Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic explosion that redefined guitar playing. If you’re ready to dive into this legendary track, you’ve come to the right place. This lesson will break down the “Purple Haze Guitar Tab” essentials, focusing on the iconic chords, riffs, and the revolutionary “Hendrix chord” that makes this song so unforgettable.
Unpacking the Legend of “Purple Haze”
Released in 1967, “Purple Haze” became an instant anthem, catapulting Jimi Hendrix and The Experience into superstardom. Its raw energy, psychedelic lyrics, and groundbreaking guitar work were unlike anything heard before. Hendrix’s innovative use of feedback, distortion, and unconventional chord voicings pushed the boundaries of rock music and solidified his place as a guitar god. Beyond the lyrics, the song’s impact is deeply rooted in its musical innovation, particularly the use of a specific chord that would forever be linked to Hendrix himself.
Tuning and Essential Gear for “Purple Haze”
Good news for beginners: “Purple Haze” is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). This means you can pick up your guitar right now and get started without retuning. While Hendrix famously played a Fender Stratocaster, you can learn this song on any electric guitar. To capture the authentic “Purple Haze” tone, aim for a slightly overdriven amp sound. Experiment with your amp’s gain or use a distortion pedal to get that signature fuzz. A wah pedal, though not essential for learning, can help you explore some of the expressive textures Hendrix achieved.
“Purple Haze” Guitar Tab Breakdown: Chords and Riffs
The core of “Purple Haze” revolves around three main chords, but it’s the way Hendrix voices them that makes all the difference. Here’s a look at the essential “purple haze guitar tab” elements, focusing on chords:
1. The E7#9 Chord (The Hendrix Chord):
This is the chord of “Purple Haze,” also known as the “Hendrix chord.” It’s a dominant 7th chord with a sharp 9th, giving it a dissonant, bluesy, and incredibly cool sound.
e|---0---
B|---8---
G|---7---
D|---6---
A|---7---
E|---0---Alt text: E7 sharp 9 guitar chord diagram, also known as the Hendrix chord.
2. G Chord (Thumb-Over Grip):
Hendrix often used his thumb to fret the bass notes, freeing up his fingers for chord variations and embellishments. For the G chord in “Purple Haze,” try this thumb-over approach:
e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---x---
E|---3--- (Thumb)Alt text: G major guitar chord diagram using thumb-over technique.
3. A Chord (Thumb-Over Grip):
Similarly to the G chord, the A chord in “Purple Haze” can also be played using the thumb-over technique, moving the G shape up two frets:
e|---5---
B|---5---
G|---2---
D|---2---
A|---x---
E|---5--- (Thumb)Alt text: A major guitar chord diagram with thumb-over fret hand position.
The Main Riff:
The iconic opening riff of “Purple Haze” is built around the E7#9 chord. Listen closely to the song to nail the rhythm and nuances. “Purple haze guitar tab” for the main riff generally looks something like this (simplified):
e|-------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------|
D|-------2-1-----2-1-----2-1-----------------------|
A|---2-2-----2-2-----2-2-----2-2-0-----------------|
E|-0-----------0-----------0-----------------------|(Note: This is a simplified tab to give you the general idea. Refer to more detailed tabs online for note-for-note accuracy).
Exploring the “Hendrix Chord” (E7#9) in Detail
The E7#9 chord is more than just a chord; it’s a statement. Musically, it’s constructed by adding a minor third (G), major third (G#), perfect fifth (B), minor seventh (D), and augmented ninth (G) to the root note E. This combination creates a rich, complex sound that’s both bluesy and jazzy. Hendrix used this chord extensively, not just in “Purple Haze,” but in many of his songs, making it a signature element of his style. Its distinctive sound and Hendrix’s frequent use cemented its nickname as the “Hendrix chord” in guitar lore.
Scale and Soloing in “Purple Haze”
The song is primarily based in the key of E minor, and the soloing and improvisations in “Purple Haze” heavily utilize the E minor blues scale. This scale is your go-to for capturing that Hendrix-esque bluesy feel.
The E minor blues scale consists of these notes: E, G, A, Bb, B, D, E.
Here’s a common pattern for the E minor blues scale starting at the 12th fret:
e|-------------------------------------------------15--|
B|-----------------------------------------12--15------|
G|---------------------------------12--14--------------|
D|-------------------------12--13----------------------|
A|-----------------12--14------------------------------|
E|-12--15--12--15--------------------------------------|Experiment with this scale over the “Purple Haze” chord progression to start improvising your own Hendrix-inspired solos.
Tips for Playing “Purple Haze” Like Jimi Hendrix
Beyond just the notes and chords, capturing the essence of “Purple Haze” is about feel and expression. Here are a few tips:
- Feel the Groove: “Purple Haze” has a powerful, driving rhythm. Focus on locking into the groove and playing with energy.
- Dynamics: Hendrix was a master of dynamics. Vary your picking intensity and volume to create light and shade in your playing.
- Vibrato and Bends: Incorporate plenty of vibrato and string bends, especially in your solos, to add emotion and expressiveness.
- Listen and Learn: The best way to learn Hendrix is to listen to Hendrix. Put on “Purple Haze,” play along, and try to internalize his phrasing and nuances.
Conclusion
“Purple Haze” is a cornerstone of rock guitar, and mastering its “purple haze guitar tab” elements is a rewarding journey for any guitarist. From the iconic “Hendrix chord” to the bluesy riffs and scale, this song is packed with essential techniques and musical ideas. So grab your guitar, dive into the tab, and start exploring the legendary sound of Jimi Hendrix. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your own signature chord along the way! To continue your Hendrix-inspired guitar journey, check out lessons for other classics like Hey Joe, Little Wing, and All Along The Watchtower.
