"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by Jimi Hendrix - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Few songs capture the essence of electric guitar mastery quite like Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Released in 1968 on the album Electric Ladyland, this track is an iconic example of Hendrix's revolutionary approach to guitar. Featuring a blend of aggressive riffs, soulful blues phrasing, and powerful improvisation, Hendrix uses techniques like string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and double stops to create his signature sound. In this lesson, we’ll explore these key techniques in depth, providing you with the tools needed to play this legendary song note for note while improving your overall guitar skills. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

String Bending

String bending is one of the foundational techniques that Hendrix employs throughout "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." By pushing or pulling the string to raise the pitch, Hendrix adds vocal-like expressiveness to his solos, particularly in the song’s iconic opening riff. String bending allows him to glide between notes, creating a fluid, almost vocal quality that gives the song its emotional intensity.

Mastering string bending will transform your playing by adding a new layer of expression. This technique allows you to manipulate pitch, giving your solos a dynamic, emotional feel that can’t be achieved through standard fretting. Learning to bend notes accurately also improves your finger strength and control, which are crucial for achieving the right pitch and tone. String bending is a vital tool in rock and blues guitar, helping you to create more soulful, engaging solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another essential technique used extensively in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Hendrix’s vibrato technique adds warmth and sustain to notes, giving them more life and presence. Vibrato involves quickly oscillating the pitch of a note, and Hendrix’s fluid, wide vibrato style is a hallmark of his sound, especially during his extended soloing sections in the song.

Vibrato adds a unique signature to your playing, allowing you to sustain notes with emotional depth. It enhances your control over pitch and dynamics, enabling you to make your notes stand out with added personality and flair. Learning vibrato helps you develop better finger and wrist coordination, and it’s key to building a more expressive, professional-sounding lead style. This technique is critical for blues and rock players who want to create solos with feeling and nuance.

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons are another key element in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Hendrix uses hammer-ons to play fast, fluid licks that sound effortless, especially in the song's improvisational sections. This technique involves fretting a note, picking it, and then using a second finger to "hammer" onto a higher note without picking again. This allows Hendrix to connect notes in a smooth, legato fashion, adding speed and grace to his playing.

Hammer-ons are essential for creating fast, smooth transitions between notes without having to pick every one. They allow you to achieve a fluid, connected sound in your solos and riffs, which is especially useful in blues and rock music. Practicing hammer-ons builds finger strength and dexterity, helping you to play faster and more accurately. This technique also reduces pick noise, giving your playing a more polished, legato feel.

Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, are frequently used by Hendrix in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Hendrix employs this technique to create a fuller, harmonized sound, particularly in the rhythm sections and in his solos. Double stops help give the song its raw, bluesy feel and are a great way to add depth to both lead and rhythm guitar parts.

Double stops are critical for adding harmonic richness to your playing, allowing you to create thicker textures and more interesting lead lines. This technique improves your ability to play rhythm and lead simultaneously, and it’s widely used in blues, rock, and country guitar. Mastering double stops also improves finger independence and coordination, giving you more versatility as a guitarist.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Jimi Hendrix, often regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, revolutionized the way the electric guitar was played. His innovative approach to guitar technique, tone, and effects reshaped the landscape of rock music. Hendrix’s playing on "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" is a masterclass in blues-rock improvisation, combining elements of traditional blues with an otherworldly sense of creativity and flair. His use of string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and double stops in this track highlights his ability to blend technical skill with deep emotional expression.

Hendrix’s influence on guitar playing is immeasurable. He pushed the boundaries of what could be done with the instrument, using feedback, distortion, and unconventional playing techniques to craft a sound that was completely unique. His work has inspired countless guitarists across generations, from blues players to hard rock legends, and his legacy continues to shape modern guitar music.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

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

By focusing on the core techniques used in "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," you’ll not only gain the ability to play one of Hendrix’s most iconic songs but also strengthen your overall guitar playing. String bending and vibrato will add expressiveness to your solos, while hammer-ons will give you the speed and fluidity needed for legato playing. Double stops will allow you to create richer, fuller guitar parts that blend rhythm and melody. Mastering these techniques will enhance your skills across blues, rock, and beyond, helping you develop a more dynamic and expressive approach to the guitar. Dive into this lesson and unlock the power of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar mastery!