How to Play Guitar Like Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was a true guitar innovator, blending explosive creativity with a powerful, emotive style that continues to inspire musicians worldwide. His unique approach to the instrument was as much about attitude and feel as it was about technique. If you’re aiming to capture even a fraction of that Hendrix magic in your playing, you’re in for a rewarding journey. Let’s unpack some of the key elements that made Jimi’s guitar work so legendary, and how you can incorporate those elements into your own playing.

Embracing the Power of the Blues

At the heart of Hendrix’s sound lies the blues. His playing was deeply rooted in the blues tradition, but he took it to a whole new level. To play like Hendrix, you need to understand the blues scale and how to use it expressively. The pentatonic scale, particularly the minor pentatonic, is your best friend here.

• Start by mastering the basic minor pentatonic scale in different positions on the fretboard. This will give you the foundation to improvise with the fluidity and expressiveness that defined Hendrix’s solos.
• Listen to classic blues artists like Muddy Waters and B.B. King to get a feel for the phrasing. Notice how Hendrix borrowed from these legends but added his own flair with bends, slides, and vibrato.
• Practice bending notes to precise pitches. Hendrix’s bends were always emotionally charged, often bending up a whole step or more. Try this with both your index and ring fingers to build strength and control.

Interestingly enough, Hendrix often combined the minor and major pentatonic scales to add complexity to his solos. This is where the magic happens. Experiment with switching between these scales mid-solo to create tension and release, a hallmark of Hendrix’s style.

Unleashing the Power of Chords

Hendrix’s chordal work was anything but ordinary. He had a knack for turning simple chord progressions into rich, textured soundscapes. One of his secret weapons was the use of chord embellishments. Let’s break this down:

• Learn the “Hendrix chord,” otherwise known as the 7#9 chord. This distinctive sound is heard in songs like “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady.” The structure of the chord combines both major and minor third intervals, creating a tension-filled sound that’s instantly recognizable.
• Experiment with chord inversions and extensions. Hendrix often played chords with the third or fifth in the bass, adding a different color to his progressions.
• Incorporate double stops and slides into your rhythm playing. Listen to “Little Wing” or “Castles Made of Sand” to hear how Hendrix used these techniques to create movement and interest.

These chord techniques, when combined with his unique sense of rhythm, allowed Hendrix to fill out the sound of a three-piece band in a way that was both innovative and impactful.

Mastering Feedback and Whammy Bar Tricks

Hendrix wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what the guitar could do, often venturing into sonic territories that were previously unexplored. Feedback and whammy bar tricks were a huge part of his arsenal.

• To emulate his use of feedback, experiment with your amplifier settings. Stand close to your amp and sustain a note until it begins to feed back. Control this feedback with your guitar’s volume and tone knobs.
• Use the whammy bar to create dramatic pitch shifts. Hendrix used it to dive bomb notes or to subtly alter the pitch of sustained notes for a vocal-like quality.
• Try “killing” the note by pressing it down on the fretboard with your palm while simultaneously using the whammy bar. This technique creates a unique, muted effect that Hendrix used to great effect.

These tricks, when used tastefully, can add an expressive edge to your playing, turning a simple solo into a dynamic, engaging experience for your audience.

Getting the Tone Right

Hendrix’s tone was as iconic as his playing. While a big part of it was in his fingers, the gear he used played a significant role. To get closer to his sound:

• Use a Stratocaster-style guitar. The single-coil pickups are crucial for capturing the clarity and brightness that were hallmarks of Hendrix’s tone.
• Invest in a good fuzz pedal. The Fuzz Face was Hendrix’s fuzz pedal of choice. It created the thick, saturated sound he used in many of his solos.
• Experiment with overdrive and distortion settings. Hendrix often drove his amps hard, creating natural overdrive that gave his sound a gritty edge.
• Don’t forget the wah pedal. It was a staple in his setup and used extensively in tracks like “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” Practice rocking the pedal back and forth in rhythm with your playing to enhance your solos.

While gear is important, remember that Hendrix’s tone was also about feel and dynamics. Pay attention to your attack and the way you use your guitar’s volume knob to go from clean to dirty.

The Art of Improvisation

Improvisation was a key element of Hendrix’s performances. He had an uncanny ability to make every live show feel fresh and unique. To develop your improvisational skills:

• Practice playing along with backing tracks. This will help you get comfortable with improvising over different chord progressions and styles.
• Record yourself and listen back. This can be an eye-opening experience, revealing areas where you can improve or try something new.
• Learn from Hendrix’s solos. Transcribe them by ear to understand his phrasing and note choices. Pay attention to how he builds tension and resolves it, often using simple motifs and developing them over time.

Improvisation is not just about playing the right notes—it’s about conveying emotion and telling a story. Hendrix was a master at this, and with practice, you can start to develop your own narrative style.

Use of Dynamics and Feel

Hendrix’s playing was full of dynamics. He could go from a whisper to a roar within a single song, making his music feel alive and spontaneous.

• Practice controlling your picking dynamics. Alternate between soft and aggressive picking to create contrast in your playing.
• Utilize your guitar’s volume control. Hendrix often adjusted his volume knob mid-song to clean up his sound or to add more grit.
• Focus on your timing and groove. Hendrix had an impeccable sense of rhythm, which allowed him to lock in with the band and create a cohesive sound.

The way you play a note can be just as important as the note itself. By consciously incorporating dynamics into your playing, you can add depth and emotion to your music.

The Influence of Psychedelic Rock

Hendrix was instrumental in the development of psychedelic rock, which was characterized by innovative sounds and experimental approaches to music. This genre influenced his use of effects and his overall approach to songwriting.

• Experiment with effects like delay, phaser, and flanger. Hendrix often used these to create swirling, otherworldly sounds that defined the psychedelic era.
• Don’t be afraid to break the mold. Psychedelic rock was all about pushing boundaries, so explore unconventional song structures and time signatures.
• Incorporate elements of improvisation and jam sessions into your practice. This can lead to unexpected musical discoveries and help you develop your own voice.

Hendrix’s music was a reflection of the times, blending traditional elements with avant-garde techniques. By exploring these sounds, you can add an experimental edge to your own playing.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Becoming proficient in Hendrix’s style requires dedication and practice. It’s not just about what you play, but how you play it.

• Set aside dedicated practice time each day. Focus on specific aspects of Hendrix’s style, such as chord work, scales, or improvisation.
• Break down his songs into manageable sections. Analyze each part and practice it slowly before gradually increasing the tempo.
• Join a community of guitarists. Sharing your progress and learning from others can be incredibly motivating and help you stay on track.

Remember, Hendrix didn’t become a legend overnight. He was constantly pushing himself to improve and explore new musical territories. With perseverance and a passion for learning, you can make significant strides in your own playing.

Bringing it All Together

Playing like Jimi Hendrix is not just about replicating his licks and tricks. It’s about capturing the spirit of innovation and expression that defined his music. By combining the elements discussed, you can start to develop a style that is uniquely your own.

• Take inspiration from Hendrix, but don’t be afraid to inject your own personality into your playing.
• Explore different genres and styles to expand your musical vocabulary.
• Stay open to experimentation and embrace the unpredictable nature of music.

Interestingly, we’ve found that tapping into a community of like-minded players can really accelerate your progress. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, which can help you incorporate some of these Hendrix-inspired techniques into your own playing. Whether you’re interested in rhythm guitar techniques or lead guitar skills, our platform provides a wealth of resources to help you grow as a musician.

Final Thoughts

Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing was a fusion of technical skill, emotional depth, and creative daring. By focusing on blues scales, chord embellishments, feedback manipulation, and the right gear, you can start to capture some of his magic in your own playing. Remember, it’s all about exploration and personal expression. If you’re eager to learn more, Riffhard offers lessons that can help you refine your skills and incorporate new techniques into your playing style. Happy playing!