The Greatest Riff Hendrix Ever Played

[@CthulianDreams]

By far the greatest Hendrix riff is whichever one I'm listening to at the moment.

[@kojam1]

Agreed!

[@billcope9476]

Yep

[@arthousebill]

YES!

[@douglasbrown3493]

Yup!!! Whatever is spinning on the turntable.

[@chrisshaw6451]

I'll go with that!

[@bankjibbernow]

I think "Castle made of Sand" is his greatest riff but I also love this tune. Great choice and vid

[@jmonty2005]

Yup

[@jordandangelo180]

Yeah man that might be it. Little wing, Castles Made of Sand and Bold as Love… but man do I love me some Machine Gun, it definitely has the best solos….Live at Isle of Wight, the Fillmore, Nebraska, Germany…. All outer space solos…. The Woodstock Improvisation, Hear my Train Coming is another with amazing soloing. There is so many and every live version is different and amazing.

[@donmackie6086]

Agreed, I really love the energy of Crosstown Traffic as well.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@@jordandangelo180I Don't Live Today is full of absolutely devastating riffs.

[@gabybaby2555]

nah i think castles made of sand has is greatest solo, not in complexity or length, but in sheer imperfect beauty

[@caseylockwood5512]

Bold as Love is an incredible song, and I gotta say, John Mayer really did the song justice too. So fun to play!

[@lomoholga]

It’s funny because I loath the smooth polished sappy sound of John Mayer s voice in that great song. He has this horrible pop affectation to his voice that just grates

[@caseylockwood5512]

Haha my gf says the same thing, and i get it, but there's definitely no denying how great the guitar playing is. I think maybe John tries too hard to "sell" his voice to us, because he really does have excellent blues sensibility...i feel like if he sang with less breathiness or something it might sound better and not so "poppy"

[@lomoholga]

@@caseylockwood5512 yeah he’s obviously ultra talented for sure For some reason his voice is like plutonium to my ears lol But I can listen to Tom Waits all day go figure eh

[@Sean_Farmer]

@@caseylockwood5512 He actually doesn't sing like that anymore. His vocal chords basically told him he better change or he won't have a singing career at all.

[@zman3871]

I like John’s version even better honestly

[@MrAxman53]

Axis, Castles, Red House. Been listening to those tracks for over 50 years. Never gets old. Fresh every time.

[@jkta97]

I think the other big thing to realize is that he's also singing while playing rhythm and improvising these incredible licks in between the chord changes. His ability to be in the groove and sing so expressively while juggling all of these tasks amazes me.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

He was a synesthetic (heard colors as sound and saw music as colors ) so I suspect he had special brain wiring that let him multitask that way better than most.

[@colinburgess7728]

great video. I was a mid-teens guitar fanatic in the mid-60s when the first albums came out, and like you, was inspired like nothing else before or since. I saw him twice, once up close in Bournemouth and once from a huge distance at the Isle of Wight Everything about Hendrix was unique, his songs, his playing, his voice, his look, his showmanship. I even remember the day he died - what a tragedy I tried to take the sprit of his playing rather than slavishly learning his licks, and I think that served me well, as with countless others. we will never see his like again

[@sahajamatya]

Thank you for sharing.

[@davidsantucci1555]

Wow!! Extremely jealous that you got to see him play live…as an 80’s baby I never had that chance but I do work for a promoter in NY & got to meet Mark Farner (from grand funk railroad) who I had to drive to & from his sound check/show & got to talk to him about playing w Jimi & knowing & hanging out w him. And that’s the closest I can say I’ve gotten, btw Mark is SUCH a down to earth & cool guy AND Amazing guitar player live still! Soo much energy!!! Anyway I just thought I’d share.. Hendrix is the greatest influence on guitar players everywhere to this day!

[@dobster5819]

Wonderful story thank you.

[@colinburgess7728]

When he finished his set he just took off his white Strat and just threw it in the corner of the stage where it howled as he walked off. The coolest thing I think I will ever see😎😎😎😎😎

[@mightyluv]

Getting into the spirit of his playing rather than slavishly learning licks; well said. The guy was just always in the groove.

[@paoloverdini8374]

Hendrix: the eternal inspiration and yet the bane of small hands guitarists around the globe!

[@mcmillanalex]

I knew it was going to be Bold as Love before the video even started! Epic riff and amazing song. The 7:08 instrumental version of Bold as Love (recorded at Olympic Studios on October 5, 1967) from disc 2 of The Jimi Hendrix Experience box set is absolutely tremendous. It gives me chills every time I listen to it.

[@francoisdeschenes5032]

The moment when he rolls his volume knob up and the fuzz kicks in is just amazing. His best version imo.

[@mcmillanalex]

@@francoisdeschenes5032 I totally agree! At the end of the song as the hiss from the amp (cranked, no doubt) is about all you can hear, Jimi says, "Let's try it one more time, alright?"

[@IgorMuller]

Its "Foxey Lady" for me. The power, the rythm, the chord! Hendrix also changed me as a guitar player forever.

[@RByrne]

Red House is my favorite, but honestly I love nearly everything he ever played. He wasn't just a great player but a great songwriter to.

[@Magnetron33]

and a great singer

[@GDawg2K2]

Absolutely agree! Bold As Love is the Pinnacle of Jimi's chord/lead playing. Little Wing, Castles made of sand & Bold As Love all on one album!

[@exalbino]

Fell in love with Hendrix because that song.

[@dcarpenter85]

The video of him playing Hear my train a comin' on a 12 string acoustic is probably my favorite Hendrix recording out there.

[@benjamincoggins6568]

Mine too. One of my favourite performances ever. Just pure pure magic.

[@RockandrollNegro]

It's a three way tie for me: the acoustic "Hear My Train a' Coming" (found on the _Jimi Hendrix: Blues_ compilation), the US _Smash Hits_ version of "Red House," and the Monterey Pop performance of "Killin' Floor." For people who have never heard a Jimi Hendrix song before, I feel like you could get a pretty good understanding of who he was and what he was all about by taking ten minutes out of your day and listening to those three songs.

[@adehorton7287]

Bold as Love, Castles made of Sand and Spanish Castle Magic for me are the songs that encapsulate everything great about Jimi Hendrix 🤘🏻

[@activeandblind5701]

You’re so right, such an under appreciated riff. I love just jamming through the chord changes in the intro, is just a relaxing way to enjoy the guitar

[@Zeus40341]

“One Rainy Wish” is another masterpiece that is sometimes overlooked

[@phillipdaniels5869]

Axis: Bold As Love is one of my favorite Hendrix songs. Not only the playing during the verses and chorus but also the solo. If I were to be stranded on a desert island, this is the song I would want to be with me. Thanks for sharing your observations about this song.

[@shader26]

A few decades ago I sat down determined to learn axis. Did pretty well. Then I tried singing at the same time…maybe I’ll try it again someday.

[@PaulReno]

Axis: As Bold Ad Love ist the quintessential Hendrix Experience Album to me. Thanks for showing this!

[@trevor2173]

This was so good Rhett! Thx dude. Been learning “Little Wing”. So challenging for me but I’m enjoying the hell out of it.

[@jonathanwebb3035]

Totally agree! I remember hearing this song for the first time! I thought I'd heard all of Hendrix's great pieces, but this one really blew me away! The rhythm/lead intro, the gorgeous solo and then the surprise phased ending! As it fades and ends, I was straining to hear more! It was the most amazing piece of music I'd ever heard! Decades later I used to busk it outside Canterbury Cathedral!

[@tonetone7572]

that's what made hearing Hendrix for the first time so shocking back in (1967) we had the very same influences the popular RnB, Blues artist ect.. to draw from but no one had the creativity and insight to take things on the gtr to where he did. Everyone back then was taken by surprise and completely blown away. 56 yrs later here we are on KZbin studying what he left behind in such a brief time and at such a young age 27.

[@vincenttremblay2555]

Definitly the greatest riff with little wings, thanks Rhett!

[@BBQDad463]

Every Hendrix riff was the greatest Hendrix riff. Man, I dig what you are saying. Keep on rockin'!

[@marklansing129]

Superb job, Rhett! I love those embellishments. You're catching the essence of what makes Jimi stand out! Thank you!

[@matthewmacdonald9851]

Been watching your vids for a long time, but this is definitely my favorite. You've always got good stuff on YT and I appreciate what you're doing for sure. Great lesson, how can you go wrong with the subject matter? Jimi still inspires to this day and will forever.

[@originalvillagevidiot]

I agree with Rhett. Bold as Love showcases each component of Hendrix greatness. Dynamics, chordal harmonics, distorted lead guitar and his often underappreciated craft as a vocalist.

[@mikecozzetti6067]

And the soloing at the end is just majestic.

[@jdsd771007]

One of my favorite songs of all time, and forgetting the guitar for a moment, the lyrics and vocal delivery are excellent!

[@telerooo5213]

I was lucky enough to see Jimi LIVE 3 times in Seattle and twice in California. It was incredible. His playing has and will influence guitarists, directly or even indirectly, as many of the great guitarists of the 60's & 70's. IMHO.....

[@kkjhn41]

That first picture of Jimi backing Wilson Picket is really so much more. It was from a gig as the backing band for an Atlantic Records party in NYC at the Prelude club May 1966. The party was for the release of Percy Sledges' When a Man Loves a Woman album and single. The King Curtis Band was serving as the house band and besides Jimi included King Curtis on saxophone, Cornell Dupree on guitar, Chuck Rainey on bass and Bernard Purdie on drums. In sheer talent that's a band on par with the Funk Brothers, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, The Bar-Kays and the Wrecking Crew. They backed Wilson Picket, Percy Sledge, Esther Philips and Don Covay that day. Many people have noted the influence of Curtis Mayfield on Jimi's playing but it's interesting to note that Cornell Dupree is also noted for the use of double stops and chordal voicings and embellishments that feature in the playing of all three. This was the style of R&B guitar playing of the time. It was Jimi who combined this with his vast knowledge of many blues players and styles, his own unique melodic and rhythmic sense, his expansion of what was still an emerging rock sound and his exploration on the use of volume, feedback, effects in and out of the studio based on the electric nature of the instrument new possibilities for the sound and vocabulary of the guitar. There will always be in music history a before and after line named Jimi Hendrix.

[@cal_blac]

The instrumental version of this song from Olympic studios is my favorite piece of music from any artist, ever. The essence and beauty of life is captured in that piece of music. The roughness and imperfection of it are actually my favorite parts. Life changing stuff if you’re really listening.

[@CorbCorbin]

That’s just one outtake. My favorites are the Spanish Castle Magic, and Hear my Train…, from Olympic Studios, February of 69’. And the Roomful of Mirrors from the Record Plant, in April of 69’, is the best version of that song. Those are live studio takes.

[@cal_blac]

@@CorbCorbin yup. The fact that it’s an outtake is part of the appeal

[@theskilletdoctor7686]

Thanks dude... makes me cry every time!

[@RainhillDaemon]

I discovered Bold As Love with John Mayer version, and I love both 🤩🤩🎸

[@thomasdriggers9774]

Definitely one of the best riffs, but I've been recently blown away by the lyrics, almost esoteric. But I also see why you would pick this song as one of the best riffs. You can play a lot of Hendrixisms after this song! Thanks Rhett

[@comeflywithme25]

This video was great. I really like seeing and hearing you break down your favorite techniques from different artists. It's also really helpful that you're sharing this stuff for other people to learn

[@larryfleming7295]

That’s what is up !! My favorite all time # 1.. Painfully Beautiful

[@ryanoconnor4279]

Can not agree more on this. Bold of love blew my mind the first time I heard it and it’s the best of Hendrix

[@joshscott3271]

Bold as love is a breakthrough song for sure. I also love his rhythm work in the song "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on Crash Landing, there are a lot of great things he did, but in the song, "Somewhere over the Rainbow " Jimi gave me a great sense of liquidity of emotions, and playing in, and experiencing, non linear time and timings. I love it, he also inspired me to go to the light.❤🔥🎸🎼🙏

[@IamtheI]

tim quinn chord soloing book teaches this style very well.. it will fill you with joy and splendor

[@greenfly1264]

Red House did it for me too. It's basic blues, so attainable, but showcases what is achievable if you apply yourself or if you're a genius, Truely motivational.

[@nzeches]

Definitely a great song, if not my favorite Hendrix tune (The whole record is a gem). Tone is great, chord progression is original, rhythm riffs are killer, beautiful phrasing and dynamics, solo is brilliant. Don’t know why I don’t play it more ; a good time to get back to work !😁 Great video, thanks

[@swingset1969]

I had a feeling Bold As Love was going to be the choice - I've always believed it was the most complete, inspired guitar work he did....and is a brilliant song filled with playing and sonic innovation.

[@blahblahblahclub435]

Excellent, love this. Great run through.

[@mdost4963]

I always thought of this song as one of those little genius songs Jimi made. Every time you listen to it you explore some new little trick.

[@stanbrown915]

Cross Town Traffic is pretty spectacular also, the back and forth with the drums at the start always makes me smile.

[@MichaelEllisMusicInstructor]

One of the best "tutorials" I've ever seen. The fact that the "G" was actually "Gb" might have been a little confusing to novices, though. When I tune down, I call the chords their "fret name" (like G is in the 3rd Fret). Still, excellent work. Thanks!

[@hugomcdinosaur5273]

I prefer that approach too

[@warrenkrivoniak7374]

Rhett you're a very special person. Love your style of presenting material. I decovered you via Rick Beato. Never really paid attention to Axis until this video. Very stripped down and powerful arraignment. My favorite ALL the slow ones. 🐌 . By the way very cool tee shirt. You are a blessing.

[@oykaik]

Aces! Informative and enlightening! Thanks!

[@gertvanrooy428]

Love those tones coming from your strat

[@ALF1996xx]

Great playing and tone! I agree. Best lick and probably his best lyrics IMO

[@happyhell1]

I still remember the moment in early 1996 -- when I was 15 years old and first getting into older music -- when I got back into my mom's car after leaving Nobody Beats the Wiz with my first Hendrix CD. I'd heard a lot of the songs before, but like Rhett, Red House changed my life. A couple months later I got my first guitar for my 16th birthday.

[@oakbluffbow561]

Great work Rhett......love your videos and podcasts! Educational and entertaining. Keep them coming!

[@alexdonnelly2410]

This is a great video man. I’ve been playing now for about 2 years and this video helps me piece things together on the fretboard. Your channel is awesome!

[@jamesakers1175]

I agree. There are so many ways to go with some of these cord shapes to make them your own like Jimmy did. Truly inspirational.

[@axe2grind911a]

Not sure this is his greatest riff, but your explanation of the utility of fingering is excellent. This applies to SO many Hendrix songs...

[@maddog75a]

This was great. Jimi lives on.

[@danielmccar]

You are so right! Great job

[@Thestripper1]

The instrumental version from The Jimi Hendrix Experience 4cd BOX set is insane! It also has variations to how the chords can be embellished. Thanks for the video.

[@originalvillagevidiot]

Red House was the blueprint for my guitar foundation. The Three Kings were in the basement, Clapton built the first floor, Jimmy Page the second floor, SRV raised the roof. There was one hell of a jam in the back yard.

[@kpuliatch]

Tasty lesson Much gratitude Brett

[@stevehoran5595]

I think the Slight Return riff is his best, real basic but foundational. Axis: Bold As Love is my favorite Hendrix LP though. Great video!

[@rayturcek783]

Fantastic video, Thanks for discussing a great aspect of Jimi's playing, very difficult to master but sounds SO good when you get little pieces of it down!

[@TheBigdutchster]

Your tone is spot on and it's worth a video to explain how you get ti.

[@Wanderer_XJ]

That fretboard looks NICE!

[@georgevelvet4272]

bold as love my second favorite jimi song. first is burning of the midnight lamp, that's my favorite jimi riff.

[@DylanL69]

I think the intro to are you experienced is the best that muting reversed sound is awesome

[@jarydblock3075]

Great video once again Rhett! Insightful and instructive. Cheers

[@mark.guitar]

Marketing your course with content of this quality is a great shout Rhett! Having recently had to retire from my main income due to ill health I can't justify the (very reasonable) fees for a couple of months but I am considering an anti-Christmas present (June 25th!) to myself! I hope the discount is available then. Stay well.

[@FelipePAlmeida]

GREAT episode! 🤯

[@jonnno243]

Yes, thats a great riff. And, my favourite Hendrix outro is with The Wind Cries Mary, studio recording.

[@daleborgen3439]

Please keep making video like this! It's super helpful to get your insights on Hendrix playing origins. Would love to see a video on Wind Cries Mary.

[@michaelwillinger]

Yes! What a great breakdown of the song. This has been my all time favorite Hendrix song since first hearing it. Well done Rhett!

[@martystudioone]

Thank you for this video. It's very nice and professionaly made. It's a beautiful memory of Jimi and a super guitar lesson with great sound and really right angle of camera 🙏🎵🎸

[@victorroffe9983]

Excellent and Very useful video thank you Rhett

[@ancientbicycles7027]

One of his greatest and under appreciated recordings!

[@vmanvand]

What is most amazing is he played it on a right handed guitar left handed.. tuned correctly. We often play it our right handed way.. which is jimmy's greatest gift cause we all have to learn it right handed.

[@123Ir0nman]

Learning Bold as Love from Paul Davids is what took my guitar playing beyond just chord strumming

[@mickaelcosta1724]

Thank you SOOOO much !!!

[@liamouziel211]

Bold as love is so fucking good As well as wait until tomorrow😍 Both are absolutely unbelievable especially if you consider how long ago they were written and the music that was out at the time… And I mean the JM versions made them stick around to this day more than anything else I can think of from the time (guitar centered music) other than some of his other creations that I think are kind of non related to todays sound and music that we have nowadays

[@nikimartin1633]

Thanks for that, sounds great! Everything is nicely floating 👏🏻

[@cancelbubble6535]

Great job breaking down the riff, really interesting stuff, would love to see more videos like this.

[@kojam1]

Agreed! When I heard it as a kid I immediately thought, "Wow! He's not just don't chugga chugga! He's so poetic all up in there! Plays rhythm and lead together" Never really sat down to learn it. Just played around with my own voicings. Time to learn it as he played it

[@ronnie5129]

Rhett, one of my favorite songs, also Machine gun, Rock on, Cousin Figel

[@rocknrollermaster]

Great as always!!!

[@matthewh6119]

My favorite Hendrix song!

[@psteed84]

Rhett, love your work. More of this mate. Fanbloodytastic!

[@timmungenast]

Great choice, Rhett!

[@jmonty2005]

Castles Made of Sand is my all time fav Hendrix song

[@terrellgruber]

excellent explanation couldn't be better!!! You Thank You Rhett

[@PeterJaquesMusic]

this is one of my favorite videos you've made, great analysis & breakdown

[@markgarcia8253]

Machine Gun was always a favorite. But The Wind Cries Mary is my favorite

[@horizonishere]

I really appreciate this video, your walkthrough about g flat Major really helped me grasp one of favorite sound I’ve been looking to incorporate into my playing. Also A plus for the shirt.

[@davidsantucci1555]

I have to say buddy!! Thank you for this because as a guitar player for 25+ years this is (and has ALWAYS been) my favorite riff to play! Maybe I didn’t even know why but this video helped me pin point the why, so thank you sir!!! Couldn’t agree more 🎸🤟🏻

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

I was surprised but also really pleased that you chose Bold As Love. I've always thought that it was Jimi at his best

[@slaflen]

Great work!! Thank you

[@st3pp3nw0lf86]

Love the Leon Trotsky look Rhett.

[@larryfleming7295]

Damn Rhett you got that sound COOKING 🍳!!

[@clearcoat]

Excellent tutorial!

[@simonmaton]

Excellent, a great insight into how to start playing what he did. Thanks.

[@tobyclose2823]

I definitely want to learn that!