"Burning of the Midnight Lamp" by Jimi Hendrix - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Jimi Hendrix’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” is a remarkable track that blends psychedelic rock with soulful, blues-inspired guitar work. Released in 1967, this song from Electric Ladyland showcases Hendrix’s innovative approach to guitar playing, using a range of techniques to create a rich, textured soundscape. In this detailed guitar lesson, we will break down the core techniques that define this song, including hammer-ons, alternate picking, barre chords, and string bending. Each of these techniques is essential in capturing the full essence of the track and developing a deeper understanding of Hendrix’s unique playing style. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a key technique in many of Hendrix’s songs, and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” is no exception. In this technique, you use your fretting hand to forcefully press down on a string without picking it, causing a new note to sound. Hendrix uses hammer-ons to add smoothness and fluidity to his riffs, especially during the melodic lines in this song, where he transitions between notes quickly and effortlessly. The hammer-ons in this track help create a flowing, continuous feel that complements the song’s ethereal atmosphere.

Mastering hammer-ons will greatly enhance your legato playing, allowing you to play faster, smoother phrases without relying solely on picking. This technique is crucial for creating a fluid sound, making it easier to transition between notes without interrupting the flow of your playing. Hammer-ons are also fundamental to many styles of music, from rock to blues to metal, so developing this skill will give you more versatility in your guitar playing. In “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” hammer-ons are essential for replicating Hendrix’s fluid, expressive playing style.

Alternate Picking

Hendrix incorporates alternate picking into the fast, rhythmic sections of “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” Alternate picking involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes with the pick, providing a balanced and efficient picking technique. In this song, alternate picking is used to maintain a consistent rhythm and create a sense of urgency in the faster passages. Hendrix’s precise use of alternate picking allows him to articulate every note clearly, even during rapid sequences.

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique for developing speed, accuracy, and efficiency in your guitar playing. By alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, you can increase your picking speed without sacrificing control or precision. This technique is essential for playing fast, complex riffs and solos. In “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” alternate picking allows you to replicate Hendrix’s rhythmic precision while maintaining a strong, driving groove. Mastering this technique will improve your overall picking efficiency and open up more advanced playing styles.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are prevalent throughout “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” providing a solid harmonic foundation for the song’s rhythm guitar parts. A barre chord is created by using one finger to press down multiple strings across the fretboard, allowing you to play chord shapes in different positions. Hendrix uses barre chords to create rich, full-sounding chords that complement the melody and add depth to the song’s harmonic structure. His use of barre chords, combined with subtle embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs, adds to the song’s complexity.

Learning barre chords will expand your ability to play chords in various positions across the neck, giving you more versatility and flexibility in your chord voicings. Barre chords are essential for playing songs in different keys without relying on open chords, making them a valuable tool for any guitarist. In “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” barre chords provide a strong harmonic backbone while allowing for creative embellishments, giving your rhythm playing more depth and nuance. Mastering barre chords will improve your finger strength, endurance, and fretboard knowledge.

String Bending

String bending is a signature technique in Hendrix’s guitar playing, and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” features his expressive use of bends throughout. String bending involves pushing or pulling the string to change its pitch, creating a vocal-like, expressive effect. Hendrix’s bends in this song add emotion and drama to the solos and lead lines, making the guitar sing with a human-like voice. The bends are often subtle, bending notes just enough to add tension or resolve, and they blend perfectly with the psychedelic atmosphere of the track.

String bending allows you to add emotional expression to your playing by manipulating the pitch of individual notes. Mastering this technique will give your solos and lead lines a more vocal quality, allowing you to infuse more feeling into your guitar work. Bending also improves your finger strength and control, as it requires precise movement to hit the desired pitch. In “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” string bending is essential for capturing the soulful, emotive quality of Hendrix’s playing. This technique will help you develop a more expressive and dynamic style.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” is a shining example of his genius. Hendrix’s ability to blend technical prowess with deep emotional expression set him apart from his contemporaries. His innovative use of effects, such as the wah pedal, combined with his signature guitar techniques, made him a pioneer in the world of electric guitar.

In “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” Hendrix creates a rich, layered sound that blends psychedelic elements with blues and rock influences. His playing on this track demonstrates his unique ability to craft memorable melodies while maintaining a powerful rhythmic foundation. Learning to play this song will give you valuable insight into Hendrix’s approach to the guitar and help you develop skills that are essential for mastering his style.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Hammer-Ons
• Alternate Picking
• Barre Chords
• String Bending

Mastering the techniques in “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” will not only help you replicate this classic song but also improve your overall guitar playing. Hammer-ons will enhance your legato technique, alternate picking will increase your picking efficiency, barre chords will expand your harmonic range, and string bending will give your solos a more expressive, vocal-like quality. These techniques are essential for any guitarist looking to capture the essence of Hendrix’s playing and develop a deeper understanding of his innovative style. Dive into this lesson to unlock the secrets behind Jimi Hendrix’s iconic performance in “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”