Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” is an iconic song that has captured the attention of guitar enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its signature riffs and powerful sound, this timeless classic continues to be a popular choice for those looking to master the art of playing the electric guitar.
As a beginner, approaching such an ambitious track can be daunting, but with the right guidance, anyone can learn to play “Purple Haze” effectively.
To start, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with the structure and musical elements of “Purple Haze.” Understanding the various sections and components in the song can help you build a solid foundation for learning and practicing the track.
In addition, having the appropriate equipment on hand, such as your electric guitar and amplifier, ensures you can experience the full range and impact of Hendrix’s genius throughout your journey to mastering “Purple Haze.”
Key Takeaways on How to Play Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze
Familiarize yourself with the song’s structure and elements
Ensure you have the appropriate equipment for practicing and playing
Break down and practice each section progressively for effective learning
“Purple Haze” is a legendary song by Jimi Hendrix, released in 1967. As one of the most iconic and beloved rock songs of all time, it features Hendrix’s distinctive guitar playing style and an unforgettable riff. The song showcases Hendrix’s innovative approach to the electric guitar, blending rock, blues, and psychedelia to create his unique sound.
The lyrics of “Purple Haze” express a sense of confusion and ambiguity. Many interpretations have been drawn from the lyrics, ranging from drug-related experiences to a love story.
However, in various interviews, Hendrix himself suggested that the song was inspired by a dream he had where he was walking under the sea. This dreamlike, surreal theme is evident in the lyrics and contributes to the song’s enduring appeal.
Learning to play “Purple Haze” on the guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it offers an opportunity to explore the techniques that made Jimi Hendrix a virtuoso. To begin with, it’s important to become familiar with the song’s main riff and chord progression.
The riff consists of tritone intervals, a hallmark of Hendrix’s guitar work that adds a dissonant, “fuzzy” quality to the sound. The chord progression includes dominant seventh chords, which are atypical for rock songs, contributing to the song’s unique feel.
To truly capture the essence of “Purple Haze,” guitarists should also pay attention to Hendrix’s use of effects. He heavily utilized a wah-wah pedal and a fuzz distortion pedal to create his signature sound that can be heard throughout the song.
By meticulously working on emulating Hendrix’s playing technique and experimenting with these guitar effects, aspiring guitarists can find their own path to understanding and mastering “Purple Haze.”
There are numerous online resources, such as video tutorials, that provide step-by-step instructions for learning to play “Purple Haze.” Taking the time to study and practice these techniques will help guitarists appreciate the artistry of Jimi Hendrix and the skill required to bring “Purple Haze” to life on the guitar.
Essential Equipment
When learning to play Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” it is crucial to have the right equipment to achieve an authentic sound. The primary components to consider are the guitar, amplifier, and effects pedals.
Hendrix famously played a Fender Stratocaster guitar, which is known for its versatile and expressive tonal capabilities. The Strat’s three single-coil pickups and five-way selector switch offer a vast range of options to find the perfect tone for the song.
To achieve the distinctive “Purple Haze” sound, incorporating a fuzz pedal, such as the Dunlop Fuzz Face, is essential. Hendrix was known to use a Fuzz Face extensively in his playing, and this pedal helps bring out the sharp and aggressive tones for the memorable intro riff and the song’s lead sections.
Don’t forget the importance of your amplifier in shaping your tone. A classic tube amp like the Marshall Plexi is an excellent choice for capturing that vintage Hendrix sound. Adjust the amp’s settings to emphasize the mid-range frequencies and create a warm, sustained tone that complements the Fuzz Face effect.
In addition to the guitar, amp, and fuzz pedal, you may also want to consider adding a wah-wah pedal to your setup. While not used throughout “Purple Haze,” the wah-wah can add an extra layer of expression to your playing, as Hendrix often did in his live performances.
When learning to play Jimi Hendrix’s iconic song “Purple Haze,” it’s essential to start with the introduction. This part of the song sets the tone with a memorable and distinctive guitar riff. In this section, we’ll discuss how to approach learning the intro, providing a clear and concise guitar lesson.
To begin with, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the song’s structure and rhythm. Listening to the original recording will help you understand the nuances of the intro and how it blends with the verse. As a guitarist, take note of the intricate finger placement and the use of various effects pedals that enhance the sound.
In Purple Haze, the intro is played in the key of E, starting with the open low E string. The main riff is based on a blues scale with some added chromatic notes, making it a bit more complex than it might initially seem. It’s important to practice this riff slowly at first.
Focus on the accuracy of your finger placement and your picking technique. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the riff. When learning the intro, it’s helpful to break it down into smaller sections and practice them individually.
This can make it easier to master each part before moving on to the next. There are several guitar lessons available online, which demonstrate the proper technique for playing the intro. Be sure to watch these tutorials and follow along to improve your understanding of the intro.
One essential aspect of playing “Purple Haze” is executing the right guitar effects, as they contribute significantly to the song’s signature sound. Getting the appropriate setup, which includes a fuzz pedal and a wah pedal, will help you achieve the desired tone.
The rhythm of “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is an essential part of the song’s distinct and memorable sound. In order to truly master this iconic tune, having a strong understanding of its rhythmic structure and feel is crucial.
Before diving into the rhythm guitar section, it’s important to ensure proper tuning. Some musicians choose to tune down half a step to Eb (D#G#C#F#A#D#) while others play the song in standard tuning (EADGBE)1. Experiment with both tunings to find what works best for your playing style and skill level.
The rhythmic foundation of “Purple Haze” is built around a steady, driving groove with a syncopated accent pattern. To fully capture the feel of the song, it’s imperative to develop a strong sense of timing and a solid right-hand strumming technique.
One helpful tip when practicing the rhythm is to focus on maintaining consistent dynamics throughout your playing.
Taking the time to study and practice the rhythm section can greatly improve your overall guitar skills and help you become a more versatile musician. Watching guitar lessons on how to play Purple Haze can also provide valuable insight into the intricacies of the song’s rhythm and lead to faster progress in mastering it.
Keep in mind that Jimi Hendrix was known for his unique and expressive approach to rhythm guitar. Injecting your personal style and feel into your playing can be a powerful way to connect with the music and develop a genuine and authentic interpretation of this classic song.
In any guitar lesson focusing on “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, it is crucial to understand the licks that make up the song. Familiarizing oneself with these licks can help a guitarist achieve the feel and style of this iconic piece.
At first glance, some of the licks may seem challenging, but with practice, they become more approachable. Combining them with the chords, rhythms, and strumming patterns will make the music come alive. The guitar lessons available online can be super helpful for learning the precise notes and techniques used in “Purple Haze.”
One essential aspect of mastering these licks is their unique feel, infused with the creative spirit of Jimi Hendrix. To approach this feel realistically, it is crucial to embrace techniques such as bends, slides, and vibratos while practicing. These techniques add to the overall expressiveness of the song and contribute to its distinctive sound.
Several guitar lessons and tutorials are available to guide guitarists through each section of “Purple Haze,” including the intro, verses, and turnarounds. As guitarists progress through the lessons, they become more adept at playing the licks with confidence and accuracy.
Nailing the Chords
Playing Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” on guitar requires understanding the chord progression and getting a feel for the rhythm. The song mainly revolves around these three chords: E7#9, G, and A. To achieve the proper sound, one needs to pay attention to the groove and dynamics when playing these chords.
In the intro, Hendrix uses the Bb chord, played four times, followed by a riff that leads into the E7#9 chord. This distinctive chord, also known as the “Hendrix chord,” provides the signature sound of “Purple Haze.” Practice switching smoothly between these three chords to replicate the song’s authentic feel.
The verse begins with the E7#9 chord, switching between G and A chords throughout. It’s essential to maintain a steady rhythm and accentuate the necessary beats to capture the song’s essence. The right-hand strumming pattern plays a crucial role in the groove, so try to mimic the original recording as closely as possible.
One technique to add some flavor to the chords is to incorporate Hendrix-style embellishments. These subtle touches include hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides that can enhance the overall feel of the song. Experiment with different techniques while keeping your strumming hand relaxed and consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main chords in Purple Haze?
In Purple Haze, the main chords are E7#9 (often called the Hendrix chord), G, and A. The song structure uses various chord progressions throughout the verses, but these are the primary chords that create the distinctive sound.
The Purple Haze solo incorporates several guitar techniques, including string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and trills. Jimi Hendrix also made extensive use of his whammy bar for dive bombs and bends.
How do I play Purple Haze like Jimi Hendrix?
To play Purple Haze like Jimi Hendrix, you must focus on your technique, tone, and improvisation skills. Learn the basic chords, riffs, and solos, then practice with a backing track to hone your skills.
Also, study Hendrix’s playing style and incorporate his techniques, like using your thumb to fret bass notes and expressive string bending.
Is there a specific tuning for Purple Haze?
Purple Haze is played in standard tuning (E A D G B E). This means you don’t need to retune your guitar to play the song.
What gear was used for the Purple Haze recording?
Jimi Hendrix used a Fender Stratocaster guitar with a rosewood fretboard for the recording of Purple Haze. To achieve his signature tone, he used a Fuzz Face distortion pedal, a Vox wah-wah pedal, and a Marshall amplifier.
My name is Howard Matthews and I have been playing the guitar since I was knee-high. My parents like to joke that I was pulling the strings even before I was born. In fact, one of my earliest memories is sitting on the couch with my dad’s guitar, wreaking havoc on the chords.
Now, 40 years later, I can attest that I play them much better than I did back then. I have followed in the footsteps of both my parents – much to their delight – and have been the main guitarist in my band for the best part of three decades.
Music has always been my passion, and until recently my life has been so consumed with it that I haven’t had a moment to have a breath (and I wouldn’t have it any other way)!
