SRV's "Downward" Vibrato Technique

#srv #vibrato #bluesguitarlessons
Despite my best efforts to copy everything Stevie did, I somehow missed his downward vibrato technique. Later, when I noticed something was different, I just assumed there was no difference in sound between pulling and pushing the string. But in this lesson I'll show you a few things about his downward vibrato technique that actually do make it sound different, and as a result, more like him.
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[@robdavis8307]

You've nailed it. The B being taken for a ride is very much a part of Stevie's sound. It was all of the little things combined that made him so stellar, and instantly recognizable.

[@xealzy944]

Great info! I’ve always used downward vibrato, just feels more natural to me

[@jordanclark1200]

Anthony, you’re a genius.

[@xfighter1117]

I’ve always done the backwards vibrato just because it was easier and more comfortable. And I got more vibrato doing it that way. Good lesson

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

I caught that back in 1986 when I learned “Texas Flood” from ACL ‘84 that I’d recorded on VHS. I never thought about the reasons why because I was just copying him. But I totally follow your reasoning…very well explained and demonstrated as usual! Great job Anthony!

[@gnawbabygnaw]

There’s a badge of honor to tell yer grandkids about. “When I was your age one video took up a whole videotape that was as big as your PlayStation 25.” Lol.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@gnawbabygnaw Right!🤣

[@Keith85210]

Thank you for your insight. SRV is BAD ASS.

[@deeparoyal7349]

The up v down pick attack is also very different, expressively and tonewise 😊

[@glennmartin4232]

Yes, Anthony. It sounds completely different and Stevie was very aggressive with this downward vibrato. Much more effective and a little tricky to master

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Your stuff has made a big difference for me. Thank you. 🤙🤙

[@ltnats]

Great observation and well articulated!!

[@naturestonesmusic592]

Woah, that exactly how I do mine. I thought that’s how most people do it. It’s actually harder for me to do it upwards without additional fingers 😂 I combine that technique with moving my wrist and arm

[@waynegram8907]

TEXAS BLUES ALLEY, Watch SRV live 1990 austin city limits because he uses bends UP but then started bending notes DOWN because the strats tremolo unit will float down when pulling the string down so it has an out of tune flatting the note so you get these BLUE NOTES. Robin Trower does this also. Try to make a video lesson about it its a cool trick

[@northernbiscuit7349]

If you go back to , you do this and it makes w huge difference then a bend forward , ahead of ur time

[@randyc5650]

Anthony, Jimi did it up and down while sliding up and down the neck. Listen for it. It's about half the speed of yours while going up and down the neck. Thanks.

[@user-pm3bo5no2b]

It is bc downward vibrato sounds more full and takes more space. The upward bend you have to bend slightly faster

[@joebot9309]

Plus the b is much smaller than the d string meaning ease of control.

[@TheToneLounge]

With a downward vibrato, the movement seems to be slower too. When bending upwards we tend to move a bit faster and it sounds far less controlled.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Good observation.

[@inertiallychallenged]

Luckily, I learned it this way. I absorbed that from watching Stevie as well as his "Godfather" Albert King.

[@nameisnotwhatyouthink3342]

I believe another reason he bent downward is because he listened to Albert king who bend down because he played with his guitar upside down

[@9418matthew]

What did Stevie do on the "b string"?

[@Voodoo66Chile]

Interesting, I've been a Jimi copycat and since first seeing footage of Jimi just weeks after getting my first guitar I noticed and mimiced his vibrato. I nevet realized people played vibratos up, Jimi does the downward vibrato aswell. You can really hear this in the Foxey Lady intro as the notes under the vribato sound/resonate. Really cool video tho, made me stop and think thats for sure.

[@bmphil3400]

From my first try at vibrato I tried the BB King "butterfly" etc.....but down vibrato always felt right from a grip perspective. Pushing up just feels wrong.

[@Twinkie1960]

yuu mentioned heavy stringz….what size range do yuu use….

[@Texasbluesalley]

.011 - .049

[@Jean62500]

👍 🎸

[@blueslexie]

Simple, pulling down is easier. Albert King did it. Strings upside down. Big 3 steps bends......

[@lalon2337]

I also think vibrato with the index finger is way easier and more natural if you pull down. If I push, I find it more efficient with 3 fingers. If I'm not mistaking pulling down is something typical for BB King.

[@douglasnyhof1565]

“They sound the same.” I’m sure in isolated tracks there’s a difference but in a full band… I really don’t think there’s any perceived differences that would warrant changing your style.

[@Texasbluesalley]

I think with a cranked amp and the compression and harmonics that come with overdriving the tubes, the differences might be more noticeable than you think.

[@douglasnyhof1565]

@@Texasbluesalley no one really cranks their amp in a live set anymore. It’s all close mic in an iso-cab through a pa.

[@robdavis8307]

Close mic'ed cabs are going to make nuance even more noticeable. Such as the B ringing ever so slightly.

[@douglasnyhof1565]

@@robdavis8307 I’ve never finished a set with someone telling me they can tell what vibrato I’m using. Subtle nuance is lost in a full mix.

[@douglasnyhof1565]

@@robdavis8307 I would like to somewhat contradict my original statement by stating there’s a huge difference in studio or live recording vs live audience members. My argument was to the live “I’m in the audience”. The only way to hear these nuances is to listen to mic’d recordings. You’ll never hear it if you were sitting on the floor.

[@chumbels]

Since my muscle memory won't permit it,I'm calling bullshit!