Cold Shot - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s "Cold Shot" is a blues-rock masterpiece that showcases his signature tone, phrasing, and rhythmic groove. In our LickLibrary guitar lesson, we take an in-depth look at every note, helping you master this classic track with the precision and flair it deserves. This lesson breaks down the key techniques Vaughan used, giving you the tools to enhance your blues playing and overall guitar skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "Cold Shot" – Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Influence

Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) is one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, known for his fiery playing, rich tone, and expressive phrasing. His fusion of Texas blues, rock, and jazz elements has inspired countless guitarists. On "Cold Shot," SRV delivers a laid-back yet deeply grooving performance that highlights his impeccable feel and command over the instrument. His unique approach to blues phrasing, along with his powerful rhythmic control, makes this song an essential study for any aspiring blues player.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Cold Shot"

String Bending

SRV’s string bending technique adds emotion and expressiveness to his playing, allowing notes to soar with a vocal-like quality. Learning to bend strings accurately helps guitarists develop better pitch control and articulation in their solos.

Vibrato

One of Vaughan’s signature elements, his deep and controlled vibrato gives notes a powerful and soulful feel. Mastering vibrato enhances sustain, adding life and character to your playing.

Double Stops

SRV often used double stops, playing two notes simultaneously to create a fuller, harmonised sound. This technique is a staple of blues and rock, adding depth and aggression to your licks.

Slides

Throughout "Cold Shot," Vaughan incorporates slides to create smooth, fluid transitions between notes. Sliding adds a dynamic feel to phrases and enhances the bluesy nature of your playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

A key part of SRV’s style is his ability to groove within a syncopated rhythm structure. This gives his playing a loose yet driving feel, allowing the guitar to lock in with the rhythm section while still feeling free.

Chord Progressions

Understanding chord progressions is crucial for grasping the song’s harmonic structure. "Cold Shot" uses a classic 12/8 blues progression with Vaughan’s distinctive rhythmic approach, making it an excellent lesson in blues rhythm guitar.

Bluesy Bends

Vaughan’s bluesy bends create tension and release within his phrases, adding expressiveness and emotion. This technique is fundamental to blues playing and helps develop finger strength and precision.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

The fluid licks in "Cold Shot" feature hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for smooth note transitions without excessive pick attack. This technique enhances legato playing and adds speed to your phrases.

Rakes

SRV’s aggressive style often involves rakes, where muted strings are strummed before hitting a target note. This adds percussive attack and accentuates key notes in a phrase.

Palm Muting

By incorporating palm muting, Vaughan creates a dynamic contrast between muted and open notes, giving his riffs a punchy, percussive quality. This is a vital technique for controlling tone and articulation.

Why Learn "Cold Shot"?

• Develop Expressiveness: Learning SRV’s bends, vibrato, and double stops will teach you to play with more feeling.
• Improve Groove & Timing: The syncopated rhythms and blues chord progressions help you lock in with the band.
• Enhance Your Blues Vocabulary: Mastering Vaughan’s phrasing, slides, and rakes will add more depth to your playing.
• Strengthen Your Technique: The combination of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and palm muting refines your control and dexterity.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Rakes
• Palm Muting

By learning "Cold Shot," you'll gain invaluable insights into Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing style while developing essential blues techniques that will elevate your guitar skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this lesson will help you capture the feel and groove of one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. Start mastering "Cold Shot" today with our LickLibrary note-for-note lesson!