Hey Joe Guitar Lesson (Jimi Hendrix)

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Today I want to share with you how I play the very first single released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966, “Hey Joe”.
In this “Hey Joe” guitar lesson, I’m going to break down key insights into Hendrix’s signature guitar style as well as discuss the background of this song. It is most commonly associated with Hendrix but it was actually originally written by Billy Roberts.
It’s relatively simple. You’ll only need 5 chords to play the whole thing. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. So make sure you’re tuned up and let’s get started.
Who originally sang Hey Joe?
"Hey Joe" is a song that is most associated with the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. But it was actually written by Billy Roberts, an American folk musician, in the early 1960s.
The first known recording of "Hey Joe" was made by Roberts. He performed the song in a simple acoustic arrangement. Yet this version formed the basis for Hendrix’s later electrified version.
The song gained broader attention when it was recorded by a Los Angeles-based band called The Leaves in 1965. Their rendition of "Hey Joe" had a more rock-oriented sound and became a regional hit in California. The Leaves' version helped popularize the song within the local music scene.
But it was Jimi Hendrix and his rendition of "Hey Joe" with The Jimi Hendrix Experience that brought the song to worldwide fame. Hendrix's recording, released in 1966, became a chart-topping hit and is the most well-known and influential interpretation of the song.
Over the years, "Hey Joe" has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, but it is Hendrix's rendition that remains the most celebrated and influential.
His interpretation of the song shows his unique approach to guitar playing and his ability to push the boundaries of music. "Hey Joe" has become a staple in Hendrix's discography and continues to be recognized as one of his most iconic and lasting songs.
Is Hey Joe hard to play on guitar?
To play the basic chord progression to Hey Joe is not too difficult. But to play the solos and rhythmic embellishments that Hendrix did on his version definitely requires a higher guitar skill level.
What is the tuning for Hey Joe?
Hendrix very commonly kept his guitar tuned down ½ step. In fact, you will see this over and over in the majority of his songs. So the strings listed from low to high (in pitch) tuned down ½ step would be:
6th string = Eb
5th string = Ab
4th string = Db
3rd string = Gb
2nd string = Bb
1st string = Eb
But his version of “Hey Joe” is in standard tuning like this:
6th string = E
5th string = A
4th string = D
3rd string = G
2nd string = B
1st string = E
Hey Joe Chords
You only need 5 chords to play “Hey Joe” Those 5 chords are C, G, D, A, and E. The song is in the key of E but it starts on C.
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[@jonmaclennan]

👉Discover my 5-STEP SECRET TUNING METHOD you can use to finally fix your tuning forever FREE PDF GUIDE → www.jonmaclennan.com/tuning

[@jimsteele9559]

Jon’s the best! Can’t wait for the next part of this song. Thanks Mr. Maclennan

[@douglasaxtell]

In the Billy Roberts video of him playing this song the triade is played an octave lower. Open A, hammer to B(2nd fret), then pick open D. I use both versions as I think it adds depth/diversity.

[@bruniau]

Hi Jon great tutorial, just one thing, i find the naming of the strings by number is cunfusing, example; fift of the fourth instead of fift of the D string. Strings have names and if people wanna learn guitar they need to know their name.

[@quantumstix]

I agree with that completely...

[@doniedonie4999]

Thank's for the lesson ❤🙏🙏

[@markc8302]

This is a brilliant lesson. Thank you, man

[@daverench2327]

Excellent video Jon. Great tone.

[@harveyhensley875]

the solo here is classic, but just as interesting were the embellishments Jimi added to the rhythm parts. Your take on those would be great.

[@lespetitesbullesmusicales]

Thanks for this lesson.

[@willbyrd5717]

Thanks Jon

[@harrybaier3722]

Very good - I LIKE IT -

[@MrShaneor73]

Another great video Jon, would love to see a play along section that we can ´clip´ on RUclips and practice with. I'm sure your earlier videos, you ended with a play along part ??

[@MrVintagetony]

Ace thanks a lot my friend....

[@grahammacminn4914]

Nice hand easy to follow’

[@carlossuarez648]

Saludos desde Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@willbyrd5717]

Great lesson I caught on better

[@羅允駿]

Wow. I'm only part way through. Everything is plain and direct so far.l A goody, goody good job.

[@doomsayr_x]

This is different than Marty Shwartz version. Whos is more like hendrixs?

[@jankoradivojevic3564]

I'm used to always having timing in the lesson