If there’s one riff every blues guitar player should own, it’s this one. It’s a closing riff — the kind of phrase you use to end a solo section or wrap up a chord progression. Stevie Ray Vaughan used it constantly, and you’ll find variations of it in hundreds of blues and rock songs.
It comes out of the E pentatonic minor scale, and once you’ve got it smooth, you’ll reach for it every time you need to bring a phrase home.
The Slide and Double Stop
Start on the third string with your third finger. Slide up to the fourth fret — there’s a reason I use this specific fingering, and you’ll see why in a second.
The feel is a triplet: one-triplet, two-triplet. You strike the third string, slide up, then tuck your second finger underneath on the second string third fret. Alternate your picking — down-up strokes all the way through.
After two triplets, play a double stop on the second and third strings at the second fret. That’s a downstroke, and you’re only hitting those two strings — not the first string. Then open third string, open second string.
The Chromatic Walk to E
The last three notes are what tie the whole thing together. On the fifth string: open A, then A sharp (first fret), then B (second fret). That chromatic walk — the half-step pass between A and B — gives it that satisfying pull right into the E chord.
Those three notes are what make this riff feel like it’s landing somewhere. Without them, it’s just a lick. With them, it’s a statement.
A Note on Tuning
When Stevie Ray played this, his guitar was tuned down a half step to E flat. This lesson is in standard E tuning. Makes no difference for learning the riff — it’ll still sound great. If you want to play along with the original recording, you’d need to tune down, but for practicing and jamming, standard works fine.
Practice It Slow
Take your time getting the transitions smooth. Watch the fingering on that slide — the reason you use the third finger on the slide is so your second finger is already in position for the next note on the second string. That little detail makes the whole thing flow.
Play it slow until every note rings clear, then gradually bring the tempo up. When it’s smooth, it sounds effortless. That’s what you’re going for.
For more Stevie Ray inspired lessons, check out the SRV Inspired Licks series. And for the full collection, browse the guitar riffs page.
Alright boys and girls, have fun, play lots. Colin Daniel signing out for now. See you later.
