Crosstown Traffic by Jimi Hendrix - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Learn how to play "Crosstown Traffic" by Jimi Hendrix with our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson, where we cover the essential techniques that make this song a classic. From Jimi's signature string bending to expressive vibrato, double stops, and hammer-ons, this lesson gives you everything you need to master the intricate guitar work behind one of the most iconic songs in rock history. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, learning these techniques will greatly improve your guitar skills and deepen your understanding of Hendrix's style. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in Crosstown Traffic

String Bending

String bending is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, and Hendrix used it to great effect in "Crosstown Traffic." By bending a string, you can raise the pitch of a note, allowing for a more vocal-like sound. In this lesson, you'll learn how to perform accurate bends that are perfectly in tune, as well as how to control the speed and intensity of your bends to add emotion and dynamics to your playing. Mastering this technique will enable you to replicate Hendrix’s bluesy, soulful style, which is a staple of rock guitar.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another crucial element of Hendrix's playing. This technique involves subtly varying the pitch of a note to give it a rich, resonant sound. In "Crosstown Traffic," Hendrix uses vibrato to sustain notes and add expressive flair to his solos and riffs. Learning how to control your vibrato will help you add character and depth to your playing, making each note sing with emotion. It’s an essential technique for any guitarist looking to refine their sound and give their solos a professional, polished feel.

Double Stops

Double stops are another technique featured prominently in "Crosstown Traffic." A double stop involves playing two notes simultaneously, creating a fuller, more harmonically rich sound. Hendrix used double stops to add thickness to his riffs, creating a distinctive, powerful tone. By mastering double stops, you’ll enhance your rhythm and lead playing, as it opens up new possibilities for chord voicings and harmonies. It’s a versatile technique that will help you develop a more nuanced and complex playing style.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a core element of Hendrix’s fluid playing style. This technique involves ‘hammering’ down a finger onto the fretboard to play a note without picking it, allowing for smooth transitions between notes. In "Crosstown Traffic," Hendrix uses hammer-ons to create flowing, legato phrases that add to the song’s energetic feel. Learning hammer-ons will improve your dexterity and speed, allowing you to play fast, intricate passages with ease. This technique is vital for achieving Hendrix’s signature fluidity in both lead and rhythm playing.

About the Guitar Players in Crosstown Traffic

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his performance on "Crosstown Traffic" is a testament to his unparalleled creativity. Hendrix played all the guitar parts on the track, blending both rhythm and lead seamlessly. His approach to the guitar was groundbreaking, combining innovative chord voicings, experimental tones, and dynamic playing techniques that shaped the future of rock and blues guitar. The song's upbeat, driving rhythm is enhanced by Hendrix’s mastery of syncopation and groove, making it both fun and challenging to play. By studying his performance on this song, guitarists can gain insight into his remarkable sense of timing and phrasing.

Conclusion

The guitar work in "Crosstown Traffic" provides a great opportunity for guitarists to learn and practice essential techniques that are key to mastering Hendrix’s style. By focusing on string bending, vibrato, double stops, and hammer-ons, this lesson will not only help you play this song accurately but also improve your overall guitar skills. Each technique adds something unique to your playing, whether it’s expressive phrasing, harmonic richness, or technical fluidity. Hendrix's influence can be felt in countless genres of music, and by learning how to play this track, you're tapping into a legacy of innovation and artistry.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons

By mastering these techniques, you'll have the tools to not only tackle "Crosstown Traffic" but to apply them to other songs and styles in your guitar-playing journey.