The Setlist

I’m Building The Matrix

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May 1st, 2012
This post was originally written on the StevieSnacks.com blog.
What is the matrix? I remember asking that question in 1998, but that’s not really what this is about. In approximately two weeks, I'll be releasing two different beginner solo lessons, in the style of SRV's "Texas Flood" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb". However, these two lessons are only the start of the biggest project I've ever attempted. I’m building something called the SRV Solo Matrix. It’s a matrix of solo lessons, teaching SRV style soloing for a variety of songs, with 3 lessons for each song style, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. ###Important Disclaimer Let me be very clear about this. These will not be note-for-note teachings of any album recording or live performance. These are solos that capture the signature elements of his style for the respective songs being taught, without directly copying any recorded performance. ###Skill Levels The beginner lessons will be approachable in some ways, yet challenging in others. The timing of the notes will be simple, and predictable, using licks that are no more than 10 notes long. There will be plenty of space between licks. However, if it’s a fast song, the licks may seem fast to a beginner, even if the notes fall only on the beat. There won’t be much bending, but there will be some. Vibrato is optional. The intermediate lessons will feature licks that sometimes double the tempo, and are longer in length. There will still be plenty of space between the licks. They will have more bending, and vibrato will be more heavily emphasized. The advanced lessons will feature licks that use triplets, and much more complicated picking. Bending will be heavily used, as will be vibrato, and vibrato on bends. These will be faster paced lessons, so you’ll need to pay close attention to keep up. ###Release Schedule This project will be taken in cycles. Each cycle will start with the release of two beginner lessons, on two different song styles, available as downloads (each about 1 hour), or together on a single DVD. Then, about a month later, the intermediate lessons for those same two song styles will follow. The advanced lessons will complete the cyle about a month later. Then the cycle starts over with two different songs. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, you can expect a DVD tailored to your skill level ever couple of months. ###A Long Time Coming This concept has been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I started StevieSnacks, and it wasn’t until now that I felt ready to tackle it. I loved making the 3 Kings lessons, but this site started in the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing, and I want to build you an incredible resource for learning his style. It’s going to be big, it’s going to be awesome, and it will definitely keep you busy :-)

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