Riviera Paradise - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Learn to Master Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Signature Touch

"Riviera Paradise" is one of the most beautifully expressive instrumentals ever recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan. This stunning track from the In Step album showcases Vaughan’s ability to blend blues, jazz, and soul into an emotional masterpiece. With a combination of smooth phrasing, lush chord voicings, and dynamic control, Riviera Paradise serves as a perfect study in musical expression for guitarists.

Our note-for-note Licklibrary.com lesson breaks down every detail of this song, helping you master its intricate phrasing and techniques. Whether you’re looking to enhance your touch, improve your vibrato, or refine your ability to play with feeling, this lesson will guide you through the nuances of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing style. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Riviera Paradise"

Stevie Ray Vaughan, the legendary Texas bluesman, is at the heart of Riviera Paradise. Known for his fiery blues licks, impeccable phrasing, and soulful touch, Vaughan created a sound that remains timeless. Unlike his usual high-energy blues-rock style, Riviera Paradise is a jazz-infused instrumental that highlights his softer, more melodic side.

Joining him on the track is keyboardist Reese Wynans, whose lush piano textures complement Vaughan’s smooth guitar lines. Bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton (Double Trouble) lay down a gentle groove that provides the perfect foundation for this expressive piece.

Vaughan’s influence extends beyond blues, shaping guitarists across multiple genres. His ability to blend jazz-style chords with bluesy phrasing makes Riviera Paradise a standout piece in his catalog, offering valuable lessons for any guitarist looking to develop a more refined touch.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vaughan’s vibrato is one of the most expressive in blues guitar. This technique adds richness and emotion to each note, making them sing with a vocal-like quality. By mastering vibrato, you’ll develop greater control over sustain and tone, allowing your playing to feel more dynamic and alive.

String Bending

Many of the expressive phrases in Riviera Paradise feature string bending, where Vaughan subtly bends notes to add depth and emotion. Practicing bends will improve your intonation, helping you hit the exact pitch with confidence and fluidity.

Slides

Smooth, vocal-like transitions between notes are achieved through slides. This technique helps create a seamless, flowing sound, making your lead lines feel more natural and connected.

Double Stops

Vaughan frequently employs double stops, playing two notes simultaneously for a richer, fuller sound. This technique is essential for blues and jazz guitarists, adding harmonic depth to melodies.

Chord Progressions

The lush, jazz-influenced chord progressions in Riviera Paradise are a defining feature of the song. Learning these progressions will expand your harmonic vocabulary and help you navigate more sophisticated jazz and blues compositions.

Legato

Many of Vaughan’s fluid phrases utilise legato, a technique involving hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, effortless lines. Developing your legato technique will enhance your speed and fluidity when playing melodic passages.

Hybrid Picking

Some sections of Riviera Paradise benefit from hybrid picking, combining pick and fingers to achieve a more dynamic and nuanced attack. This technique enhances control and articulation, making your playing sound more refined and expressive.

Arpeggios

The song incorporates beautifully voiced arpeggios, outlining the underlying chord changes with melodic movement. Mastering arpeggios will improve your ability to solo over complex progressions and add sophistication to your playing.

Sustain

A crucial aspect of Vaughan’s playing in this song is his ability to sustain notes, letting them breathe and resonate. Learning to control sustain will allow you to shape phrases with greater emotion and depth.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Legato
• Hybrid Picking
• Arpeggios
• Sustain

By studying Riviera Paradise, you’ll not only gain technical proficiency but also develop a deeper understanding of how to convey emotion through your guitar playing. This lesson is perfect for players looking to elevate their blues and jazz phrasing while refining their overall touch and musical expression.