Introduction

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rendition of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” stands as one of the most electrifying and technically demanding performances in blues guitar history. This legendary interpretation of Jimi Hendrix’s classic showcases SRV’s unparalleled mastery of Texas blues, combining blistering speed, emotional depth, and innovative techniques that redefined modern blues guitar. This comprehensive lesson will guide you through every aspect of playing this iconic piece, from the foundational chord progressions to the most advanced soloing techniques that made Vaughan a guitar legend.

Song Overview and Essential Information

Basic Song Details

• Original Key: E major/E minor pentatonic
• Tuning: Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E)
• Tempo: 120-130 BPM (medium rock tempo)
• Time Signature: 4/4
• Difficulty Level: Advanced to Expert
• Style: Texas Blues, Electric Blues Rock
• Song Length: Approximately 5-6 minutes (varies by performance)

Why Master Voodoo Child?

This song represents the pinnacle of modern blues guitar technique, incorporating elements that every serious guitarist should master: lightning-fast alternate picking, complex string bending, hybrid picking techniques, and the ability to seamlessly blend rhythm and lead playing. Learning SRV’s version will dramatically improve your overall guitar skills and deepen your understanding of blues music theory and application.

Essential Equipment and Tone Setup

Required Equipment

• Electric guitar: Fender Stratocaster or similar single-coil pickup guitar
• Guitar amplifier: Tube amp preferred (Fender Twin Reverb or similar)
• Effects pedals: Overdrive/distortion, reverb, occasional wah pedal
• Heavy gauge strings: .013-.056 or similar for authentic SRV tone
• Thick picks: Heavy gauge picks for precision and attack

Tone Settings and Equipment Tips

Amplifier Settings:

• Volume: 6-7 (tube amp saturation)
• Treble: 7-8 (cutting through mix)
• Mid: 5-6 (balanced presence)
• Bass: 4-5 (tight low end)
• Reverb: 3-4 (subtle ambience)

Guitar Setup:

• Pickup selector: Neck and middle positions primarily
• Volume: Full volume for maximum sustain
• Tone controls: Wide open for brightness

Music Theory and Harmonic Foundation

Key Centers and Scales

The song primarily operates in E major but heavily utilizes the E minor pentatonic scale for soloing:

E Minor Pentatonic Scale:

• Notes: E – G – A – B – D
• Fret positions: 12th position (12th-15th frets)
• Extended positions: 7th position and open position

E Major Scale (for chord progressions):

• Notes: E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D#
• Chord progression: Primarily I – IV – V (E – A – B)

Chord Progression Analysis

The main progression follows a classic blues structure:

• Verse: E7 – A7 – E7 – B7 – A7 – E7
• Chorus: Similar progression with variations
• Solo sections: Extended E7 vamps with chromatic movement

Core Chord Diagrams and Voicings

E7 (E Dominant 7th) – Primary Chord

  E A D G B E
  0 2 0 1 0 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | ● | |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | | | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

A7 (A Dominant 7th) – Subdominant

  E A D G B E
  X 0 2 0 2 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | | |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | ● |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

B7 (B Dominant 7th) – Dominant

  E A D G B E
  X 2 1 2 0 2
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | | |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | ● | ●  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Advanced E7 Voicings

E7 (7th fret):

  E A D G B E
  X 7 6 7 5 X
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | ● |  5th fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | | |  6th fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | ● | |  7th fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

A7 (5th fret):

  E A D G B E
  X X 5 6 5 5
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | ● ●  5th fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | ● | |  6th fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Step-by-Step Main Riff Tutorial

Opening Riff (The Iconic Introduction)

This is the legendary opening that defines the song:

E|--------------------------------
B|--------------------------------
G|--------------------------------
D|--2--4--2--0----2--4--2--0------
A|--2--4--2--0----2--4--2--0------
E|--0--2--0--0----0--2--0--0------

Technique Focus:

• Alternate picking: Down-up-down-up pattern
• Palm muting: Slight muting for percussive attack
• String dampening: Control unwanted string noise

Main Chord Riff Pattern

The rhythmic foundation that drives the song:

E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--
B|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--
G|--1--1--1--1--1--1--1--1--
D|--0--2--0--2--0--2--0--2--
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--

Rhythm Pattern: Emphasize beats 1 and 3 with harder attack

Transition Licks

Connecting phrases between chord changes:

E|--12--14--12--14--12--15--12--
B|-----------------------------
G|-----------------------------
D|-----------------------------
A|-----------------------------
E|-----------------------------

Advanced Lead Guitar Techniques

String Bending Mastery

SRV’s bending technique is crucial to authentic performance:

Half-Step Bends:

E|--12b13--12--15--12--15--12--
B|-----------------------------
G|-----------------------------
D|-----------------------------
A|-----------------------------
E|-----------------------------

Whole-Step Bends:

E|--12b14--12--15--12--15--12--
B|-----------------------------
G|-----------------------------
D|-----------------------------
A|-----------------------------
E|-----------------------------

Technique Tips:

• Use multiple fingers for bending support
• Bend with wrist and forearm, not just fingers
• Practice bending to exact pitch with tuner reference

Vibrato Development

SRV’s signature vibrato technique:

Finger Vibrato:

• Rock finger back and forth perpendicular to strings
• Vary speed and intensity for musical expression
• Practice consistent vibrato on different frets

Wrist Vibrato:

• Subtle wrist movements for wider vibrato
• Use sparingly for dramatic effect
• Combine with string bending for complex expression

Hybrid Picking Technique

Combining pick and fingers for complex passages:

Basic Hybrid Pattern:

E|--12--(15)--12--(15)--12--  (parentheses = finger picked)
B|--15--------15--------15--  (pick)
G|--14--------14--------14--  (pick)
D|--------------------------
A|--------------------------
E|--------------------------

Technique Focus:

• Pick: Lower strings and melody notes
• Middle finger: Higher string accompaniment
• Ring finger: Occasional bass notes or harmony

Complete Solo Section Breakdown

Solo Section A (Bars 1-8)

Opening solo phrases with characteristic SRV style:

E|--12--15--12--15--12--15--12--14--12--15--12--
B|----------------------------------------------
G|----------------------------------------------
D|----------------------------------------------
A|----------------------------------------------
E|----------------------------------------------

Expression Notes:

• Add vibrato to sustained notes
• Use alternate picking throughout
• Emphasize the 12th and 15th fret notes

Solo Section B (Bars 9-16)

Increased intensity with faster note values:

E|--12--15--12--15--17--15--12--15--12--15--12--15--
B|--------------------------------------------------
G|--------------------------------------------------
D|--------------------------------------------------
A|--------------------------------------------------
E|--------------------------------------------------

Technical Focus:

• Speed building: Start slow and gradually increase tempo
• Clean articulation: Each note should ring clearly
• Position shifts: Smooth transitions between fret positions

Solo Section C (Bars 17-24)

Complex bending and chromatic passages:

E|--12b14--12--15--12--15--12--13--12--15--12--
B|---------------------------------------------
G|---------------------------------------------
D|---------------------------------------------
A|---------------------------------------------
E|---------------------------------------------

Advanced Techniques:

• Chromatic approach: Use 13th fret as passing tone
• Bend accuracy: Ensure bends reach exact pitch
• Musical phrasing: Think in terms of musical sentences

Solo Section D (Bars 25-32)

Climax section with maximum intensity:

E|--15--17--15--17--15--19--15--17--15--17--15--
B|----------------------------------------------
G|----------------------------------------------
D|----------------------------------------------
A|----------------------------------------------
E|----------------------------------------------

Performance Tips:

• Dynamic build: Increase volume and intensity
• Sustain control: Let notes ring into each other
• Position accuracy: 15th-19th fret requires precise positioning

Rhythm Guitar Techniques

Chuck and Strum Technique

SRV’s percussive rhythm approach:

Basic Chuck Pattern:

E|--X--0--X--0--X--0--X--0--  (X = muted strum)
B|--X--0--X--0--X--0--X--0--
G|--X--1--X--1--X--1--X--1--
D|--X--0--X--2--X--0--X--2--
A|--X--2--X--2--X--2--X--2--
E|--X--0--X--0--X--0--X--0--

Technique Focus:

• Muted strums: Left hand lightly touches strings
• Percussive attack: Sharp, staccato articulation
• Rhythmic precision: Maintain steady pulse

Chord Melody Integration

Combining chords with melodic lines:

E|--0--3--0--3--0--3--0--3--
B|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--
G|--1--1--1--1--1--1--1--1--
D|--0--2--0--2--0--2--0--2--
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--

Musical Application:

• Melody on top: High E string carries melodic line
• Chord support: Lower strings provide harmonic foundation
• Voice leading: Smooth melodic connections between chords

Performance Dynamics and Expression

Dynamic Control Techniques

SRV’s masterful use of volume and intensity:

Soft Passages:

• Light picking: Barely touch strings for whisper-quiet sections
• Volume swells: Use guitar volume knob for fade-ins
• Finger positioning: Play closer to neck for warmer tone

Loud Sections:

• Aggressive picking: Full attack for maximum volume
• Amp saturation: Push tube amp into natural overdrive
• String emphasis: Dig into strings for percussive attack

Emotional Expression Through Technique

Anger and Aggression:

• Heavy palm muting: Percussive, staccato attack
• Aggressive bending: Over-bend for tension
• Fast alternate picking: Machine-gun precision

Sorrow and Blues:

• Slow vibrato: Wide, expressive vibrato
• Subtle bends: Quarter-tone bends for microtonal expression
• Space and silence: Use rests for emotional impact

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Technical Problems

Problem: Inconsistent string bending Solution:

• Practice with tuner to ensure pitch accuracy
• Use multiple fingers for bending support
• Start with smaller bends and gradually increase

Problem: Muddy tone during fast passages Solution:

• Focus on string dampening technique
• Practice alternate picking slowly
• Ensure proper amp settings for clarity

Problem: Fatigue during long solos Solution:

• Build endurance gradually
• Focus on efficient picking motion
• Take breaks during practice sessions

Musical Expression Issues

Problem: Lack of dynamic variation Solution:

• Practice volume control with guitar volume knob
• Vary picking intensity throughout song
• Study SRV’s original recordings for dynamic reference

Problem: Timing inconsistencies Solution:

• Practice with metronome at various tempos
• Focus on subdivision accuracy
• Record practice sessions for self-evaluation

Advanced Practice Routines

Daily Warm-up Routine (20 minutes)

Minutes 1-5: Chromatic exercises and finger stretching Minutes 6-10: Scale practice (E minor pentatonic) Minutes 11-15: String bending exercises Minutes 16-20: Chord progression practice

Technical Development (30 minutes)

Minutes 1-10: Alternate picking exercises Minutes 11-20: Hybrid picking development Minutes 21-30: Vibrato and expression techniques

Song-Specific Practice (45 minutes)

Minutes 1-15: Main riff and rhythm sections Minutes 16-30: Solo section breakdown (one section per day) Minutes 31-45: Complete song run-through

Performance Preparation (60 minutes)

Minutes 1-20: Technical warm-up Minutes 21-40: Difficult sections focus Minutes 41-60: Complete song performance practice

Equipment Recommendations and Setup

Guitar Specifications

Ideal Guitar Features:

• Single-coil pickups: Fender Stratocaster or similar
• Tremolo bridge: For subtle vibrato effects
• Maple neck: Bright, snappy tone
• 21-22 frets: Sufficient range for all techniques

Amplifier Recommendations

Tube Amplifiers (preferred):

• Fender Twin Reverb (SRV’s favorite)
• Fender Super Reverb
• Marshall JTM45 or similar

Solid State Alternatives:

• Roland JC-120
• Fender Mustang series with tube emulation

Effects Pedals

Essential Effects:

• Overdrive: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9 or TS-808
• Reverb: Built-in amp reverb preferred
• Wah: Dunlop Cry Baby (occasional use)

Optional Effects:

• Delay: Subtle slap-back delay
• Chorus: Light chorus for clean sections
• Compressor: Light compression for sustain

Recording and Production Tips

Home Recording Setup

Microphone Placement:

• Close mic: 6-12 inches from speaker cone
• Room mic: 3-4 feet back for natural ambience
• Angle: Slightly off-axis to reduce harshness

Recording Techniques:

• Multiple takes: Record several complete passes
• Punch recording: Fix specific sections as needed
• Reference tracks: Compare with original SRV recordings

Mixing Considerations

EQ Settings:

• High frequency: Gentle boost around 3-5kHz for clarity
• Mid frequency: Slight boost around 800Hz for presence
• Low frequency: High-pass filter below 80Hz to remove mud

Compression Settings:

• Ratio: 3:1 to 4:1 for musical compression
• Attack: Medium attack to preserve pick attack
• Release: Fast release to maintain dynamics

Song Variations and Interpretations

Different Tempo Approaches

Slow Blues Version (80-90 BPM):

• Emphasize emotional expression over technical speed
• Add more space between phrases
• Focus on vibrato and bending techniques

Fast Rock Version (140-150 BPM):

• Increase picking intensity and accuracy
• Tighten up rhythmic sections
• Maintain clarity at higher speeds

Acoustic Adaptations

Acoustic Guitar Arrangement:

• Fingerpicking adaptation of main riff
• Chord melody approach for solo sections
• Capo placement for different keys

Different Key Centers

Standard Tuning Alternatives:

• Key of A: Capo 5th fret, play in E position
• Key of D: Capo 10th fret, play in E position
• Key of G: Different chord voicings entirely

Historical Context and Influence

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Legacy

Understanding SRV’s place in guitar history:

• Texas Blues Revival: Brought blues back to mainstream
• Technical Innovation: Advanced blues guitar technique
• Emotional Depth: Combined technical skill with deep feeling

Influence on Modern Players

Contemporary guitarists influenced by SRV:

• John Mayer’s blues playing
• Joe Bonamassa’s technique
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s style

Cultural Impact

• Blues renaissance: Renewed interest in blues music
• Guitar technique advancement: Raised the bar for blues playing
• Live performance standards: Set new expectations for live shows

Advanced Theoretical Concepts

Harmonic Analysis

Chord Function Analysis:

• I chord (E7): Tonic function with blues seventh
• IV chord (A7): Subdominant creates tension
• V chord (B7): Dominant creates resolution back to I

Scale Integration

Advanced Scale Concepts:

• Mixolydian mode: E mixolydian over E7 chords
• Blues scale: E blues scale (E-G-A-Bb-B-D)
• Chromatic approach: Non-diatonic notes for color

Improvisation Strategies

Melodic Development:

• Motivic development: Repetition and variation of short phrases
• Call and response: Question and answer phrasing
• Climax building: Gradual intensity increase

Performance Psychology and Stage Presence

Mental Preparation

Pre-Performance Routine:

• Technical warm-up: 15-20 minutes of scales and exercises
• Song run-through: Complete performance without stopping
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing and muscle relaxation

Stage Presence Tips

Physical Presentation:

• Confident posture: Stand tall with guitar properly positioned
• Eye contact: Connect with audience during non-technical sections
• Movement: Subtle body movement that matches the music

Musical Communication:

• Dynamic contrast: Use volume changes to create interest
• Emotional expression: Let the music’s emotion show in your playing
• Audience engagement: Play to the crowd, not just for yourself

Troubleshooting Advanced Techniques

String Bending Issues

Problem: Bends going sharp or flat Solution:

• Practice with electronic tuner for pitch reference
• Use stronger fingers for bending support
• Start with smaller bends and gradually increase range

Speed and Accuracy Problems

Problem: Fast passages becoming sloppy Solution:

• Practice with metronome at 50% speed
• Focus on perfect technique before increasing tempo
• Break difficult passages into smaller segments

Tone and Setup Issues

Problem: Can’t achieve authentic SRV tone Solution:

• Use heavier gauge strings (.013-.056)
• Ensure proper amp settings with tube saturation
• Consider pickup height and guitar setup adjustments

Next Steps and Further Development

Recommended Songs for Progression

Similar Difficulty Level:

• “Pride and Joy” (SRV)
• “The Sky is Crying” (SRV)
• “Crossfire” (SRV)

Increased Difficulty:

• “Scuttle Buttin'” (SRV)
• “Riviera Paradise” (SRV)
• “Lenny” (SRV)

Skill Development Areas

Technical Skills to Develop:

• Double-stop bends: Bending two strings simultaneously
• Harmonics: Natural and artificial harmonics
• Whammy bar techniques: Tremolo arm usage

Musical Skills to Develop:

• Improvisation: Creating your own solos over the progression
• Composition: Writing original blues songs
• Ensemble playing: Playing with bass and drums

Conclusion

Mastering Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” represents one of the ultimate challenges in blues guitar. This song demands not only technical proficiency but also deep musical understanding and emotional expression. The journey of learning this piece will transform your playing, pushing you to new levels of speed, accuracy, and musical sophistication.

Key Learning Outcomes

Through dedicated practice of this song, you will develop:

• Advanced picking techniques that improve speed and accuracy
• Sophisticated bending and vibrato for expressive playing
• Rhythmic precision essential for blues and rock music
• Tone control and equipment understanding
• Performance skills for live playing situations

The Bigger Picture

Remember that learning “Voodoo Child” is not just about mastering a single song, but about understanding the principles that make great blues guitar playing. SRV’s approach to the instrument combined technical mastery with deep emotional expression, creating music that continues to inspire guitarists decades after his passing.

Continuing Your Journey

The techniques and concepts learned through this song will serve as a foundation for exploring the broader world of blues guitar. Each practice session should bring you closer to understanding not just how to play the notes, but how to make the guitar truly sing with emotion and power.

Stay patient with the process, as mastering this level of playing takes time and dedication. Focus on quality over speed, and remember that every great guitarist started exactly where you are now. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey and let your passion for the music drive your practice.

Keep pushing your boundaries, keep exploring new techniques, and most importantly, keep the spirit of the blues alive in your playing. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legacy lives on through every guitarist who picks up the instrument and plays with both technical skill and emotional honesty.