The fiery intro to this Hendrix classic is played with octaves. Octaves are the same notes played at different pitches and the trick here is to let as little of the skipped string sound out as possible.
Intro
Video Demonstration
Solo
When soloing, it’s very important that you don’t get your fingers confused. In this case, you will be using your 1st, 3rd, and/or 4th fingers. Any time you play a bend, it’s a good idea, if possible, to use your 1st and 2nd fingers to apply the bend AS WELL as your 3rd or 4th finger, whichever is more comfortable for you.
All of the bends below are full bends, which will help make it a little easier. To make sure you have applied the correct amount of bending, you can play the fret one step away.
For example: You will be bending a full step on the 15th fret. A FULL bend on the 15th fret is equal to the note, NOT bended, on the 17th fret. Basically, for a full bend, skip a fret and that should equal the desired bend you want.
In the first measure, you will be bending the 15th fret three times. On the first bend, it will be one full bend up. On the next bend, it will be up again. However, on the last bend in the first measure below, you will need to bend the 15th fret up,
and then let it back down.
The second measure calls for a whole note on the 12th fret of the G string. Here. you will need to perform a vibrato. This is done by rapidly shaking the string you are playing. While doing this, count to four in your head, or tap your feet. That will help you move into the third measure.
The third measure uses the same bends as the first, but this time, you will need to not only bend the 15th fret a full bend, but you will also be adding vibrato, which you learned in the second measure. However, this time, you won’t hold it as a whole note as you did in the second measure. This time, you are dotting the note, which shortens the time you bend it and create “vibrato.”
The fourth measure is easier, as it incorporates everything you have already learned. Simply bend the 14th fret one full bend, while applying vibrato. Drop the bend back down to proceed to the next measure.
The fifth measure plays almost the same thing that the first measure did above, except with a bend on the 14th fret this time, and you don’t bend down the 15th fret.
Note – watch closely at the transition from the fifth measure into the sixth, as you will be bending and holding the 14th fret throughout this measure. Transition by sliding into the seventh measure.
The seventh measure below includes a triplet. This should be counted as 1.2.3. to play it correctly. Once again you are using everything that you have learned so far. This time, you WILL be bending up and then down on the 15th fret of the B string. You will also move into the eighth measure rather quickly, which calls for vibrato on the 12th fret of the G string.
