How to Get the SRV Guitar Tone

Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) was a guitar legend whose tone has been the subject of admiration and emulation for decades. His sound, characterized by rich, bluesy depth and fiery intensity, is something many guitarists strive to replicate. But how do you capture that quintessential SRV tone? Let’s break it down into elements you can incorporate into your own playing setup.

The Heart of SRV’s Sound: Guitar and Strings

The first step in achieving SRV’s sound is understanding the tools he used. Stevie primarily played a Fender Stratocaster, known for its bright, bell-like clarity and expressiveness. If you’re after that authentic SRV tone, a Stratocaster is a great starting point. But what makes a Strat really sing in the style of SRV?

• Pickups: SRV’s Strat was equipped with single-coil pickups, which contribute to the sharp, biting sound he was known for. If you play a guitar with humbuckers, consider swapping them out for single-coils to get closer to that signature tone.
• Strings: Stevie used heavy gauge strings, often .013s, which are significantly thicker than the average player’s strings. These gave his playing a fuller sound and more sustain. While it might take some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to lighter strings, the payoff in tone is worth it.

Interestingly enough, the thickness of the strings also meant SRV had to work harder physically, which affected his playing style and contributed to his powerful, aggressive sound. If you’re switching to heavier strings, remember to adjust your technique accordingly.

Amplifiers: Going for the Texas Blues Sound

Now, let’s talk about amps. SRV’s amplifier setup was crucial to his tone, often using Fender amps like the Vibroverb and Super Reverb. These amps are known for their clean tones and smooth overdrive when pushed hard.

• Clean Headroom: The key is to have an amp with plenty of clean headroom, allowing the natural sound of your guitar and playing dynamics to shine through. This can be a bit challenging if you’re using a smaller amp, so consider an upgrade if your current amp doesn’t have the necessary power.
• Reverb and Tremolo: Stevie utilized onboard effects like reverb and tremolo to add texture to his sound. A touch of reverb can give your tone that spacious, live feel that SRV often captured.
• Volume: Don’t be afraid to crank it up. Part of SRV’s sound came from pushing his amps to the limit, creating natural overdrive and saturation. While this might not be neighbor-friendly, it’s part of getting that raw, powerful tone.

Remember, the right amp settings can make or break your attempt at capturing SRV’s tone. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the amp’s natural character complements your playing style.

Pushing the Limits: Effects and Pedals

While SRV’s setup was relatively simple by today’s standards, he still used a few key effects to shape his sound. One of the most iconic is the Ibanez Tube Screamer, which he used to push his amp into overdrive and add sustain.

• Overdrive: The Tube Screamer is known for its mid-range boost and smooth clipping, which is perfect for adding that extra grit and presence to your sound. Experiment with the gain settings to find what works best for your setup.
• Wah Pedal: A wah pedal can add an expressive, vocal quality to your solos, something SRV used to great effect. It’s not just about the classic “wah-wah” sound; subtle movement can add dynamic expression to your playing.
• Chorus: SRV occasionally used a chorus pedal to thicken his clean sound, especially during slower blues numbers. This can add a lush, shimmering quality to your tone.

It might seem like a lot to juggle, but each pedal and effect plays a specific role in building the overall sound. The key is to use them tastefully and not let them overpower your natural guitar tone.

Technique: The Soul Behind the Sound

Stevie’s tone was as much about his technique as it was about his gear. His aggressive attack and dynamic playing style were central to his sound. Here are some aspects to focus on:

• Right-Hand Attack: SRV had a powerful pick attack, digging into the strings for a raw, energetic sound. This requires both strength and control, especially when using heavier gauge strings.
• Left-Hand Vibrato: His vibrato was wide and expressive, adding emotion and depth to his playing. Practice using your wrist rather than your fingers to achieve a more controlled, even vibrato.
• Double Stops and Blues Licks: Incorporate double stops and classic blues licks into your playing. These are signature elements of SRV’s style and can add authenticity to your sound.

While it’s hard to say for sure what exactly will work for every player, the goal is to capture the essence of SRV’s style and make it your own. Remember, the heart of blues playing is feeling and expression, so let your personality shine through.

Subtle Adjustments: Tweaking Your Setup

Sometimes, small tweaks can make a big difference in your tone. Consider these adjustments:

• Pickup Height: Adjusting the height of your pickups can dramatically change your sound. Lower pickups can produce a cleaner, more open sound, while raising them can increase output and sustain.
• Tone and Volume Controls: Don’t forget about the controls on your guitar. Rolling back the tone knob can soften the high-end and create a warmer sound, which can be particularly useful for emulating SRV’s smooth solos.
• Pick Choice: The thickness and material of your pick can also affect your tone. Experiment with different picks to see how they change the attack and feel of your playing.

These small changes can help refine your sound and bring you closer to that SRV tone without needing to overhaul your entire setup. It’s all about experimentation and finding what works best for your playing style.

Recording Techniques: Capturing the Magic

If you’re looking to record that SRV-inspired tone, your approach in the studio can make a significant difference. Here are some recording tips:

• Microphone Placement: Experiment with different mic positions around your amp to capture the best sound. Placing a microphone directly in front of the speaker will give you a more focused sound, while moving it off-axis can capture more room ambiance.
• Room Acoustics: The room you record in can influence your tone. Try different rooms to see how the acoustics affect your sound, or use acoustic treatment to control unwanted reflections and resonances.
• Layering: Consider recording multiple takes and layering them to create a fuller, richer sound. This can help replicate the depth and complexity of SRV’s live performances.

Recording is an art in itself, and achieving that perfect tone on tape is about capturing the nuances of your playing and setup. It might take some trial and error, but the results can be incredibly rewarding.

Learning from the Best: The Power of Emulation

While gear and settings are crucial, sometimes the best way to learn is by watching and listening to the masters. SRV’s performances are a treasure trove of inspiration and technique.

We at Riffhard provide access to lessons from some of the world’s best guitarists who can help you refine your technique and understand the subtleties of playing in the style of legends like SRV. These lessons can offer insights that go beyond gear, focusing on the touch and feel that define great playing.

Making It Your Own: Personalizing the SRV Tone

While it’s fantastic to aim for SRV’s tone, it’s equally important to inject your own personality into your playing. Consider these ideas:

• Experiment with Gear: Try different guitars, amps, and effects to see how they influence your sound. Each setup will offer unique characteristics that can inspire new approaches.
• Develop Your Style: Blend elements of SRV’s style with your influences to create something unique. This might involve incorporating techniques from other genres, like metal or jazz, to develop a distinct voice.
• Guitar Techniques: Focus on technical aspects that are important to you. If you enjoy intricate fingerpicking or fast alternate picking, integrate these into your SRV-style playing.

Finding your own voice as a guitarist is a journey, and while emulating SRV is a fantastic starting point, it’s just the beginning. Let your creativity take the lead, and don’t be afraid to explore new musical territories.

Final Thoughts

Capturing the SRV guitar tone involves a mix of the right gear, technique, and personal interpretation. From the guitar and strings to amps and effects, each element plays a role in achieving that iconic sound. But don’t forget to put your unique spin on it—after all, music is about expression. At Riffhard, we offer lessons that can help you hone your skills and explore new techniques to bring your playing to new heights. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey!