The Wind Cries Mary - Solo (Jimi Hendrix)

Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” is one of the most iconic guitar-driven ballads in rock history. Its solo section is a masterclass in expressive, lyrical guitar playing and a perfect study piece for players wanting to develop their phrasing, touch, and overall musicality. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note lesson of “The Wind Cries Mary - Solo” offers an in-depth look into Hendrix’s subtle but powerful soloing style. This lesson gives guitarists the chance to dig into the nuances that make Hendrix’s playing legendary and timeless. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Solo: A Study in Tasteful Expression

Unlike some of Hendrix’s more overtly virtuosic solos, the one in “The Wind Cries Mary” showcases restraint, tone, and feel over speed and complexity. In this lesson, we break down every note and phrase, guiding you through the solo one step at a time, so that you can truly understand the intent behind each lick. The solo flows beautifully over the chord progression and uses a mix of traditional blues techniques and Hendrix’s own unique touch.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Throughout the solo, Hendrix employs a variety of guitar techniques that are essential for any serious guitarist to master. Below, we highlight each of these techniques and how they’re taught in the lesson, along with their musical and technical benefits.

String Bending

Hendrix’s bends are full of soul, often bending notes just shy or past pitch for emotional effect. In this lesson, we demonstrate both standard bends and subtle micro-bends to replicate his feel accurately.

Benefit: Mastering string bending improves your pitch control, phrasing, and emotional expression.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Fluid transitions between notes are achieved through frequent use of hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques are essential for Hendrix’s smooth, vocal-like lines.

Benefit: Enhances finger strength, speed, and enables more expressive soloing.

Slides

Slides are used liberally throughout the solo to connect phrases and glide between positions. The lesson details how and where to use them for maximum impact.

Benefit: Great for improving fretboard navigation and adding fluidity to your solos.

Double Stops

A classic Hendrix trademark, double stops are used throughout the solo to create harmony and texture. Our breakdown shows how Hendrix uses them to reinforce melody lines.

Benefit: Teaches you to harmonise melodies and add thickness to lead lines.

Vibrato

The solo is filled with expressive vibrato, which adds depth and vocal character to each sustained note.

Benefit: A well-developed vibrato makes your solos stand out and sound more professional.

Bluesy Bends

Jimi’s unique bending style includes expressive bluesy bends, often pushing notes in between the semitones for extra emotional depth.

Benefit: Teaches you how to play with emotion and adds a distinct blues flavour to your lead playing.

Rakes

Hendrix often adds subtle rakes to his solos, adding percussive accents and phrasing nuances. The lesson includes specific sections where these are demonstrated.

Benefit: Introduces articulation and rhythmic precision into your playing.

The Influence of Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix not only revolutionised the electric guitar but also redefined how it could be played in a band setting. On “The Wind Cries Mary,” Hendrix recorded all the guitar parts himself. Backed by Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, the trio's chemistry was undeniable, but it’s Hendrix’s subtle soloing that elevates this ballad to legendary status. His use of jazz-inspired chord voicings, blues phrasing, and melodic improvisation helped shape the future of rock and blues guitar.

Hendrix’s approach to guitar was as much about feel and innovation as it was about theory and technique. His ability to make the guitar sing with human-like emotion has inspired generations of players, from blues legends to modern shred guitarists. By studying this solo, you're not just learning notes — you're absorbing a piece of Hendrix’s musical soul.

Why Learn This Solo?

Learning this solo will not only improve your technical skills but also sharpen your musical instincts. It forces you to listen, feel, and respond — rather than just play. It’s a perfect piece for intermediate players looking to bridge the gap between technical ability and expressive playing.

Our lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down each phrase slowly, allowing you to internalise the nuances of Hendrix’s tone, timing, and phrasing. With note-for-note transcriptions and expert instruction, this is one of the most rewarding Hendrix solos to add to your repertoire.

Techniques Covered in this Lesson

• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Bluesy Bends
• Rakes