Voodoo Chile by Jimi Hendrix | Guitar Lesson

Step into the psychedelic world of Jimi Hendrix with our note-for-note guitar lesson on the iconic blues track, "Voodoo Chile". This song, found on Hendrix’s legendary Electric Ladyland album, is a masterclass in blues-rock guitar playing, showcasing Hendrix’s unparalleled creativity, technique, and expressiveness. The guitar lesson focuses on essential techniques like hammer-ons, trills, string bending, and vibrato, giving you the tools to replicate Hendrix’s distinctive style and incorporate these elements into your own playing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Guitar Techniques in "Voodoo Chile"

This lesson will guide you through the core techniques that Hendrix used to create the distinctive sound of "Voodoo Chile." Let’s break down each technique and explore how it contributes to the overall feel of the song.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a key technique in Hendrix’s lead playing, used to create smooth, fluid transitions between notes. A hammer-on involves striking a note and then "hammering" a higher note with a fretting finger without picking again. In "Voodoo Chile," Hendrix uses hammer-ons to create fast, connected lines that sound seamless and flowing.

Hammer-ons are essential for adding speed and fluidity to your playing. They help you move between notes more easily, allowing for faster runs and legato phrasing. Mastering hammer-ons will improve your ability to create smooth, connected phrases, making your solos sound more melodic and cohesive.

Trills

Trills are another critical technique found throughout "Voodoo Chile." A trill is a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, typically using hammer-ons and pull-offs. Hendrix uses trills to add excitement and intensity to his solos, creating a fast, pulsating sound that builds tension in key moments of the song.

Trills are a great way to add speed and flair to your solos. They help build energy and excitement in a short space, making them ideal for fast licks and embellishments. By mastering trills, you’ll be able to incorporate this rapid-fire technique into your lead playing, adding more depth and complexity to your solos.

String Bending

String bending is one of the defining elements of Hendrix’s lead playing in "Voodoo Chile." String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, allowing you to reach notes in a more vocal-like, expressive way. Hendrix uses bends to create emotional peaks in his solos, giving the notes a human, almost singing quality.

String bending is crucial for adding expressiveness to your solos. It allows you to hit notes that are out of reach through normal fretting, giving your playing a more fluid and connected feel. Learning to control your string bends will help you create dynamic, emotional solos, enhancing the overall impact of your playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is perhaps the most essential technique in Hendrix’s arsenal. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note slightly by moving the fretting hand back and forth, giving the note more sustain and richness. In "Voodoo Chile," Hendrix uses vibrato to add depth and emotion to key notes, letting them ring out with a powerful, expressive quality.

Vibrato is essential for adding character and emotion to your playing. It allows you to sustain notes longer and give them a fuller, richer sound. Mastering vibrato will make your solos sound more polished and professional, helping you control the sustain and tone of each note, just like Hendrix.

About the Guitarist: Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. His innovative use of effects, unmatched improvisation skills, and ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and psychedelic elements revolutionized guitar playing. Hendrix’s style is raw yet melodic, explosive yet controlled, making him one of the most influential musicians of all time. On "Voodoo Chile," Hendrix brings a raw, live energy to the studio, incorporating blues fundamentals with his signature flair for improvisation and sonic experimentation.

"Voodoo Chile" is a testament to Hendrix’s ability to take a traditional blues format and turn it into something entirely new. From the soaring bends to the intricate vibrato, Hendrix’s playing is a perfect blend of technical skill and emotional depth, cementing his influence on countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps. By learning this song, you’ll gain insight into Hendrix’s unique phrasing and technique, helping you develop your own expressive playing style.

Conclusion

Jimi Hendrix’s "Voodoo Chile" is a masterclass in blues-rock guitar, filled with expressive techniques that push the boundaries of traditional guitar playing. Our lesson focuses on the essential techniques that Hendrix used to shape the sound of this iconic song, including hammer-ons, trills, string bending, and vibrato. By learning these techniques, you’ll not only be able to replicate the magic of Hendrix’s playing but also incorporate them into your own style, giving you more control, expression, and musicality in your guitar playing.

Each of these techniques is foundational in blues and rock music, and mastering them will open up new possibilities in your soloing and phrasing. Hendrix’s style is all about emotion, feel, and innovation, and by practicing these core techniques, you’ll be able to bring more of these elements into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered in These Lessons:

• Hammer-Ons
• Trills
• Vibrato
• String Bending

By focusing on these key techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering "Voodoo Chile" and bringing the signature sound of Jimi Hendrix into your own playing. Take your time with each technique, and you’ll soon find yourself capturing the raw power and emotion that made Hendrix a legend.