Riff Tone

Cold Shot

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

Guitarblues1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 'Number One' 1963/62 Stratocaster, used on most studio tracks in this era)

AmpFender Vibroverb (blackface, 1964, 2x12) + Fender Vibratone rotating speaker cabinet (used for modulation effect on 'Cold Shot')

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (vintage spec, overwound, likely stock or Texas Specials)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass7

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984 (for 'Couldn't Stand the Weather' album). SRV often blended the Vibroverb with the Vibratone for this song's riff. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and roundtouch-sensitive breakupswirling rotary speaker modulationfat, punchy midrangedynamic Texas shuffleslightly compressed attackclear note separationorganic tube overdrivenot heavily saturatedrotary speaker swirl

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated shuffle rhythm, dynamic touch for amp breakup, and precise muting/ghost notes. Groove and timing are critical for authenticity.

Sources

Stevie Ray Vaughan's Guitar Gear, Pedals & Amps | Equipboard Stevie Ray Vaughan’s amps and effects pedals: an in-depth guide | Guitar World [QUESTION] How do I get SRV's tone in “Cold Shot”? : r/Guitar - Reddit

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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