Couldn't Stand the Weather - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s "Couldn't Stand the Weather" is a masterclass in blues-rock guitar. This song is packed with expressive guitar techniques and phrasing that showcase Vaughan's legendary skills. Our guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com offers an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of this track, allowing players of all levels to dive deep into the playing style of this iconic guitarist.

In this lesson, you will explore the techniques that made Vaughan's playing so unique, ranging from string bending to complex blues phrasing. Learning these skills will not only help you master "Couldn't Stand the Weather," but also greatly improve your overall guitar proficiency. Jamie Humphries breaks down this iconic blues song in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the most celebrated blues guitarists, played lead on "Couldn't Stand the Weather." His aggressive, yet incredibly soulful style blended blues, rock, and jazz influences, making him a central figure in the blues revival of the 1980s. Vaughan’s deep connection to the music of his idols, like Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and Buddy Guy, infused his playing with emotion and technical brilliance.

Learning his techniques offers guitarists insight into how to achieve a rich, expressive tone, and how to craft guitar solos that are both technically proficient and deeply emotional. His legacy continues to influence guitar players across all genres, making his style essential for any aspiring blues guitarist.

Techniques Explored in "Couldn't Stand the Weather"

String Bending

One of the key elements of Stevie Ray Vaughan's playing in this song is his use of string bending. String bends add emotion to your playing, allowing you to bend notes up to pitch for a more expressive and vocal-like quality. In this lesson, you'll learn how Vaughan uses both half-step and full-step bends to create his signature sound.

Benefit: Mastering string bending allows you to play with greater expression, helping to shape your sound and add intensity to your solos.

Double Stops

Vaughan frequently uses double stops throughout "Couldn't Stand the Weather." A double stop involves playing two notes simultaneously, creating a harmonised, fuller sound. These are often used in blues to add a rhythmic punch and harmonised lines to your playing.

Benefit: Learning double stops adds depth to your phrasing, making your rhythm playing and lead work more dynamic and harmonically rich.

Slides

Vaughan’s use of slides is another hallmark of his style. Sliding between notes allows for smooth transitions and adds a fluid, legato feel to the phrasing. You'll explore how Vaughan uses slides to connect his notes seamlessly across different parts of the neck.

Benefit: Mastering slides will enhance your ability to move across the fretboard with confidence and fluidity, giving your solos a more polished feel.

Bluesy Bends

Another key technique in this song is bluesy bends, which are bends typically used in blues to give a note a 'crying' effect. Vaughan uses these to great effect in his solos, making the guitar seem like it’s weeping with emotion.

Benefit: Learning bluesy bends will greatly improve your blues phrasing and your ability to inject emotion into your playing.

Vibrato

Vaughan’s vibrato technique is unmistakable—his wide, slow vibrato adds immense character to sustained notes. In this lesson, you'll learn how to apply vibrato to bring out the richness of your notes.

Benefit: Developing a strong vibrato technique will help you maintain control over sustained notes and add personality to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

"Couldn't Stand the Weather" also showcases Vaughan’s use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, which he integrates into fast runs and more melodic lines. These techniques allow for faster playing without needing to pick every note.

Benefit: By mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs, you can play smoother, faster, and more efficiently, particularly when working on blues and rock soloing.

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the aspects that make Vaughan’s playing so infectious is his use of syncopated rhythms. This off-beat playing style creates a groove that pulls the listener in. You'll dive into Vaughan's rhythmic playing and learn how to incorporate syncopation into your own style.

Benefit: Syncopated rhythms will improve your timing and sense of groove, especially in blues and rock music.

Open String Riffs

Vaughan often uses open string riffs, especially in his rhythm playing. These open strings create a ringing, resonant sound that fills out the texture of his playing.

Benefit: Learning to use open strings effectively will give your rhythm playing a more dynamic, full sound.

Rakes

A rake is a percussive technique where you mute the strings as you drag the pick across them before hitting the target note. Vaughan uses rakes to accentuate certain notes in his solos, adding aggression and emphasis.

Benefit: Mastering rakes adds an extra layer of attack and intensity to your lead playing, giving it a punchier, more percussive feel.

Why You Should Learn These Techniques

By learning these essential guitar techniques, you will be able to unlock the full range of expression in your playing. Not only will you be able to accurately replicate Stevie Ray Vaughan's incredible guitar work in "Couldn't Stand the Weather," but you'll also have a toolkit of techniques that can be applied to many other blues, rock, and jazz contexts.

The combination of these techniques—bending, vibrato, double stops, and syncopated rhythms—will not only improve your lead playing but also enhance your overall musicality. You'll be able to express yourself with greater confidence and develop a unique voice on the guitar.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Rakes