Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Presley

Step into the world of early rock and roll with our note-for-note guitar lesson on Elvis Presley's iconic hit Blue Suede Shoes. At LickLibrary.com, we offer a comprehensive breakdown of this rockabilly classic that not only helps you master the main riffs and licks, but also arms you with timeless guitar techniques that are as relevant today as they were in the 1950s.

Whether you're a vintage rock 'n' roll fan or a guitarist looking to broaden your stylistic range, this lesson is a masterclass in the rhythmic flair and tonal attitude that defined the era. This lesson dives deep into the signature moves and stylistic nuances that shaped Blue Suede Shoes, giving you the tools to add a classic rock edge to your own playing. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

Released in 1956, Blue Suede Shoes is one of Elvis Presley’s earliest and most enduring hits. Although originally written and first recorded by Carl Perkins, it was Elvis's version that catapulted the track to mainstream fame and helped cement rockabilly’s place in rock history. The electric guitar on Elvis’s version was played by Scotty Moore, one of the pioneers of rock guitar and a huge influence on players like Keith Richards, George Harrison, and Jimmy Page.

Moore's playing style was marked by a fusion of country picking and blues phrasing, laying the foundation for what would become classic rock guitar vocabulary. His economical yet expressive use of slap-back echo, double-stops, and boogie-woogie-inspired riffs defined the rockabilly sound and can be clearly heard throughout Blue Suede Shoes.

Technique Breakdown in Blue Suede Shoes

1. Double Stops

A core element of this song’s guitar work is the use of double stops—playing two notes simultaneously to create a fuller, more rhythmic sound. This technique is often used in blues and rockabilly to emphasise harmony and add percussive energy.

Benefit to the guitarist: Learning double stops improves your fretboard knowledge and lets you add harmonic richness to your lead playing, especially in soloing and fills.

2. Slides

Slides are prevalent in Scotty Moore’s licks, giving his phrases a smooth, vocal-like quality. Whether sliding into chords or melodic notes, this technique is used to create fluid transitions and a signature twang.

Benefit to the guitarist: Slides develop finger control and ear-hand coordination, enhancing expression and phrasing in your solos and riffs.

3. String Bending

In several phrases, you’ll encounter string bending techniques used for expressive, vocal-style inflections. Scotty Moore’s bends were subtle but emotive, adding dynamics and intensity.

Benefit to the guitarist: Practicing bends sharpens your intonation and improves your ability to emote through your playing—crucial for blues, country, and rock.

4. Vibrato

Used tastefully throughout, vibrato adds character to held notes and is essential for making single-note lines sing. It gives your bends and sustained notes that extra bit of life.

Benefit to the guitarist: Vibrato helps with finger strength and control, letting you create a personal touch in your playing.

5. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Short but sweet phrases in Blue Suede Shoes make use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, giving the licks a smooth, legato sound without constant picking.

Benefit to the guitarist: These techniques build speed and fluidity while training your fretting hand for efficient movement.

6. Open String Riffs

One of the rhythmic signatures in this lesson is the use of open string riffs that bounce with energy and create a percussive, driving momentum. This is a staple in early rock ‘n’ roll guitar.

Benefit to the guitarist: Open string riffs improve right-hand timing and help you explore creative voicings and rhythmic grooves.

7. Chord Progressions

This lesson provides an excellent opportunity to internalise classic chord progressions, particularly the 12-bar blues format that underpins the song. This form is foundational in countless blues and rock songs.

Benefit to the guitarist: Mastering common progressions like the 12-bar blues gives you a roadmap for improvising, songwriting, and jamming across multiple genres.

Summary of Techniques Used

Here’s a quick-reference list of the key techniques featured in the Blue Suede Shoes guitar lesson:

• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Open String Riffs
• Chord Progressions

By learning Blue Suede Shoes, you’re not just picking up a classic song—you’re diving into a masterclass of foundational guitar techniques that will elevate your playing across genres. Whether you're a beginner wanting to build core skills or an experienced guitarist exploring the roots of rock, this lesson offers something for everyone.