Little Miss Strange by Jimi Hendrix Guitar Lesson

Unlock the secrets of Jimi Hendrix's innovative playing with our note-for-note guitar lesson of "Little Miss Strange." This track, featured on the classic 1968 album Electric Ladyland, showcases not only Hendrix's signature style but also the remarkable skills of Noel Redding, the bassist and rhythm guitarist for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, who actually takes the lead on this song.

In our lesson, taught by Danny Gill, you'll dive deep into the techniques that make this track so compelling, including barre chords, syncopated rhythms, string bending, and vibrato. Each technique is broken down and explained in detail, allowing you to master the essentials of this song and incorporate these timeless guitar tricks into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques in "Little Miss Strange"

Barre Chords

Barre chords form the backbone of rhythm guitar, and "Little Miss Strange" utilizes them to create its driving, syncopated rhythms. Barre chords involve using one finger to press down multiple strings across the fretboard, allowing you to play full-sounding chords up and down the neck. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to perfect your barre chord technique, improving finger strength and dexterity.

Why Learn It? Mastering barre chords unlocks the entire fretboard, giving you the ability to play complex chord progressions in any key. This is an essential technique for guitarists looking to expand their rhythm playing and chord vocabulary.

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation, or playing off the beat, adds a unique groove to "Little Miss Strange." In this lesson, we’ll break down how to play these syncopated rhythms accurately, helping you develop a tighter sense of timing and groove.

Why Learn It? Syncopated rhythms make your playing feel more dynamic and engaging. Mastering syncopation improves your ability to play more complex rhythmic patterns and enhances your overall sense of rhythm.

String Bending

String bending is a staple of Hendrix’s lead playing, and "Little Miss Strange" is no exception. This technique involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, often to reach a note that's not easily accessible by regular fretting. Hendrix uses subtle string bends in his solos to add emotional depth and expression.

Why Learn It? Learning to control your string bends will enhance your lead playing by adding an expressive, vocal-like quality to your solos. It allows you to hit notes in a more fluid, connected way, making your phrasing sound more lyrical and emotional.

Vibrato

Vibrato is the art of subtly varying the pitch of a note by oscillating your finger. Hendrix’s vibrato is legendary, giving his playing a smooth, almost singing quality. In "Little Miss Strange," his use of vibrato adds texture and richness to his lead lines, making them sound fuller and more dramatic.

Why Learn It? Mastering vibrato adds a professional touch to your playing, making notes sustain longer and sound more powerful. It’s a fundamental technique that helps you control and shape the sound of every note you play, making your solos stand out.

About the Guitarists on "Little Miss Strange"

While Jimi Hendrix's guitar wizardry usually takes center stage, "Little Miss Strange" was actually written by bassist Noel Redding, who also played the rhythm guitar parts. Hendrix contributed his unmistakable lead guitar work to the song, blending rhythm and melody in a way that only he could. This collaboration between Hendrix and Redding showcases a unique side of the band’s sound, with Redding providing a poppier, almost British Invasion-like feel to the song while Hendrix adds his usual flair with rich vibrato and expressive bends.

Hendrix's influence on modern guitar playing is immeasurable, with his signature techniques still being studied and revered today. His contribution to "Little Miss Strange" exemplifies his ability to elevate any song with his innovative style, a perfect blend of rhythm and lead guitar that pushes the boundaries of rock music.

Conclusion

This lesson offers an in-depth look at the techniques used in "Little Miss Strange" and teaches you how to apply them to your own playing. Whether you're mastering barre chords or refining your vibrato, each technique builds a crucial aspect of guitar proficiency. By the end of this lesson, you'll not only have a better grasp of Hendrix's playing but also a more refined understanding of rhythm, melody, and expression on the guitar.

Guitar Techniques Covered in These Lessons:

• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Vibrato

By learning these techniques, you'll take an essential step toward mastering not just "Little Miss Strange," but guitar playing as a whole. Dive into these lessons and discover how to bring Hendrix's magic to your own fingertips!