Cold Shot Guitar Lesson (Stevie Ray Vaughan)

Cold Shot Stevie Ray Vaughan Guitar Lesson + Tutorial

Today I want to share with you how I play “Cold Shot” as recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar. This song is a masterclass in how to play high-level blues guitar. It showcases Vaughan’s incredible chops and unwavering blues groove.

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this “Cold Shot” guitar lesson.

Who wrote the song Cold Shot?
The song "Cold Shot" was written by Michael Kindred, also known as Michael Kamen, and bluesman W.C. Clark.

It was originally released by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble in 1984 as part of their album Couldn't Stand the Weather.

The song became one of Stevie Ray Vaughan's most popular tracks and a staple in his live performances.

What tuning is Cold Shot in?

Stevie Ray Vaughan often tuned down half a step for many of his songs. This is what he did on “Cold Shot”. The correct tuning is as follows:

Eb - 6th string (tuned down to Eb from E)

Ab - 5th string (tuned down to Ab from A)

Db - 4th string (tuned down to Db from D)

Gb - 3rd string (tuned down to Gb from G)

Bb - 2nd string (tuned down to Bb from B)

Eb - 1st string (tuned down to Eb from E)

By tuning down half a step, Stevie Ray Vaughan achieved a slightly lower pitch, which added to the distinctiveness and character of his guitar sound. This tuning was one of his trademarks and contributed to the bluesy and soulful vibe of his music.

Cold Shot Chords

To play “Cold Shot” you’ll only need to know 3 chords Am7, Dm7, and E7#9.

[YungTrinidad]

Most accurate, easily explained, clear and to the point guitar lessons i have found better than marty Schwartz

[billydelacruz]

Nice easy to follow lesson Jon! Thank you! Also fyi, on the song Jimmy Vaughn is playing Leslie guitar and Stevie playing straight guitar! Great tones and I think first SRV video MTV played in the 80’s! Cheers!✌🏽❤️

[harveyhensley]

My favorite SRV groove, thanks for this!

[rcolang]

outstanding lesson and teaching!!! Thank you!!

[emannaquilina]

very great tutorial - one of my favourits tunes of SRV...can you advise how you are achieving that tone please..amp settings, pedals...thanks a lot.

[terryweingart]

Thanks John- great Lesson. Can you please do a lesson on White Rabbit --Jefferson Airplane. chords and into solo. Old song but was brought into more recent times by the Matrix movies.

[zapatero]

Sounds great Would be even awesome if you would make a matching how- to- improvise - on this - track lesson ;-)

[flouisbailey]

You did Stevie proud with this, the circle strum is amazing, some of the magic leaves while watching, then when I try, for now any way, it’s magical because it sounds like 💩. Thanks Jon

[Naminorite]

You called out that you made another video on the Stevie Ray Vaughan technique if an intermediate-ish older player where to watch that first would you say it the song is within reach even though it is an advance song as you stated

[craigday]

Stay in the A minor Pentatonic Very easy