The Hendrix Chord: Decoding Jimi's Guitar Innovations

Welcome back, guitar enthusiasts and Hendrix aficionados! At House of Hendrix, we've explored his self-mythology, his visual artistry, and much more. Now, let's dive into the technical brilliance of Jimi's guitar playing, focusing on what's often called 'The Hendrix Chord" and other groundbreaking techniques he pioneered.

Introduction: Jimi Hendrix wasn't just a guitarist; he was a guitar revolutionary. His innovative use of the instrument, particularly his chord voicings and playing techniques, have left an indelible mark on music. Today, we'll decode some of his signature sounds that have become legendary.

The Hendrix Chord: • What is it? Often referred to as the 7#9 chord, this is most famously heard in "Purple Haze." This chord combines the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and sharp ninth notes, creating a dissonant, edgy sound that became a hallmark of Hendrix's style. ``` E7#9: E G# B D F# ``` • Its Impact: The Hendrix Chord opened up new sonic possibilities, offering a bluesy yet psychedelic vibe that wasn't common in rock music before him. Its use in compositions helped define the sound of the '60s and '70s rock era.

Guitar Techniques: • Thumb Over the Neck: Jimi often used his thumb to fret notes on the low E string, allowing him to play chords that were out of reach for most guitarists. This technique added depth to his chord progressions. • Vibrato and Bends: His ability to bend strings for expressive vibrato was unparalleled. Hendrix's bends were not just about pitch but about emotion, giving his solos a singing quality. • Example in "Little Wing": The solo features a series of string bends that seem to cry, showcasing his emotional connection to the guitar.

• Feedback as an Instrument: Hendrix wasn't just dealing with feedback; he was controlling it. By moving his guitar relative to his amplifier, he could manipulate feedback to create sustained notes and harmonics, as heard in live versions of "Machine Gun."

Unconventional Playing Styles: • Playing with Teeth: A visual spectacle, this technique also allowed for a unique tonal quality, where the teeth apply a different pressure than fingers, altering the sound. • Behind the Back and Over the Head: These showmanship techniques weren't just for the audience; they changed how the guitar was played, allowing for different angles of string attack and thus different tones

. Influence on Gear: • Wah Wah: Hendrix's expressive use of the wah pedal wasn't just about turning it on and off; he used it to articulate phrases in his guitar lines, making it an extension of his voice. • Fuzz and Distortion: Before Hendrix, distortion was often accidental or fixed. He made it an art form, using pedals and amplifier settings to push his sound into new realms, as in "Purple Haze." Legacy of Innovation: • Influence on Guitarists: From Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan, many guitarists have tried to replicate or build upon Hendrix's techniques. His influence can be heard in the work of countless rock, blues, and even metal guitarists. • Educational Impact: Guitar lessons and theory books often include sections on Hendrix's techniques, showing how his innovations have become a fundamental part of guitar education.

Conclusion: Jimi Hendrix's innovations on the guitar weren't just about playing; they were about exploring the instrument's potential in ways that had never been done before. His legacy as a guitarist is about pushing boundaries, whether through chord voicings, playing techniques, or his approach to sound. The 'Hendrix chord' is just one example of how he changed the guitar's language.

Call to Action:

• Have you ever tried playing the Hendrix Chord or using his techniques? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!

• Listen to our playlist featuring tracks where you can hear these innovations in action.

• Stay tuned for more posts where we'll continue to explore the technical and musical innovations that made Jimi Hendrix an icon in the world of guitar. Thank you for joining us at House of Hendrix, where we continue to strum through the genius of Jimi's guitar wizardry.