The Jimi Hendrix chord is officially known as an E7#9 (E dominant seven sharp nine).
Often dubbed "The Hendrix Chord," this distinctive voicing is a cornerstone of his iconic sound, providing a bluesy, dissonant, and yet incredibly soulful character to many of his greatest hits.
Understanding the E7#9 Chord
The E7#9 chord is a type of dominant seven chord with an added sharp ninth interval. This specific interval creates a unique tension that resolves beautifully, making it highly expressive.
Here’s a breakdown of its components when played in the key of E:
| Interval | Note (in E) |
|---|---|
| Root | E |
| Major Third | G# |
| Perfect Fifth | B |
| Minor Seventh | D |
| Sharp Ninth | Fx (F double sharp) or G |
The sharp ninth (Fx, enharmonically G) creates a half-step clash with the major third (G#), which is what gives the chord its characteristic "gritty" or "voodoo" sound. This blend of major and minor qualities contributes to its bluesy appeal.
Hendrix's Signature Application
While the E7#9 is the chord's technical name, Jimi Hendrix's approach to playing it further solidified its association with him.
- Tuning Variation: On many of his recordings, Hendrix famously tuned his guitar a semitone flat. This means that while he was often playing the E7#9 shape, the actual pitch of the chord would be Eb7#9. This lower tuning contributed to a heavier, darker sound.
- Open String Resonance: A key element of Hendrix's technique was letting the low open E string ring through when playing the E7#9. This added a foundational bass note that made the chord sound fuller and more expansive, giving it a powerful, resonant quality that filled out his sound as a sole guitarist.
Why It Sounds So Good
The E7#9 chord's appeal lies in its inherent tension and release. It's often used in blues and funk to create a strong sense of groove and forward motion. Hendrix masterfully utilized this chord in a way that felt both innovative and deeply rooted in the blues tradition, making it synonymous with his revolutionary guitar playing.
You can explore more about guitar chords and their applications at various reputable music theory resources like Music Theory Online for deeper understanding.
