud. Do some Eric Johnson stuff

[@motherlessblues1565]

Every player of repute has very particular aspects to their playing,,, these all vary with each player. There is no formula Except to play as true & honest to your self,,,, forget about trying to be a Hendrix or Clapton cause you never will but be yourself and hone your own sound- this will set you apart.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Absolutely- but always have a growth mindset and you will go farther! Learn from the greats but find your own voice 👊🏼

[@bluevd12]

nice playn id be nice if gave up the secret of yur amp voicing and crunch levels.....

[@michaelvarney.]

As he said… the secret is not in the amp settings.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Hah well said Michael! But @blueVD12 Maybe in another video...

[@newenglandguitarman3345]

“… Stevie played slightly behind the beat” Bingo. That’s the key to blues ( and jazz) phrasing & is also very difficult to master unless you’re born with that sense of time in your playing .

[@evergladesrhythm]

Stevie had amazing feel

[@blackfishgaming7145]

Is that an early 80’s SQ Squier?

[@evergladesrhythm]

Well spotted! Yes, It is a great guitar. (I put Lindy Fralin pickups in it.)

[@blackfishgaming7145]

@@evergladesrhythm I have a white 83. I have had many strats over the years, but the Squier plays and sounds the best. They were made so well.

[@MrInfinite43]

I have a white 83 SQ Squier too........the lipsticks went into mine

[@bmcpsd31]

He talks about SRV using the rounded edge of the pick and then shows a clip of him clearly using pointy tip.

[@bobdillon1138]

If you watch the rest of the interview carefully he is clearly using the side of the pick it is fairly well known he used to do that and he has said he does it in other interviews and there are a some of his old picks that clearly show the wear is on the side not the pointy end.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Indeed 😄

[@shable1436]

I noticed you cannot talk without moving your hands off the neck, maybe you should practice that more, maybe talk with both hands on nevk and mouth and see what happens

[@evergladesrhythm]

Haha. You're probably right. But these videos take hours and hours already- I've got “bigger fish to fry”

[@hazor777]

Every time I’ve ever tried using Fender picks, they turned out to be crap

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yeah I’m a Dunlop pick guy most of the time

[@hazor777]

@@evergladesrhythm Dunlop is good , I prefer Clayton 1.52 - great picks

[@johncarlo7395]

What you played didn't sound anything like SRV, Your pick up selector switch was in the wrong position.

[@boblittle2529]

While that may be true, I think this video focused on technique rather than equipment ... ehh unless you classify a pick as "equipment"

[@zenlandzipline]

@@boblittle2529ummm, no. This guy should take down this video and re-do the entire thing, but this time use the correct pickups on the SRV section. I mean, if he hadnt actually said “Stevie”, I would have thought he was trying to sound like Metallica or Nirvana. I didn’t learn anything, because the sound was so far off, I couldn’t concentrate because I kept looking at his guitar and yelling at the screen:”Dude…TURN THE PICKUP SWITCH THE RIGHT WAY!!!!!” (S)

[@evergladesrhythm]

Hey @zenlandzipline @JohnCarlo7395! So- yes Stevie was famous for using the neck position but he did use multiple positions through his career:) tbh I just liked the way it sounded

[@evergladesrhythm]

On the song Little Wing he starts in the neck position , but in the verse he moves to position 4 and then plays the solo on the bridge - he’s all over the place he’s amazing

[@zenlandzipline]

@@evergladesrhythm I was being sarcastic. I thought it sounded great.

[@MacPakinga-gl8bu]

Just B your self don't copy anyone else how they do it just add your own feel that's were it comes from 🎸 mimicking 😂

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes! But all the greats were influenced by other artists, it’s human nature. But I completely agree- find your own voice 💯

[@MacPakinga-gl8bu]

@@evergladesrhythm influences do help from other artists I've done it but then I turn it around then other people notice it then tell me that sounds a bit like.say Dire Straits feel it's ok a bit of this and bit of that from other artists. Blues Rock country jazz . All sorts 🎸🎹🎷🎺🥁🪘🪇🪈🪗🎻🎤. Thank you for sharing. 🤘🏼.lovin' the influences 🎸

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you found the channel Mac

[@jimmiv5449]

Cut the crap! The Sound begins in your Fingers. You may get close to SRV , Clapton or Eddie V, but you don't have their Fingers. Deal with it.😀

[@jessieclarke9262]

Did you watch the video? You're literally agreeing with him. Once you get past the stuff about the pick he’s teaching how to play like they did. If you watch it you might enjoy it:)

[@doctari1061]

It took him “years” before this dawned on him? Does this guy not use KZbin? Everyone has know this for decades. Ridiculous

[@jessieclarke9262]

Its one thing to “know it” and another thing to truly get it and then be able to teach it right?

[@mcampbell5158]

You will never sound like any of them on a Squire. Say what you will, but it is true.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Haha fortunately i have other guitars 🎸 but i do a video about what’s great about this one- and why I’m using it- check it out

[@MrInfinite43]

Nonsense

[@roscius6204]

That my friend is about as silly a statement as could be made. rub a way the Squire decal if makes you feel better.

[@KB3eee]

YOU won’t sound like any of them on one, but we’ll be doing just fine. Keep blowing your money on gear bud