Learn to Play “S.R.V” by Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson's tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, titled “S.R.V,” is an electrifying instrumental track that blends blues, rock, and virtuoso-level phrasing into one unforgettable performance. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on "S.R.V" gives you the tools to master this modern classic. Whether you're a fan of Eric Johnson’s smooth phrasing, Vaughan’s Texas shuffle influence, or just looking to challenge your technical boundaries, this lesson is packed with insights and essential skills that will level up your guitar playing. Rick Graham breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Track and Guitarist

Eric Johnson is widely celebrated for his immaculate tone, fluid technique, and melodic sense. With a Grammy-winning career and a reputation as one of the finest guitarists alive, his work combines classical finesse, bluesy emotion, and rock energy. In “S.R.V,” Johnson pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan by capturing the fire and soul of Vaughan’s playing, yet infusing it with his own signature articulation and technical grace.

The track is an expressive instrumental built around soulful bends, rapid-fire licks, and harmonic flourishes. “S.R.V” is more than a tribute—it's a lesson in tone, phrasing, and dynamic control. This lesson breaks it all down and brings each technique into focus, helping you not only play like Johnson but also understand the musicality behind every phrase.

Techniques Covered in the "S.R.V" Lesson

String Bending

Johnson’s mastery of string bending is on full display in "S.R.V." You'll learn how to bend to precise pitches, add emotion to your phrases, and create expressive lead lines. Practicing these bends sharpens your ear for intonation and adds vocal-like phrasing to your solos.

Vibrato

His vibrato technique is both wide and controlled, giving each note sustain and flavour. Vibrato adds character to held notes and is essential in making your playing sound alive rather than robotic.

Legato

In several runs, Johnson utilises smooth legato phrasing. Legato allows for rapid passages that sound fluid and connected. This technique is key to developing speed and phrasing that feels natural and effortless.

Alternate Picking

Fast lines in the song call for clean alternate picking. By working on this technique, you'll improve your timing and accuracy at faster tempos—a core skill for rock and fusion guitar.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Used throughout the track for rapid melodic runs, hammer-ons and pull-offs let you play fast passages with less picking, adding smoothness and agility to your solos.

Slides

Johnson uses slides to transition between notes fluidly, creating an expressive and lyrical feel. Slides add nuance and are great for both fast runs and slow, soulful licks.

Trills

Quick trills inject energy into slower passages and build tension in solos. Learning trills helps strengthen finger independence and speed.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

The blues influence in the track is reinforced with double stops and double stop bends, giving the solo a gritty, vocal quality. These are great for adding harmony and attitude to your leads.

Unison Bends

[S.R.V.] features expressive unison bends, mimicking a slide guitar or harmonica feel. Mastering this technique adds dramatic tension to your phrasing and helps with bend accuracy.

Pinched Harmonics

Johnson occasionally throws in pinched harmonics for emphasis. These squeals cut through the mix and give your solos a searing, aggressive tone.

Rakes

Used for a percussive touch, rakes create tension before notes are revealed, adding a stylistic swagger to your playing.

Why This Lesson is Essential for Guitarists

The "S.R.V" lesson is more than just a song breakdown—it's a masterclass in expressive lead guitar. By studying this track, you'll develop technical control, ear training, and phrasing ability, all while learning to blend blues and rock styles with finesse. Whether you're a budding blues player or a seasoned guitarist looking to expand your expressive range, this lesson gives you the vocabulary and tools to elevate your soloing.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Trills
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Rakes

Get ready to plug in, tune up, and dive deep into one of the most powerful instrumental guitar tracks ever written. With LickLibrary's detailed breakdown of "S.R.V" by Eric Johnson, you're just a few sessions away from mastering a modern guitar masterpiece.