Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

Introduction

Discover the magic of Jimi Hendrix’s legendary track “Purple Haze” with our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This groundbreaking song, released in 1967, showcases Hendrix’s innovative guitar techniques and remains a cornerstone of rock music. Through our expert breakdown, you’ll learn how to replicate the song’s signature sound while mastering a range of essential guitar techniques. This lesson not only empowers you to play a rock classic but also strengthens your overall guitar skills, giving you tools to explore your own creativity. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Genius Behind "Purple Haze"

Jimi Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, revolutionised the world of music with his unparalleled skill, creativity, and unique approach to the electric guitar. In “Purple Haze,” Hendrix blends blues influences with psychedelic rock, creating a soundscape that has inspired countless musicians. His use of distortion, feedback, and innovative chord voicings established him as a pioneer in rock music, and this track exemplifies his ability to push the boundaries of the electric guitar.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Vibrato

Hendrix’s masterful use of vibrato adds expressive depth to his playing, making his solos sing with emotion. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use controlled vibrato to sustain and enrich notes, adding personality to your performance.

Benefit: Vibrato enhances your ability to convey emotion and gives your playing a professional edge.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

“Purple Haze” features seamless transitions between notes using hammer-ons and pull-offs, techniques integral to Hendrix’s fluid style.

Benefit: These techniques build finger strength and speed, allowing for smoother and more dynamic phrasing.

Slides

Hendrix often employs slides to glide between notes, creating a fluid and melodic connection between phrases.

Benefit: Sliding improves your fretboard navigation and helps create a polished, professional sound.

String Bending

Iconic string bending adds a bluesy flair to Hendrix’s solos in “Purple Haze.” This technique is pivotal for achieving the expressive quality of the song.

Benefit: Mastering string bending refines pitch accuracy and helps develop your ear for melodic expression.

Double Stops

The track uses double stops to create rich harmonic textures, a hallmark of Hendrix’s style.

Benefit: Playing double stops improves finger independence and adds harmonic depth to your playing.

Power Chords

The iconic opening riff showcases the use of power chords, a staple in rock and roll.

Benefit: Power chords are foundational for rhythm guitar, offering a driving force behind any rock song.

Barre Chords

“Purple Haze” also employs barre chords, which are key to executing Hendrix’s chordal approach.

Benefit: Barre chords expand your chord vocabulary and strengthen your fretting hand.

Open String Riffs

The driving force behind the riff is the use of open string riffs, adding resonance and power to the track.

Benefit: Learning open string riffs improves picking precision and rhythmic consistency.

Bluesy Bends

Hendrix’s use of bluesy bends lends a raw, emotional quality to the track, showcasing his deep blues roots.

Benefit: Bluesy bends add expressive versatility to your lead guitar playing.

Rakes

To achieve Hendrix’s signature percussive sound, we delve into the use of rakes.

Benefit: Rakes improve muting techniques and add a rhythmic dynamic to your playing.

Benefits of Learning "Purple Haze"

This lesson not only allows you to master one of the most iconic songs in rock history but also equips you with a toolbox of techniques that can be applied to various genres and styles. By learning “Purple Haze,” you develop better fretboard awareness, improve your technical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Jimi Hendrix’s groundbreaking approach to the guitar.

Techniques Used in the Lesson

Here’s a list of guitar techniques you’ll master in this lesson, with links to further explore their definitions and applications:

• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Open String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Rakes

Embark on your journey to capturing the essence of Hendrix’s playing and unlock your potential as a guitarist with our in-depth lesson for “Purple Haze.”