Stevie Ray Vaughan lead study

In this video, we'll look at Stevie Ray Vaughan's approach to lead playing and learn some cool SRV licks! This is the first jam where the lead licks use a totally different scale that matches the chord that is being played over, a super important but quite advanced lead playing concept.

See the neck diagrams below the interactive tab to help you with the notes, shapes and concepts behind these licks. Plus, see all licks tabbed out in the interactive tab below!

Stevie Ray Vaughan lead study - interactive tab

N.B. Activate the fretboard graphic on the tab above to see scales, chords and neck shapes brought to life!

1. Scale over E7 chord - E minor pentatonic

As mentioned above, in this lead example we change scale depending on the chord. Over the E7 chord, we play licks based on the E minor pentatonic, mainly from positions 1, 2 and 3.

Blue = shape 1. Orange = shape 2. Green = shape 3.

2. Scale over A7 chord - A minor pentatonic

Over the A7 chord, we use the A minor pentatonic scale as a framework. The specific licks used also add the major 3rd and major 6th intervals, exactly the same as were used in the T-Bone Walker lead study in lesson 4 of this course.

Blue = Bb minor pentatonic shape 1. Pink = Major 6th interval. Green = Major 3rd interval

3. Scale over B7 chord - B minor pentatonic

Over the B7 chord, we use the A minor pentatonic scale as a framework. The licks we use again add the major 3rd and major 6th intervals.

Blue = Bb minor pentatonic shape 1. Pink = Major 6th interval. Green = Major 3rd interval