Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix

"Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix is a masterpiece that exemplifies his unparalleled ability to blend soul, emotion, and technical finesse. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Little Wing" breaks down this iconic song in detail, helping guitarists of all levels master Hendrix's unique techniques and expressive style. With this lesson, you’ll not only learn to play the song but also gain a deeper understanding of the musical tools and techniques that made Hendrix a legend. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Jimi Hendrix and the Song

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary guitarist whose innovative style transformed the way the guitar is played. Known for his expressive use of tone, phrasing, and techniques, Hendrix combined blues, rock, and soul influences to create music that feels timeless. "Little Wing," featured on the 1967 album Axis: Bold as Love, is one of his most celebrated compositions.

The song showcases Hendrix's ability to convey deep emotion through intricate chord voicings, fluid lead lines, and subtle effects. His influence is evident in countless guitarists, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer, who cite Hendrix as a primary inspiration. Learning "Little Wing" is an excellent way to immerse yourself in his genius and elevate your own guitar skills.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Vibrato

Hendrix's use of vibrato in "Little Wing" adds a singing quality to his lead lines. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note slightly by moving the fretting finger, creating a rich and emotional sound. Mastering vibrato helps players inject expression into their solos, enhancing their ability to connect with listeners. Learn more about vibrato.

Slides

Slides are used extensively in "Little Wing" to create smooth transitions between notes and chords. By sliding your fretting hand from one note to another, you can mimic Hendrix's fluid style. This technique improves your fretboard navigation and adds a lyrical quality to your playing. Check out our guide on slides.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

"Little Wing" features intricate hammer-on and pull-off sequences that give the melody its smooth flow. These techniques involve adding or removing fingers from the fretboard without picking again, creating a seamless connection between notes. They are essential for improving legato phrasing and speed. Explore hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Double Stops

Hendrix's use of double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—adds harmonic depth and texture to the song. This technique is central to his rhythm and lead hybrid playing style. It’s a powerful tool for adding colour and complexity to your solos and riffs. Discover more about double stops.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios play a vital role in "Little Wing," as Hendrix often breaks chords into individual notes to create melodic lines. This technique enhances your understanding of chord shapes and provides a versatile foundation for improvisation. Dive into arpeggios.

Barre Chords

Hendrix’s approach to barre chords in "Little Wing" highlights his ability to blend rhythm and melody seamlessly. Barre chords involve using one finger to press multiple strings, offering a wide range of harmonic possibilities. Mastering them strengthens your hand and expands your chordal vocabulary. Learn more about barre chords.

String Bending

String bending, a hallmark of Hendrix's style, is used to emphasise key notes in "Little Wing." This technique involves pushing a string sideways to raise its pitch, adding expressiveness to your playing. It improves finger strength and your ability to add dynamics to solos. Learn about string bending.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique covered in this lesson contributes to the development of your musicality and technical skills:

• Emotional Expression: Techniques like vibrato and string bending allow you to infuse your playing with feeling and individuality.
• Fluidity and Speed: Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides make your playing smoother and more connected.
• Harmonic Depth: Double stops and arpeggios enhance your understanding of harmony and chordal interplay.
• Versatility: Barre chords and arpeggios expand your repertoire, enabling you to tackle a wide range of styles and songs.

By mastering the techniques in "Little Wing," you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and elevate your overall guitar-playing ability.

Guitar Techniques Used in the "Little Wing" Lesson

• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Arpeggios
• Barre Chords
• String Bending

Start your journey with our comprehensive "Little Wing" guitar lesson and learn to play like the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Explore these techniques to bring this iconic song to life on your guitar!