The Sky is Crying – Stevie Ray Vaughan Guitar Lesson

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s iconic rendition of “The Sky is Crying” stands as one of the greatest blues performances of all time. This slow blues classic is a masterclass in emotional guitar playing, utilising a wide range of techniques to create its soulful, expressive sound. If you’re looking to dive into the world of blues guitar, learning “The Sky is Crying” note for note through our guitar lesson will give you not only an understanding of the song itself but also the essential techniques that define blues guitar. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic blues track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Stevie Ray Vaughan and His Influence

Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the most revered guitarists in modern blues history, was known for his raw, passionate playing style. Born in Dallas, Texas, Vaughan played a crucial role in the revival of blues music during the 1980s. His mastery of the guitar combined with his soulful voice made him an influential figure to guitarists worldwide. With heavy influences from Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and Buddy Guy, Vaughan created his signature style, blending elements of Texas blues, rock, and jazz.

“The Sky is Crying” showcases Vaughan’s ability to express deep emotion through his guitar, making every note count. His use of bends, vibrato, and nuanced dynamics has inspired countless guitarists. Learning this song will immerse you in the expressive potential of blues guitar and allow you to develop your own voice on the instrument.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in "The Sky is Crying"

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s use of string bending is pivotal in this song. Bending strings gives the guitar a vocal-like quality, and Vaughan's mastery of bluesy bends allows him to express intense emotion, making the guitar cry in unison with the lyrics. Learning to bend strings effectively is crucial for any blues guitarist as it helps convey feeling and creates a smooth transition between notes. Mastering this technique will improve your control over pitch and dynamics.

Vibrato

One of the hallmarks of Vaughan’s style is his unique, powerful vibrato technique. The vibrato in “The Sky is Crying” gives each note a richer, more expressive tone. It adds depth and character to sustained notes, giving them life beyond the initial attack. Developing a strong vibrato will make your playing sound more mature and professional, allowing you to manipulate the intensity of each note to your advantage.

Slides

Slides are prevalent throughout Vaughan's playing in “The Sky is Crying.” Sliding between notes creates a smooth, fluid transition, connecting phrases seamlessly. It’s a technique that adds a vocal quality to your playing, similar to how a singer might glide between notes. Mastering slides will make your phrasing smoother and help you connect different parts of the fretboard with ease.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

A signature blues technique used by Vaughan is double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create harmonic richness. In this song, Vaughan uses double stop bends to add complexity and tension to his phrases. These techniques are essential for creating fuller, more textured blues solos and rhythm parts. By incorporating double stops into your playing, you’ll enhance your ability to craft harmonically interesting lines that cut through the mix.

Alternate Picking

Vaughan's precise and aggressive picking style shines through in his fast runs and phrases. Alternate picking allows him to maintain speed and accuracy, particularly during his rapid-fire blues licks. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, providing fluidity and speed. Practicing alternate picking is critical for building speed, accuracy, and rhythmic control in your playing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are frequently used in Vaughan’s licks to add smoothness and speed without needing to pick every note. These legato techniques help in creating seamless, fluid phrases. When mastered, hammer-ons and pull-offs allow you to play fast, articulate lines with less effort, enhancing both the speed and fluidity of your playing.

Rakes

A subtle but important technique in Stevie Ray Vaughan’s repertoire is rakes, which involve muting several strings with the left hand while striking them with the pick before letting a clean note ring out. This adds a percussive element to his playing and builds tension before landing on the target note. Mastering rakes gives your playing an additional dynamic and rhythmic quality, making your notes stand out with more power and emphasis.

Conclusion

Learning "The Sky is Crying" by Stevie Ray Vaughan will teach you more than just a song – it will immerse you in the heart of blues guitar. From string bending to intricate vibrato and everything in between, Vaughan's techniques are a masterclass in emotional, expressive guitar playing. By focusing on the core techniques highlighted in this lesson, you'll not only improve your technical skills but also deepen your understanding of phrasing, dynamics, and how to make the guitar truly sing.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Rakes

By practicing these techniques, you'll be well on your way to capturing the magic of Stevie Ray Vaughan's legendary blues playing.