Scuttle Buttin'

The recording

"Scuttle Buttin'" is a fast‑tempo instrumental recorded for the 1984 album *Couldn't Stand the Weather*. SRV tracks the piece with his 1963 Fender Stratocaster, using the bridge pickup and a hybrid‑picking technique that blends a pick and fingers for the rapid chicken‑pick phrases. The result is a tight, articulate guitar sound that sits prominently in the mix while retaining a natural, slightly overdriven character.

Tuning Standard E A D G B E

Reported gear

1963 Fender Stratocaster ('Number One')

Guitar

SRV’s 1963 Fender Stratocaster, nicknamed “Number One”, was used for the bridge‑pickup‑driven lead on “Scuttle Buttin’”, delivering a bright, biting tone.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-808

Overdrive

A Tube Screamer was placed in front of the amp to push the Fender into a mild breakup while retaining note‑to‑note clarity, a common element in SRV’s early recordings.

1965 Fender Vibroverb 2×12

Combo Amp

The 1965 Fender Vibroverb 2×12 provided the clean foundation and subtle spring reverb heard on the track, and its overdrive channel was driven by the Tube Screamer.

Alternatives

Fender Player Stratocaster (2020)

Modern equivalent · for the 1963 Fender Stratocaster ('Number One')

$450 to $600

Fender 'Vibroverb' Reissue (2022)

Reissue · for the 1965 Fender Vibroverb 2×12

$2,800 to $3,500

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-808 (reissue)

Reissue · for the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-808

$120 to $150

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use hybrid picking (pick plus middle finger) to articulate the rapid chicken‑pick runs.
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup for the bright, cutting tone heard on the track.
3. 3.Add a light touch of thumb muting on the low E string to tighten the rhythm.
4. 4.Employ a subtle overdrive pedal to push the clean amp into a smooth breakup.
5. 5.Practice the fast alternating‑bass lines slowly, then increase the tempo while keeping even timing.