Classic Albums – Are You Experienced (Jimi Hendrix)

“Are You Experienced” by Jimi Hendrix Experience
An incredible debut that introduced the unique sound of Jimi Hendrix to the world and changed guitar playing forever — Released in the UK on May 12, 1967, ‘Are You Experienced’ spent 33 weeks in the charts, peaking at number two in the UK and reached number five on the Billboard 200 with the help of classics such as; “Purple Haze” “Foxey Lady”, “Hey Joe and “The Wind Cries Mary.
Danny Gill shows you, the highlight, how Hendrix fused blues, rock, pop, and soul influences to create the ground breaking guitar work that has made ‘Are You Experienced’ a classic album.

Guitar Lessons in This Course
• Purple Haze
• Manic Depression
• Hey Joe
• Love Or Confusion
• May This Be Love
• I Don’t Live Today
• The Wind Cries Mary
• Fire
• Third Stone From The Sun
• Foxey Lady
• Are You Experienced

Guitar Lesson 1: Purple Haze
Built around an E7#9 chord, “Purple Haze” showcases Hendrix’s love for bluesy bends and pentatonic scales. The solo features extensive use of the whammy bar, creating an otherworldly sound.

Guitar Lesson 2: Manic Depression
This track in 3/4 time signature offers a fusion of blues and rock in the A minor scale. The solos demonstrate Hendrix’s ability to blend chord progressions and arpeggios seamlessly.

Guitar Lesson 3: Hey Joe
A storytelling song in C major that employs chromaticism and a series of descending chord progressions. The solo is filled with bluesy bends and emotive vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 4: Love or Confusion
Utilizing the E minor pentatonic scale, the solos in this track offer an outstanding display of legato, slides, and string-bending, illustrating Hendrix’s mastery over his instrument.

Guitar Lesson 5: May This Be Love
A softer track in the key of E major, featuring open-string riffs. The solo includes gentle string-bending and pull-offs, emphasizing melody over raw power.

Guitar Lesson 6: I Don’t Live Today
A gritty song in E minor that showcases Hendrix’s ability to play with dynamics through the use of tremolo picking and hammer-ons.

Guitar Lesson 7: The Wind Cries Mary
This piece in F major offers a blend of rhythm and lead playing. Hendrix’s chord-melody approach to the solo showcases his command over harmony and melody.

Guitar Lesson 8: Fire
An energetic track with a powerful riff in E major. The solos use syncopated rhythms and octave melodies to create a playful, lively sound.

Guitar Lesson 9: Third Stone from the Sun
An instrumental piece that includes a heavy use of whammy bar tricks and extensive improvisation, this song showcases Hendrix’s experimental side.

Guitar Lesson 10: Foxy Lady
A classic track in F# major, with a driving riff and explosive solo. Hendrix uses legato, vibrato, and string-bending to create a passionate performance.

Guitar Lesson 11: Are You Experienced?
The title track in E flat minor includes extensive use of reverse effects and altered tunings. The solos are a combination of avant-garde and traditional blues playing.

Lead Guitarist: Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s playing on “Are You Experienced” revolutionized the role of the guitar in popular music. His blending of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements along with his inventive use of effects created a unique sound that has inspired countless guitarists. Hendrix’s playing was not just about technical mastery but about emotional expression and pushing the boundaries of what the guitar could do.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Album
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Pull-Offs
• String-Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Whammy-Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Altered Tunings

“Are You Experienced” continues to be an essential study for any guitarist looking to understand rock and blues guitar. It’s a showcase of Jimi Hendrix’s unparalleled skill and creativity, and an album that remains influential and relevant even decades after its release.