Chordplay - The Chords of Jimi Hendrix

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with 'The Chords of Jimi Hendrix.'
Jimi Hendrix really doesn't need an introduction, as his music and influence have been felt by guitarists all over the world since his debut with The Experience in the mid/late '60s.
From the moment he hit England, Jimi confused and inspired every notable guitarist on the scene at that time - including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and a host of other legendary players.
From his unusual approach to chords and chord progressions to the riffs, fills, and exceptional guitar solos he created, Hendrix is a guitar legend for obvious reasons, but most of his ideas and secrets remain a mystery to most players attempting to emulate and learn from his music.
While his approach was very "left field" in countless ways, it was the sound, tone, vibe, and style that he put in his music which really helped make the magic and sparked his everlasting legacy.
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[@rawhideleather]

Dude, you are like the cool brother I never had that happens to be an excellent guitar player and teacher as well. I really like your voice, laid back style and no big ego.

[@mickt9110]

love this guy. so humble and chilled but on the money with his chops.

[@millsa99]

At the start I was thinking "why do Americans have to talk so much?"..... by the end I was hooked. I just learnt more in 14 mins than in the last 12 months.

[@tylertyler5949]

You're the Bob Ross of guitar and i love you for it... "Happy little strings"

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I think you're one of the only guys who can teach Hendrix these days as you're so laid back! I remember the 70s and you're right out of it :o)

[@andyr7267]

Hendrix was 60's. He died in 1970

[@stevengraham5454]

This video is from four years ago but still looks fresh and relevant today. My favourite jimi Hendrix song is Driftin'. Great lesson. Thank you.

[@martinortiz5390]

"Syrupeee" what a great word for that I love it lol

[@gumnentkilla5093]

You make Jimi proud! Hendrix would be like: "Oh, man, I don't read music or know theory, is THAT what I was doing? that's GROOVY, man! "

[@Metalhead2168]

A very influential, informative style taught in a laid back friendly manner. I enjoy all of your lessons!

[@LJA46]

Leave us not forget that Jimi sang while playing all this great music. His mind, hands and guitar were one. Awesome brother!

[@primateproductions126]

Fantastic points. Can never get enough on his style

[@Kris-P343]

Loved this.....I"ll be waiting for part two...

[@spdaltid]

Looking back thru your catalogue, this is killer!

[@DirtyEarthVibrations]

Cool straightforward style of showing this stuff. Thanks.

[@danadeerwester8294]

I appreciate your efforts!!!

[@billtice5057]

So good!

[@mikedecker1746]

This was excellent and I was impressed by the way you played while explaining! kudos!

[@bjevets]

Your the Man dude! Your channel is my favorite, you are so talented in teaching. You make it look so easy and easy to follow, can't Thank You enough!

[@joerobinson2538]

Hendrix Chord Play! Got a cigar and sitting outside watching this- the evening is perfect! Thanks DB!

[@LateNightLessons]

That's outstanding Joe! I hope you liked it! : )

[@rickthomas2873]

Great lesson

[@allenlocke1935]

This was absolutely awesome! You are a great teacher!

[@paulhicks3595]

Great. Thanks.

[@adamdelavega5406]

I really enjoy your channel. I have learned seeing how these chords and styles work over each guitarists style. Awesome.

[@weswyrick9332]

Excellent analysis and thought provoking how to expand scale chord voices - thanks!

[@cornellbobby]

Brilliant video. Great playing, man. Stumbled upon your page while searching for some Hendrix variations. You do a really good job of explaining things. Much appreciated.

[@AnthonyGreenGuitar]

Another Great Lesson

[@jasenmoyle3722]

Great lesson and insight, wait until tomorrow and Angel are my two fave Hendrix songs

[@fbdasjkwlsdgbhngvbhnvsjlk]

Super nice video, thank you!

[@johnalves9125]

Very insightful!

[@prowlman]

This is still one of my favorite Hendiix tutorials.

[@reddrw1]

Glad I found this channel. Very interesting.

[@MikeCindyWhite]

So glad I stumbled on your channel! I don't know how I didn't find you earlier! Your a great teacher and player, thank you much for all the great videos bro🎸🎸🎸👍👍

[@michaeljoseph2917]

Excellent teacher, my new study room

[@dnantis]

I second that !!👌👌👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Mike6StringsIn]

Man, I didn't pick up the guitar to play it until I was 30. Now at 56 I look for stuff all the time to learn. I've got tablature, and song books on Hendrix songs and they'll show chords he's playing and I'll play it and think, that's not what he's doing. I'll noodle around with and eventually figure it out. But you just put it out there, he is playing partial chords. I'm in full agreement him seeing it in the pentatonic sense too. Great video. Thank you.

[@btu45nh]

Wow,very cool lesson and vid Dave,pure icon!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you BIG time! I love Hendrix. He was so talented and unique and expressive - a musical and creative icon. Rock on\m/

[@nicktrierweiler3690]

Neal Schon with "lights". Obviously huge Hendrix influence on that one

[@Andrew-Gomez904]

another Jimi lesson would be much appreciated!

[@dougfa3515]

I'm with you... it took me a while to get to Hendrix. He died the year I was born. It didn't happen for me until around '96 or so. I decided I was going to take the plunge and I bought Electric Ladyland on cassette tape. Man, that album was so awesome... it's absolutely my favorite... I know a lot of people are partial to Are You Experienced, and it does have a lot of hit songs, and great songs... but Are You Experienced is his best, IMO. Glad you included Long Hot Summer Night in this video... Great stuff!

[@bklyncosanostra]

I love the Band of Gypsies stuff the best. It's like a new band compared to experience. It was funk/soul type of thing

[@tyson1ize]

yea !

[@laurentrinaldi2339]

Merci super pédagogue !

[@victorformosa2825]

Had to come here after your 2nd Hendrix lesson, incidentally Jimmy Page played the D7#9 on the lemon song, love that chord.

[@sabtahi13]

The last thing you said is spot on. I have over 200 live recordings of various quality, and almost everyone of them has something I never heard him play before. Nice overview

[@LateNightLessons]

Whoa - that's impressive and awesome! I have some of his live recordings, but nowhere near 200 (that's cool!). He really is/was one of the most unique guitarists to EVER pick up the instrument. I love the fact that everyone in England was doing their thing in their own blues-influenced worlds, but then Chas brought Jimi to the UK and everyone completely freaked out. They huddled together and rode it out it like it was "hurricane Hendrix" blowing through England. : ) hahaha! I remember reading that Townshend and Clapton would occasionally meet at a movie theater and while the movie played they basically sat there talking about Hendrix the entire time. I also love the photo of The Beatles watching Hendrix play live from a booth above the stage. The expression on each of their faces was primal FEAR - especially George! : ) Great comment and thanks for watching!

[@sabtahi13]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWmnlKx4l52frbM 2:22:30 is a moment of sheer magic!

[@michaelmattson3515]

Cool lesson thanks 🙏. The album that influenced me the most is The Cry of Love .

[@danadeerwester8294]

Geez you sure play hard!

[@garethwood5588]

Little Wing feels like a big omission? Love your style man, I have failed to allow music theory to penetrate my skull for 30 years but you might just crack it for me

[@EarthAltar]

Castles Made of Sand at the end there was sweet! The one thing I think most people overlook about Hendrix is that while he was doing all that magic on guitar he was also doing the vocals. Which, if you've tried to do, is almost impossible.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks buddy! : ) That's actually one area of music that has eluded me forever. I was in choir for four years in high school and have sang backup vocals in bands forever, but as far as playing an entire song and also singing lead vocals is impossibly hard for me. I can sing little "oohs" and "ahhs" but as far as tackling something more difficult than say a Tom Petty tune while playing guitar is beyond me. I've tried and tried to master that ability, but I'm not really a vocalist (in reality) and I've always worked in groups that had a lead vocalist, so the pressure and spotlight wasn't on me and my weak-sync vocals. I'm fine with it, as it gives me more time to focus on what I'm playing on guitar. : ) Thanks again and take care!

[@EarthAltar]

@@LateNightLessons Yeah, I can't sing at all. Especially while playing. Hendrix though was a master showman. Ritchie Kotzen is another master of singing while playing, and then look at Geddy Lee. Geez!

[@LateNightLessons]

It's so hard to do, but then so many people make it look easy. Geddy Less is a freak of nature and it's amazing what Rush was able to produce such a massive sound with only three members. I'm a HUGE Rush fan and those guys are masters. : )

[@normjones6916]

A dream lesson. Well exposed connecting parts.:) The thinking behind it sounds logical/magical

[@FRACTUREDVISIONmusic]

"within the context of the chord, you kind of lose just how dissonance that is" - and there friends, is how you describe the process of inventing new chords for yourself that anyone who's been formally trained, will never discover, or if they do, will never be able to bring themselves to justifiably play - unless of course, they're playing covers, then they'll be all over that sh*t. ;D

[@joerobinson2538]

7#9 chord! once you hear it - you can’t forget it!- our band just rehearsed “So Into You” by the Atlanta Rhythm Section tonight for a gig Saturday-and it has a C7#9 in it! Then I get home and and see this- legendary guitar chord for sure!

[@LateNightLessons]

That's so true! It seems tailormade for a blues-rock style, as most blues-rock players flirt with the minor/major 3rd and that chord technically has them both - bonus! : ) Take care buddy!

[@craiglyles2033]

This is probably your 10th lesson Ive watched and I really enjoy it. Your attack is awesome an loud, please mic the amp so we can hear it a little better.

[@bustercrack788]

In 1967 Hendrix played a gig in my home town. Also on the lineup with the Experience were amongst others were Cream , Pink Floyd and The Move with admission at the door for £1.00 ! The poster also promised a “knockout atmosphere “✌️Groovy Man 🤩

[@LateNightLessons]

That's amazing! :-o Whoa Hendrix, Cream, and Floyd? My head would've exploded - haha! Thanks for watching and for this rad comment too!

[@ThrashRebel]

By the way, thanks for the few seconds of silence at the beginning of your videos. It gives peoples time to adjust the audio. Too many people have intro music or they speak right at the beginning. When my wife is sleeping next to me, I usually end up scrambling to turn down the volume. 😂 You give a short break before any audio rolls in. Thanks.

[@LateNightLessons]

That's awesome to hear and I didn't even think about that. : ) Thanks buddy!

[@ThrashRebel]

I do that, also (double up notes via octaves in some chords. Some people think it is redundant but to me it isn’t, it makes the chords sound fuller with the octaves in them.

[@LateNightLessons]

I love adding additional octaves (and open strings) to chords. While I do like little diads and triads, there's something MASSIVE about a big ringing chord with octaves and/or open strings. : )

[@Roxanneredpanda]

Being the Hendrix fanatic that I am one of the first chords I learned was the Hendrix chord, and I still play triads with the thumb

[@janortiz880]

More please

[@HEADBANGRR]

Watch Jimi live at Monterey here: www.cda.pl/video/2497203a He starts at 23:20

[@Themachinegun]

I hear guitarist (shredders) say they don't get Jimi. Then they talk about all their influences ... all those guys were influenced by Jimi! Jimi was an incredible musician, but he was much much more. Ali was the greatest boxer ever, not because of his fighting record, but because of who he was at the time. The same can be said for Hendrix. ICON !!!

[@nicolasmaurin182]

Double stops on e minor pentatonic shape 4. Yes… thanks 🙏

[@Chris-is1rd]

LOL at the little dig at Kenny Wayne Shepard

[@Dr_Reason]

The thumb fret and mute trick is really handy when playing "Surrender" by Cheap Trick.

[@brittdavid8591]

🔥👊🏾

[@darrellkelly7614]

DB, you are one of the few who plays Castles made of sand correctly..Bravo.. and you are officially my new fan guitar teach on u tube..again bravo.. I do not get impressed easily..

[@lorryriff6613]

Great, great, great lesson ! Just like everybody, I knew (or... kindda knew) some of the stuff you showed. But I just loved the way you explained and displayed them. The very last part of the video with the trills, and hammer-ons with the pentatonic enrichments was particularly great. A new way to look at the whole thing to me ! So, please, don't hesitate to make a 'the chords of JH' part II (that is if you feel like it, of course). Maybe focusing on rhythms in those little embellishments would be a good thing. As far as I'm concerned, it's always been the hardest part. Thx.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you very much for this comment and for watching too! : ) I'm sure I'll target some more Hendrix in the future, so stay tuned!

[@cheffy101]

Awesome lesson! Sub earned… :)

[@seventhsamuel]

Chords of XTC would be great as well!

[@LateNightLessons]

Good call and thanks for the request! : )

[@ThrashRebel]

seventhsamuel, yeah, Andy Partridge is underrated as a guitarist, but he is really good & a great songwriter, as well. It is a shame the guys had a falling out.

[@sonicmojo]

Man, so glad I ran into your channel. You are such a great and chill musician/guitarist. Been playing since I was about 12, bout to turn 50 and I still suck great! Lol. Grew up on Eddie Van Halen, but since I could never quite even come close to playing as he did, I tilted to play more punk and alternative. Wasn't till well into my 30s sometime that I realized certain things like him tuning half step down. That would have been helpful. Ha. I knew most major and minor chords, but never bothered to learn a scale or simple chromatic till I turned 30 something. That was the 'Neo' hallway moment for me. Wow, what the fuk did I wait so long to do that? Lmao. Anyhow, thanks for these amazing videos, please keep them coming! :)

[@lalmalsawmachhangte620]

You're so cool

[@guitarmemoir]

The Dr. Feelgood chord...aka the Hendrix chord. ;-) It is also a great substitute for the V chord in Minor Blues.

[@nathancloud6344]

The Funky flat 3rds!!!!!!!

[@iancrombie8862]

This guy is a guitar Doctor!🗿

[@bills48321]

The chord from "Angel" sounds like the voicing in "Third Stone From the Sun".

[@commentfreely5443]

1st stone in mecca

[@jamesfitzsimmons381]

Hello from model strat and pickups are you using. UR very talented player

[@fgcapps72]

I wonder if Long Hot Summer was inspiration for some of the tremolo chords Van Halen has used.

[@j.rozman7016]

Please, do a lesson Castles made of sand!! 😍 Thanks!!!

[@LateNightLessons]

I'll see what I can do! : )

[@darrellkelly7614]

I second that DB..Castles please because if you don't then we have to rely on Marty Shw...z aaaaasgggghhh

[@StratMatt777]

You have the best lessons, man. And you've covered Queensryche and Rush stuff, so obviously you're a pretty cool guy. :P 5:27 is just further confirmation that my decision to switch my string gauge down to 9-42 is the correct decision (I've always used 10s and replaced the 10 with a 9.5). It's funny how people like me who have read too much stuff on the internet blindly switched up to string gauges that are harder to play and harder on our tendons and joints and make it harder (or not possible) to vibrato a chord. In my case, it is probably because of SRV... though I do think that chasing SRV's tone may be the one justified reason to use 11s (tuned down to Eb) due solely to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXLIYqmXqbWjsKM Famous guitarists who play 9-42 sets: Almost all of them except SRV (13-58) and Hendrix who played banjo strings with an 8 on the top. I think Eddie Van Halen played 9 12 15.... something 40. Tiny little strings. And his tone is highly sought after. The string gauges clearly don't matter through a distorted amp. That was quite a tangent I went on there. Oh well, thanks for the fantastic top notch videos! (I'm too old to know how to make one)

[@metalmick]

😊💡👍

[@dnantis]

Hi again !! I am interested in listening on how that OLD BLUE V-AMP PRO RACKMOUNT UNIT SOUNDS ?? Yup ! The one behind you LCD monitor ! he he CAN YOU DO A GEAR TEST VIDEO ON IT ?? THANKS AGAIN !!👍👍

[@LateNightLessons]

Hey! Thanks for noticing that unit! I'm in the process of putting a little rack system together and that one's going in there. Once I get it together I'll be sure to feature it in a lesson. It sounds a lot like the amp version and by the way, I'm using that unit's brother (the Vampire 1x12 combo) in these lesson videos. That model/unit wasn't very successful (around 2004-2005) and they only made it for a year or two, but they really sound great (and were only $200 new). Thank for watching and ROCK ON! : )

[@dnantis]

@@LateNightLessons OMG really !! a Cheap And old Vampire 1 x 12?? Okay that sound you have is AWESOME !! Im just stunned to hear Behringer sounding like that !! So cool !! Well i always wanted the V amp 3 red color one. So, lets see how you manage to make it sound so real as your Vampire tone ...plss remember putting a comparison between your current Vampire tone vs the V-AMP PRO Rackmount tone in the same gear test video !!👍👍 So did you decide to make a very meticulously Rt picking hand video ??? I know my post was long when I asked you but other ppl will benefit from it for sure on the actual understanding on how to properly picked strings so later on we can develop muscle memory and then concentrate on Left hand form. We would love it !! Thanks again

[@ronfrey6639]

@6:40 Donny Hathaway or Curtis Mayfield ???

[@scottbrady2301]

I learned that Hendrix chord from Kings X!!! 😀😀🤲

[@LateNightLessons]

That's WAY more awesome than Motley Crue. : ) lmao Rock on bro\m/

[@scottbrady2301]

Late Night Lessons can’t argue with that!!

[@joerobinson2538]

We are finding who we are! Awesome song!!

[@joerobinson2538]

scott brady great tune

[@joerobinson2538]

I actually learned that chord from Frank Marino’s version (in a guitar mag) : Purple Haze before the Hendrix version!

[@jimicrack29]

since mention the blues this video. there is alot about angus young being greatest blues .just never got to listen i feel it could be true.

[@Thelearner1000]

what pickups are you using on that Strat?

[@LateNightLessons]

They're all Seymour Duncan - JB humbucker (bridge), reverse-wound single (middle), and a Cool Rails in the neck. They're perfectly balanced and by far the best set of pickups I've ever had in a guitar. Thanks for watching and ROCK ON! : )

[@Thelearner1000]

@@LateNightLessons Thanks for the reply, appreciate it! For the moment i use Super Distortions, just bought PAF Pro's. I will try these, the one's you use. Cheers P.S. Keep up the good wok you are doing, i definitely learn a lot. :-)

[@dorsharabi7594]

U r so high mann

[@jimicrack29]

oh i forgot dont forget randy bachman great guitarist!!!!!!

[@willster7272]

id give this a thumbs up if there were fingering charts on the screen its just easy to understand foe me maybe next time i hope

[@andyr7267]

It's very far away. Takes about a half day to get there

[@theolajide]

is your guitar tuned to e flat ?

[@LateNightLessons]

Yes, for this video I was tuned a half-step down to E flat. Jimi did that frequently, so I was really trying to emulate his style/sound for this video. Thanks for watching! : )

[@t.sewell1513]

I once read an article of Jimi being interviewed and the interviewer ask Jimi how it felt to be the greatest guitarist on earth? Jimi responded by saying.....I don’t know, why don’t you go and ask Phil Keaggy.

[@LateNightLessons]

That's great! I also read he told an interviewer "If you think I'm good, you should listen to Terry Kath. That cat blows me away" - or something like that. He loved that first Chicago album, but they were called "The Chicago Transit Authority" back then and Terry was rippin' it up! He could sing his ass off too. Then he passed away and they started making ballads. : ( BLAH! Rock on Dustin!

[@t.sewell1513]

I need to listen to Terry! Haven’t heard to much. I just really respect how much humility Hendrix had. Sometimes wonder if he really knew how great he was!

[@ryanlee2546]

7:26 And you know what they say about guys with big hands right? Big gloves.

[@anthony27436]

David I have a special request, I would love to see you teach the beginning to BLEEDING HEART - I believe it was from the valley of Neptune album. I know there's a different version of the song. On the actual recording Hendrix makes a comment, "sound like Etta James...". I believe it's in b flat minor although because he was tune down a half step it would be in the 7th position b minor ...

[@LateNightLessons]

I'll see what I can do and maybe I can fit that into a future lesson. Thanks for the request! : ) Stay tuned for more lessons and material - THANKS!

[@jasonkeith9317]

Jimi could palm a basketball but he couldn't dunk because he was too short!! I believe he was about 5'10".

[@willster7272]

by the way you look like the stoner from dazed and confused lol