Learn to Play "Scuttle Buttin’" by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Introduction to "Scuttle Buttin’"

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s instrumental powerhouse, Scuttle Buttin’, is an explosive showcase of lightning-fast blues phrasing, intricate picking, and impeccable groove. The track, from his iconic Couldn't Stand the Weather album, exemplifies Vaughan’s ability to blend Texas blues with intense rock energy, making it a must-learn for any aspiring blues guitarist.

Our lesson breaks down Scuttle Buttin’ note for note, covering the essential techniques that define Vaughan’s fiery playing style. By mastering these techniques, guitarists can significantly improve their speed, precision, and ability to express themselves with dynamic blues phrasing. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Influence on Guitar Playing

Stevie Ray Vaughan revolutionised blues guitar with his aggressive yet fluid playing style. Drawing influence from Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and Buddy Guy, SRV took traditional blues vocabulary and injected it with fiery speed, heavy string gauge attacks, and soulful bends. His technique—combining intricate alternate picking with rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs—continues to inspire guitarists worldwide. Learning Scuttle Buttin’ is not just about playing a song; it’s about understanding the raw energy and precision that made Vaughan one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.

Techniques Focused on in This Lesson

Alternate Picking

The rapid-fire licks in Scuttle Buttin’ require consistent and precise alternate picking. This technique ensures smooth transitions between notes, helping you achieve the blistering speed needed for the song’s main riff. Mastering alternate picking improves your ability to play fast and cleanly across different strings, an essential skill for blues and rock guitarists.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Vaughan’s phrasing incorporates fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs, which allow for fast, legato runs without excessive picking. This technique helps to create a smooth, flowing sound and reduces strain on your picking hand when playing fast licks.

Slides

Slides add a vocal-like quality to SRV’s phrases, seamlessly connecting notes for a smooth, expressive feel. This technique enhances note transitions and improves finger dexterity while adding character to your playing.

String Bending

Vaughan frequently uses expressive string bending to add emotion and bluesy tension to his solos. Learning to bend accurately to pitch is a fundamental skill that improves ear training and enhances the dynamic quality of lead playing.

Double Stops

SRV’s rhythm and lead style often utilise double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to add thickness to licks. This technique strengthens finger independence and provides a richer blues sound.

Vibrato

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s signature vibrato is bold and wide, adding depth and sustain to notes. Developing a controlled, consistent vibrato improves expressiveness and helps you develop a more personal guitar voice.

Syncopated Rhythms

The tight, offbeat phrasing in Scuttle Buttin’ showcases syncopated rhythms, requiring precise timing and feel. Mastering syncopation improves rhythm playing, essential for blues and funk guitarists.

Open String Riffs

The song’s main riff relies on the use of open string riffs, which create a percussive, bouncing sound typical of Texas blues. Incorporating open strings into riffs enhances speed and adds a punchy attack to lead playing.

List of Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

This lesson will not only help you master Scuttle Buttin’, but also refine your blues guitar skills, speed, and phrasing. Get ready to channel your inner Stevie Ray Vaughan and take your playing to the next level!