"Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)" by Jimi Hendrix - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Jimi Hendrix’s electrifying rendition of “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)” showcases his unmatched ability to blend blues, rock, and innovative guitar techniques into a seamless performance. Originally written by Earl King and later popularized by Hendrix on the Electric Ladyland album, this song is filled with fiery solos, rhythmic creativity, and a masterclass in the fundamental techniques of guitar playing. In this lesson, we’ll focus on four key techniques that define this track: string bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato. Each technique plays a critical role in achieving the fluidity, expressiveness, and power that Hendrix brings to this blues-rock classic. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

String Bending

String bending is one of the most iconic techniques in Jimi Hendrix’s guitar arsenal, and it’s used extensively in “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)”. This technique involves pushing or pulling the string across the fretboard to raise the pitch of the note, often to a specific interval such as a whole step or half step. Hendrix’s string bends are smooth, controlled, and full of emotion, adding depth and expression to his solos. In this song, the bends are crucial in replicating Hendrix’s vocal-like phrasing, creating a sense of urgency and emotion that permeates the track.

Mastering string bending allows guitarists to add emotional expression and nuance to their playing. It gives you the ability to create dynamic, vocal-like qualities in your solos, which can convey a wide range of feelings. String bending also strengthens your fingers, improves your control over pitch, and enhances your overall lead guitar technique. In “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll), string bending is essential for capturing the soulful, bluesy tone of Hendrix’s solos and for developing a more expressive playing style.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a critical component of Hendrix’s fluid playing style, especially in “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)”. A hammer-on involves using a finger on your fretting hand to “hammer” down on a string to produce a note without picking it again. This technique allows you to transition between notes quickly and smoothly, which is a hallmark of Hendrix’s rapid-fire licks and melodic lines. In this track, hammer-ons are used frequently to create intricate, flowing phrases that move seamlessly between rhythm and lead parts.

Hammer-ons improve the speed and fluidity of your playing, particularly in lead guitar lines. This technique allows you to create smoother transitions between notes without the need for constant picking, helping you achieve faster runs and more connected phrases. Learning hammer-ons also improves finger strength and dexterity, as it requires precise finger movement and control. In “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll), hammer-ons are vital for capturing Hendrix’s legato phrasing and will help you play faster, more fluid guitar lines.

Pull-Offs

Complementing hammer-ons, pull-offs are another fundamental technique used throughout “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)”. A pull-off is the reverse of a hammer-on, where you pull your finger off the string to let the lower note ring out. Hendrix often combines pull-offs with hammer-ons to create fluid, connected phrases that seem to flow effortlessly. In this track, pull-offs are used to add texture to the solos, giving them a dynamic, flowing feel that is characteristic of Hendrix’s style.

Pull-offs, like hammer-ons, are crucial for developing smooth, legato playing. By mastering pull-offs, you’ll improve your ability to create fast, fluid runs without relying solely on picking. Pull-offs also enhance finger independence and coordination, as they require precise timing and control. In “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll), pull-offs are key to replicating Hendrix’s fast, flowing licks and adding a sense of fluidity to your playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, and Hendrix uses it masterfully in “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)”. Vibrato involves slightly varying the pitch of a note by moving the fretting hand back and forth, creating a rich, singing quality. Hendrix’s vibrato is wide, controlled, and full of emotion, adding depth and sustain to the notes he plays. In this song, vibrato is used both subtly and dramatically, enhancing the overall feel of the solos and giving the notes a more vocal, human-like quality.

Vibrato is essential for adding expression and sustain to your playing. It gives your notes a more vocal quality, allowing you to shape the tone and add emotional depth. Mastering vibrato also improves finger strength and control, as it requires precise movements to achieve a consistent pitch variation. In “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll), vibrato is crucial for capturing Hendrix’s soulful, expressive tone and for giving your playing a more polished, professional sound.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Jimi Hendrix’s interpretation of “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)” transformed the song from its blues origins into a fiery, electrifying rock anthem. Hendrix’s unique approach to the guitar, blending blues phrasing with innovative effects and techniques, made him one of the most influential guitarists of all time. His performance on this track is a perfect example of his ability to take a traditional blues song and infuse it with rock energy and technical brilliance.

Hendrix’s influence on guitarists cannot be overstated. His use of feedback, distortion, and innovative techniques revolutionized the way the electric guitar was played. Learning “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)” gives guitarists a glimpse into Hendrix’s genius, allowing them to explore the techniques that made him such an iconic figure in the world of music. By mastering the string bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato in this track, you’ll not only capture the essence of Hendrix’s playing but also improve your overall guitar technique.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato

Mastering the techniques found in “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)” will not only allow you to play this classic track with accuracy but also enhance your overall guitar skills. String bending will improve your ability to add emotional expression to your solos, hammer-ons and pull-offs will give you more fluidity and speed, and vibrato will allow you to shape your notes with greater control and depth. These techniques are essential for any guitarist looking to capture the energy and emotion of Hendrix’s playing and elevate their own musical abilities. Dive into this lesson to unlock the secrets behind Hendrix’s performance in “Come On (Let The Good Times Roll).”