5 Ways Jimi Hendrix Was A Master Of The Bar Technique

Many people say: 

“I already know bar chords.”

As if there is a set amount. And once you can do them that’s it. Sure, some players might think of bar chords as being something like the dreaded F chord. And a few other variations. 

But this is very limited thinking.  

There are crazy advanced bar chords and even bars used in countless hit songs’ solos. Are these considered when they say “bar chords?”

What’s more important, is taking time to make sure you’ve mastered the fundamental technique. If you’ve mastered the bar technique, then you should be able to say… 

“I can play 2 string, 3 string, 4 string, 5 string, and even 6 string bars effortlessly. I use this technique in a very relaxed way for rhythm and soloing. And it doesn’t matter what style I am playing, or even if I am on an acoustic guitar with high action, outside in the cold.” 

Jimi Hendrix was a master of it. 

In this post,I want to help you further expand your horizons of the bar technique. Below are 5 famous examples of how...  

1. Wind Cries Mary:

The opening chords move from 5 string bar chords to 3 string bar chords. He took power chords and bar’d them to make an incredibly unique and strong sound. Are these considered when people say bar chords? My feeling is probably not. 

2. Little Wing: 

This whole song is a masterclass in blending chords and double-stops. Double-stops are often played as one finger bars. Hendrix used this technique extensively in his rhythm and lead playing. For soloing, he got licks to shoot off these tiny bars and ring out like a bell.

3. Sunshine Of Your Love:

Hendrix covered this iconic Cream tune on the album Valleys Of Neptune. He took the original riff, and souped it up with 4 string bars. Walking down the riff in bar chords is mighty AWESOME.

4. All Along The Watchtower: 

Hendrix took this song, which Bob Dylan played as (campfire) chords, and bar’d the chords up the neck. His version currently has 242M views on YouTube. I’d say, Hendrix’s bar choices worked on that one worked. And don’t forget Dave Mason playing 12-string acoustic on this. He was hammering out bar chords (on 12 string) in the background behind Jimi.

Those are 4 song examples. But there is yet another very important 5th point I need to tell you about with regards to Mr. Hendrix and the bar technique.

You see, he knew how to use bars in his rhythm and soloing. But then, he went to another level with it. He knew how to turn common bar chords into…

5. Thumb Chords

This can free you up to play riffs and chords at the same time. A huge part of the Hendrix sound. If you’ve struggled to know how to float around the entire fretboard with competence like Jimi Hendrix did… then get your hands on my free fretboard guide right here: 

Jon MacLennan