Master Jimi Hendrix's Iconic Riffs: A Beginner's Journey

About the Course

Embark on a journey to master the riffs of Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist who redefined the boundaries of rock music. This course is designed to introduce you to the unique rhythm and riffing style of Hendrix, making it accessible for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll find this course both inspiring and achievable. By the end of Chapter 1, you'll have a solid foundation to build upon, and the full course available in the Gibson App will guide you through the complete Hendrix experience.

Chapter 1

Introduction

Exploring Hendrix's Rhythm

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary guitarist whose rhythm playing was as groundbreaking as his lead work. His tracks like "Voodoo Child" and "Purple Haze" showcase his exceptional rhythm guitar skills. This course will guide you through the concepts that define Hendrix's style, including the famous "Hendrix chord" and various riffs that incorporate open strings and chord extensions. Each lesson is crafted to be approachable, ensuring that even beginners can capture the essence of Hendrix's sound.

Building Confidence

Don't be intimidated by Hendrix's virtuosity. This course is tailored to be level-specific, allowing you to progress at your own pace. By the end, you'll be playing riffs and chord progressions in Hendrix's style, feeling inspired and accomplished.

Riff 1 - The "Hendrix Chord" Riff

Mastering the Hendrix Chord

The 7 Sharp 9 chord, famously known as the "Hendrix chord," is a staple in Jimi's music. This chord's tense and psychedelic sound is integral to tracks like "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child." You'll learn to play this chord and incorporate it into a riff, combining it with power chords to create a chorus riff. Pay attention to timing and muting to keep the riff tight and controlled.

Creating the Chorus Riff

Start with an open low E string, followed by the Hendrix chord. Add power chords like D5 and D-sharp 5 to complete the riff. Practice controlling your picking hand and muting unwanted strings to achieve the iconic Hendrix sound.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: The "Hendrix Chord"

Begin your journey by mastering the iconic E7#9 chord, known as the "Hendrix Chord." This chapter sets the foundation for understanding Hendrix's rhythm style, incorporating open strings and chord extensions to create a unique sound.

Chapter 2: Single Note Riff

Dive into Hendrix's single note riffing technique, a hallmark of his style. Learn to blend melodic riffs with the Hendrix chord, drawing inspiration from classics like "Purple Haze" and "Manic Depression." This chapter emphasizes phrasing and timing, essential for capturing Hendrix's bluesy quality.

Chapter 3: Movable "Hendrix Chord" Shape

Explore the versatility of the Hendrix chord by moving it across the neck. This chapter teaches you to craft powerful riffs in different keys, inspired by songs like "Crosstown Traffic." Mastering this technique enhances your ability to create dynamic and impactful music.

Chapter 4: Power Chords With Open Strings

Learn to incorporate open strings into power chords, a technique that adds color and depth to your playing. This chapter focuses on creating classic Hendrix-sounding riffs, as heard in "Spanish Castle Magic." The emphasis is on maintaining clarity and resonance while moving shapes around the neck.

Chapter 5: The "Hendrix Barre Hack"

Discover Hendrix's simplified barre chord technique with chord extensions. This chapter introduces the sus4 chord, allowing you to play rich and full-sounding progressions. Songs like "Little Wing" and "All Along the Watchtower" serve as inspiration for this technique.

Chapter 6: Finale

Combine all the techniques learned in previous chapters to perform a full song in the style of Jimi Hendrix. This electrifying performance challenges you to integrate riffs, chords, and progressions, culminating in a comprehensive Hendrix experience.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of Hendrix's style and the skills to incorporate his techniques into your own playing. Whether you're jamming with friends or performing on stage, these lessons will elevate your guitar skills and inspire your musical journey.