Superstition by Stevie Ray Vaughan Acoustic Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1892933

NOTE: Transposed to Em from the original Ebm to make easier for string players.

"Superstition" is Stevie Wonder's iconic funk masterpiece from his landmark 1972 album Talking Book, featuring one of the most recognizable clavinet riffs in music history. "Superstition" is an essential choice for intermediate to advanced bands ready to tackle classic funk with tight groove and precision. The guitar work focuses on rhythmic scratching and percussive muting that interlock with the drums and bass, teaching musicians the art of syncopation and how to serve the groove without overplaying. The bass line is funky and locked-in, demanding solid sixteenth-note feel, dynamic control, and an unwavering sense of pocket. For singers, "Superstition" provides an excellent opportunity to work on rhythmic phrasing, vocal percussion, and delivering attitude with swagger. The song's undeniable groove and timeless cool make it a guaranteed dance floor filler that showcases a band's ability to groove in together.


A NOTE ABOUT DR. TOMS CHARTS
DR. TOMS CHARTS help musicians make more music together. Inspired by the Nashville Number System and the classic Rise Up Singing, these charts emphasize song form with lyrics overlaid on top of evenly spaced chords. These musical roadmaps let you focus on what you love: vocal delivery, groove, harmonies, feel, and more! You can even experiment with different styles and meters.

In the HYBRID chart, the first chord of each line aligns with the first word or syllable on the downbeat, highlighting pickups and delayed entries. Subsequent chords may not align exactly with every word, but once the singer nails the entry, everything locks in! This format might look unfamiliar at first, but evenly spaced chords improve groove and accuracy. The harmonic rhythm guides the melody! For singers, the LYRICS ONLY chart provides all the words with rehearsal cues (intros, verses, bridges, solos).

Keep on jammin!
Dr. Tom


WHO IS DR. TOM?
Dr. Tom Zlabinger is a bass player, guitar player, and singer who has been jamming since high school. He is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY, where he has taught popular music performance since 2003. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, an M.A. in jazz performance from Queens College / CUNY, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the Graduate Center / CUNY. Dr. Tom has published on jams, live online performance, and the role of musicians across various media franchises. He is passionate about innovations that make music making more accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds. In 2022, he founded Telematic Studios® to help musicians connect through online voice lessons, clear and legal charts, and live online performance.