Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Jimi Hendrix - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

The legendary song "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by Jimi Hendrix is not just a masterpiece of rock music, but also a goldmine of guitar techniques that have inspired generations of guitar players. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary teaches you every nuance of this iconic track, providing a detailed breakdown of the techniques Hendrix used to create his signature sound. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, learning these techniques will significantly enhance your guitar skills. Danny Gill breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Jimi Hendrix and His Influence

Jimi Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, revolutionised the way the electric guitar was played. His innovative use of feedback, distortion, and effects pedals, combined with a mastery of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds, set him apart from his peers. In "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," Hendrix employed a combination of aggressive riffing, intricate solos, and expressive phrasing that has become synonymous with his playing style.

This song showcases not only Hendrix’s technical prowess but also his ability to convey emotion through his instrument, influencing countless guitarists across genres. Guitarists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, and Eric Clapton have all cited Hendrix as a key influence on their playing.

Techniques Focused on in This Lesson

String Bending

One of the signature elements of Hendrix's style in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" is his expressive use of string bending. Whether it’s a subtle bend to add nuance or a dramatic full-step bend for emotional emphasis, this technique allows you to manipulate the pitch of a note, giving your playing a vocal-like quality. String bending helps develop finger strength and intonation, improving your ability to play with more expression.

Vibrato

Hendrix’s vibrato is instantly recognisable, and this lesson breaks down his unique approach to adding this subtle but powerful effect to his notes. Vibrato gives your notes more life and depth, adding a sustained, "singing" quality to your playing. Mastering vibrato is key to improving your overall expressiveness on the guitar, as it helps convey emotion and personality in your solos.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

In "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," Hendrix seamlessly integrates hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, rapid-fire licks. These legato techniques are essential for creating smooth transitions between notes and speeding up your playing. By practicing these, you’ll improve your finger strength and dexterity, enabling you to play faster and with more articulation.

Double Stops

Hendrix frequently used double stops—playing two notes at the same time—to add harmonic richness to his solos and riffs. In "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," double stops are a key component of the main riff. Learning double stops helps you understand harmony on the guitar and gives you the ability to add a fuller sound to your playing.

Unison Bends

Another standout technique in this song is the unison bend, where two strings are played simultaneously with one string being bent to match the pitch of the other. This creates a powerful, tension-filled sound that is perfect for building intensity in solos. Practicing unison bends will strengthen your bending control and give your solos a more dramatic effect.

Wah Pedal Techniques

One of the most iconic aspects of "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" is Hendrix’s use of the wah-wah pedal. This pedal creates a sweeping, vocal-like effect that adds dynamic movement to the guitar tone. In this lesson, you'll learn how to sync your playing with the movement of the wah pedal to create expressive, rhythmic, and melodic phrasing. Mastering the wah pedal will greatly expand your tonal palette and provide more versatility in your playing.

Rakes

Raking is a technique Hendrix used to add a percussive, rhythmic element to his solos. By muting the strings and striking them with the pick, you create a distinct "raking" sound that adds texture to your playing. This technique improves your control over string muting and articulation, allowing you to add a more aggressive or dynamic feel to your lead lines.

Open String Riffs

Hendrix often incorporated open string riffs into his playing to create wide, resonant sounds that fill up the sonic space. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use open strings to construct powerful, ringing riffs. Open string riffs are an excellent way to add a rich, fuller tone to your playing while also exploring new voicings and textures.

Slides

Slides are an essential part of Hendrix’s phrasing in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Sliding into or out of notes allows for smoother transitions and adds a sense of fluidity to your playing. Practicing slides will help you develop a more connected and expressive style of soloing, allowing you to move effortlessly between different positions on the fretboard.

Conclusion

"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" is a cornerstone of guitar-driven rock music, and learning the techniques Hendrix used in this song will not only bring you closer to mastering his style but will also improve your overall guitar playing. Each of these techniques builds on fundamental guitar skills, pushing you to develop greater control, precision, and expression.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Rakes
• Open String Riffs
• Slides