Riff Tone

Empty Arms

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

Guitarblues1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster 'Number One'

Amp1964 Fender Vibroverb (x2, César Díaz-modded, 15" JBL speakers)

PickupsFender single-coil (stock 1959/1962 Strat pickups, overwound, vintage spec)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6

reverb3

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

Notes

Studio recording, 1985 (Soul to Soul album). SRV used his main Stratocaster ('Number One') and two 1964 Fender Vibroverbs, often run extremely loud and with a Tube Screamer for edge-of-breakup tone. No evidence of additional effects or amp combinations for this song's riff section. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible or cited for the riff. Typical SRV studio setup for this era.

Tone Character(10)

edge-of-breakup crunchwarm and dynamictouch-sensitivefat and punchy low endarticulate Strat spankslightly compressed from Tube Screamerclear note separationpercussive attackTexas shuffle feelclassic SRV blues tone

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise shuffle picking, strong left-hand muting, and dynamic control to achieve SRV's signature touch-sensitive tone. The combination of speed, rhythmic complexity, and articulation makes it challenging for most players.