Pride And Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan

Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan is one of the most iconic blues songs of all time. With its infectious shuffle groove, explosive lead lines, and signature Texas blues licks, it is a must-learn for any aspiring guitarist. Our LickLibrary guitar lesson breaks down this song note for note, helping you master Vaughan’s legendary playing style while developing essential techniques used in blues and rock guitar.

This in-depth lesson not only teaches you how to play Pride and Joy accurately but also focuses on key techniques that define Vaughan’s distinctive sound. Below, we explore each technique featured in the lesson, explaining its significance and the benefits of mastering it. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Stevie Ray Vaughan and His Influence

Stevie Ray Vaughan revolutionised blues guitar, blending fiery passion with masterful technical ability. His aggressive picking style, dynamic control, and soulful phrasing set a new standard for blues guitarists. Influenced by legends such as Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and Buddy Guy, Vaughan crafted a unique sound that seamlessly blended traditional blues with rock energy. His ability to inject raw emotion into every note made him one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Learning Vaughan’s style will help you build expressive phrasing, rhythmic confidence, and an authentic blues vocabulary.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Texas Shuffle Rhythm

The heart of Pride and Joy is its infectious Texas shuffle rhythm. Vaughan played this with a powerful down-up picking motion, accentuating the groove and giving it a driving, percussive feel. Mastering this technique improves right-hand control and develops a tight, swinging rhythm essential for blues and rock.

String Bending

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s bends are full of emotion, with a heavy attack and impeccable pitch control. Learning his approach to string bending helps you add expressiveness to your solos and strengthens finger independence.

Double Stops

Throughout Pride and Joy, Vaughan uses double stops, striking two notes simultaneously for a thicker, harmonised sound. This technique is a staple in blues and rock, adding richness and power to your licks.

Slides

Vaughan's lead lines incorporate expressive slides between notes, creating fluidity in his phrasing. Practicing slides will enhance your legato playing, making transitions between notes smoother.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

SRV's aggressive yet precise hammer-ons and pull-offs contribute to his signature fluidity. These techniques help in playing faster licks with less pick attack, improving finger dexterity and articulation.

Hybrid Picking

Vaughan often used a combination of pick and fingers (hybrid picking) to achieve his signature attack. This technique allows for greater dynamic control and adds a snapping effect to notes, common in Texas blues.

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the song’s key elements is its syncopated rhythmic feel, which creates a groovy, swinging pulse. Developing a strong sense of rhythm through this technique enhances timing and overall groove in your playing.

Palm Muting

To keep certain sections percussive and tight, Vaughan employed palm muting to control sustain and dynamics. This technique improves control over note articulation, making your playing more expressive.

Bluesy Bends

SRV’s signature bluesy bends add a vocal-like quality to his leads. Learning this technique will help you inject soulfulness into your playing and develop pitch accuracy.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Hybrid Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Bluesy Bends

Learning Pride and Joy will not only improve your blues phrasing but also develop essential technical skills needed for various styles. Dive into our note-for-note LickLibrary lesson and start playing like Stevie Ray Vaughan today!