Welcome back to the McMusic Lessons & Performances news feed! If you’ve ever wanted to capture the soulful, fluid Hendrix rhythm guitar style, there is no better piece to study than his masterpiece, “Little Wing.”
We are excited to share a brand-new video tutorial designed to break down this iconic track into highly focused, manageable steps. If you are searching for how to play Little Wing with the proper feel, this lesson is part one of a four-video series dedicated to mastering the song’s legendary introductory phrasing.
In this first installment, we focus entirely on the nuances of the very first parts of the intro, starting with the opening E minor embellishments and transitioning into the signature G chord movement. This Little Wing intro lesson will set a solid foundation for the rest of the song.
You can watch the first of our four Jimi Hendrix guitar tutorial directly below:
Key Highlights from Lesson 1
Breaking down the Hendrix style requires looking closely at articulation, dynamic picking, and spatial awareness on the fretboard. Beyond just learning the basic Little Wing guitar chords, here is a breakdown of the specific techniques covered in this video to help you follow along:
- The Slide and Opening E Minor Phrasing: Learn how to accurately drag down from the 12th fret with your middle finger to hit the open E. We break down the exact downstroke/upstroke picking pattern needed to make both the B and E strings ring out seamlessly as they slide down.
- The A-to-B Hammer-On: Master essential guitar hammer on and pull off techniques with a smooth transition from the open A string, hammering on to the B note, followed by catching the open G string to create that classic, airy texture.
- Navigating the 5th Fret Transitions: Move down the neck to execute a precise hammer-on from the 5th fret of the A string (D note) to the E note. We focus on holding the C note on the G string so it rings out beautifully while hammering on from G to A with your third finger before resolving back to the G.
- The Signature G Chord Swing Feel: Dive into the dynamic rhythm mechanics. Discover the downstroke, hammer-on, pull-off, and upstroke combination that gives the G major section its unmistakable, fluid swing feel.
Why Study “Little Wing”?
Hendrix’s approach to the guitar is a masterclass in combining music theory with deep physical expression. By organizing this course into step by step guitar intro lessons, we ensure you have the time to internalize the cognitive and physical mechanics behind every single note. Instead of just memorizing tabs, you will learn how to let the notes ring out and sustain, capturing the true spirit of the arrangement.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. Dedicate some time this week to perfecting these initial phrasing sequences and getting the swing feel smooth and consistent.
Stay tuned to our blog for Parts 2, 3, and 4, where we will continue moving through the remaining sections of the intro chord progression.
Interested in taking your playing to the next level with personalized instruction? Contact McMusic Lessons & Performances today to schedule a private lesson focused on music theory, cognitive development, and mastering the fretboard.
