"1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" by Jimi Hendrix - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

"1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" is a psychedelic masterpiece from Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 album Electric Ladyland. This song blends intricate guitar work, atmospheric effects, and improvisational brilliance to create an otherworldly listening experience. Hendrix showcases his ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes through unique use of arpeggios, hammer-ons, double stops, and vibrato. In this guitar lesson, we will explore these techniques in-depth, allowing you to capture the magic of Hendrix’s playing while improving your own technical skills and musical understanding. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are a central element in Hendrix’s playing on "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)." An arpeggio involves playing the notes of a chord individually, creating a flowing, melodic sound. Hendrix often uses arpeggios to add texture to his chord progressions, weaving them into the song to create a lush, dreamy atmosphere. In this track, arpeggios are key to building the song’s expansive soundscapes, providing both harmonic structure and melodic movement.

Mastering arpeggios helps you understand chord structure more deeply and improves your ability to play both rhythm and lead lines with greater fluidity. Arpeggios are essential for creating smoother, more connected melodies that flow naturally from chord to chord. Learning this technique will also enhance your finger independence and precision, as playing clean arpeggios requires careful coordination between your picking and fretting hands. Arpeggios are widely used across many musical styles, making them a versatile tool for any guitarist.

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons are another key technique featured throughout "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)." Hendrix uses hammer-ons to add speed and fluidity to his playing, particularly during melodic runs and improvisations. A hammer-on involves picking a note and then "hammering" down on the fretboard to sound a higher note without picking again. This creates a smooth, legato sound, allowing Hendrix to transition between notes effortlessly.

Hammer-ons are vital for playing fast, fluid passages without the need for continuous picking. They add a legato quality to your playing, making your lead lines sound more connected and seamless. Practicing hammer-ons will improve your finger strength and dexterity, helping you achieve faster note transitions with greater control. This technique is essential for any guitarist looking to build speed and smoothness in their playing, whether in blues, rock, or more experimental styles like Hendrix’s.

Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, are a staple of Hendrix’s guitar playing, and "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" is no exception. Hendrix uses double stops to create harmonized lines and fuller sounds, particularly in the song’s lead sections. This technique allows him to add depth and harmonic richness to his melodies, creating a more textured and layered sound.

Double stops are invaluable for adding harmonic depth to your playing. Whether used in solos or rhythm parts, they give your guitar lines a fuller, more complex sound. Mastering double stops improves finger independence, as you’ll need to control two notes at once while maintaining clarity. This technique is crucial for blues, rock, and country guitarists who want to add richness to their solos and riffs, making their playing sound more dynamic and harmonically interesting.

Vibrato

Hendrix’s use of vibrato in "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" adds an essential layer of expression to his playing. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a sustained note, giving it a more dynamic and vocal quality. In this song, Hendrix uses vibrato to give certain notes a rich, singing quality, particularly during his extended improvisational sections. His smooth and wide vibrato technique helps elevate his playing, adding emotional intensity to key moments in the song.

Vibrato is a fundamental technique for adding expression and depth to your playing. It helps you sustain notes longer and makes them more emotionally impactful, giving your playing a professional, polished feel. Learning to control vibrato enhances your ability to shape the tone and dynamics of individual notes, making your solos and melodies stand out. This technique is crucial for blues and rock players looking to add personal flair and emotion to their playing.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Jimi Hendrix was a groundbreaking guitarist whose innovative approach to the electric guitar changed the landscape of rock and blues music forever. His playing on "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" showcases his ability to combine technical mastery with deep creativity, using techniques like arpeggios, hammer-ons, double stops, and vibrato to craft a rich, immersive sonic experience. Hendrix’s experimental use of effects, feedback, and studio manipulation on this track pushed the boundaries of what was possible in recorded music at the time.

Hendrix’s influence on guitar playing is immeasurable, inspiring generations of musicians across a wide range of genres. His ability to blend bluesy emotion with technical brilliance, while also pioneering new sounds and techniques, made him one of the most important figures in 20th-century music. Learning to play "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" is a fantastic way to explore Hendrix’s unique approach to guitar and develop your own skills in the process.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggios
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Vibrato

By studying the techniques used in "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)," you’ll not only gain insight into one of Jimi Hendrix’s most ambitious songs but also enhance your own guitar playing. Arpeggios will help you build smoother chord progressions, hammer-ons will add speed and fluidity to your playing, double stops will give your sound more depth, and vibrato will add emotional intensity to your solos. Mastering these techniques will allow you to capture the essence of Hendrix’s innovative style while improving your overall musicianship. Dive into this lesson and unlock the secrets of one of rock’s greatest guitarists!