This week, we’re diving into a legendary blues lick from Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House”. Recorded in 1966 and featured on his debut album, Are You Experienced (released in 1967), this track is a masterclass in blending traditional blues with Hendrix’s innovative guitar style.
This lick, found at 1:27 in the song, is based on the minor pentatonic scale and can be easily adapted to any key—just slide it up or down the neck to fit your playing!
Why it’s worth learning:
• Develop control over bends and vibrato for a more expressive sound.
• Master a versatile phrase that works for improvisation in any key.
• Gain insight into Hendrix’s genius for combining tradition with creativity.
📚 Practice Tips:
1. Start slow and focus on clean notes and in-tune bends.
2. Pay attention to dynamics—Hendrix’s subtle volume shifts bring the lick to life.
3. Experiment with it in different keys to enhance your fretboard knowledge.
🎤 Questions for You:
• How do you approach mastering tricky bends or vibrato in your playing?
• Have you tried adapting a lick to a different key before? How did it go?
• What’s your favorite Hendrix song, and why?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights! Let’s keep the conversation going as we explore this classic Hendrix lick together.
