Scuttle Buttin' by Stevie Ray Vaughan

"Scuttle Buttin’" by Stevie Ray Vaughan is a high-octane instrumental masterpiece showcasing Vaughan’s technical brilliance and deep connection to the blues. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dives into the intricate details of this iconic song, helping you master its lightning-fast licks and nuanced phrasing. This lesson not only breaks down every riff and solo but also emphasises the essential guitar techniques that make "Scuttle Buttin’" a quintessential Stevie Ray Vaughan classic. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Stevie Ray Vaughan and His Influence

Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneering blues-rock guitarist, left an indelible mark on the music world with his expressive playing, fiery solos, and impeccable tone. Known for his aggressive style and use of heavy-gauge strings, Vaughan seamlessly blended traditional blues with modern rock, creating a sound that resonates with guitarists worldwide. "Scuttle Buttin’" is a prime example of his virtuosity, showcasing rapid-fire licks, inventive phrasing, and soulful energy that continues to inspire players of all levels.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

The song's blazing-fast main riff relies heavily on precise alternate picking. This technique involves alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, enabling you to achieve speed and consistency. By mastering alternate picking, you’ll improve your overall picking efficiency, allowing you to tackle complex riffs across genres with ease.

Slides

Vaughan’s fluid transitions between notes in "Scuttle Buttin’" often incorporate slides to add a smooth, connected feel to his phrases. Practicing slides will enhance your ability to navigate the fretboard effortlessly and add expressive nuance to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song features rapid-fire hammer-ons and pull-offs, essential for achieving the song’s fluidity and speed. These techniques help you articulate notes more efficiently, giving your playing a legato, smooth sound. Incorporating these into your practice routine will also increase finger strength and dexterity.

String Bending

Vaughan’s expressive string bending is a hallmark of his style, adding emotion and a vocal-like quality to his playing. Learning this technique will enhance your phrasing and dynamic control, allowing you to inject passion into your solos.

Double Stops

The lesson covers Vaughan’s use of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, often with bending. This technique is crucial for replicating his rich, bluesy tone. Double stops also enhance your harmonic awareness, making your solos sound fuller and more textured.

Open String Riffs

"Scuttle Buttin’" utilises open string riffs, a key element of its rapid-fire phrasing. Mastering this technique adds a percussive quality to your playing and enhances your ability to incorporate open strings into your riffs for increased tonal variety.

Rakes

Stevie Ray Vaughan often used rakes to create a percussive, rhythmic accent before hitting a note. This technique is explored in the lesson to help you develop precision and timing, adding depth to your phrasing.

Vibrato

Vaughan’s distinctive vibrato adds warmth and personality to his notes. This lesson focuses on developing a controlled, expressive vibrato, helping you bring out the emotional character of your playing.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Mastering the techniques in "Scuttle Buttin’" not only allows you to play this challenging piece but also significantly improves your overall guitar skills. Each technique serves as a building block for tackling other styles and genres. Whether it's improving your speed, precision, or expressiveness, these techniques lay the foundation for becoming a versatile guitarist.

Technique List

Below is a list of the key techniques taught in the "Scuttle Buttin’" lesson, with links to our glossary for detailed explanations:

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

With the techniques and insights from this lesson, you’ll be well on your way to mastering not only "Scuttle Buttin’" but also the foundational skills to tackle countless other guitar challenges. Dive into this electrifying piece and channel the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan!