Jimi Hendrix's iconic track "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" prominently utilizes the E pentatonic minor scale as the foundational basis for its legendary lead sections and improvisations. This scale is central to the song's blues-rock feel and is a cornerstone of Hendrix's unparalleled guitar style.
Understanding the E Pentatonic Minor Scale
The pentatonic minor scale is a five-note scale widely used in blues, rock, and folk music dueable to its inherently melodic and adaptable sound. Its structure allows for easy improvisation and creates a signature soulful, often melancholic, feel.
For the E pentatonic minor scale, the notes are:
| Scale Degree | Note |
|---|---|
| Root | E |
| Minor Third | G |
| Perfect Fourth | A |
| Perfect Fifth | B |
| Minor Seventh | D |
This specific collection of notes provides the raw material for the song's famous guitar riffs and solos.
Why the Pentatonic Minor?
The choice of the pentatonic minor scale is not arbitrary; it's a deliberate musical decision that contributes significantly to the song's character:
- Blues Foundation: The minor pentatonic scale is the bedrock of blues music. Jimi Hendrix, deeply rooted in the blues tradition, naturally gravitated towards this scale to imbue "Voodoo Child" with its gritty, expressive blues sensibility.
- Improvisation Friendly: With fewer notes than a full major or minor scale, the pentatonic scale makes it easier to play "in key" and create compelling melodic phrases without hitting dissonant notes. This simplicity encourages fluid improvisation, a hallmark of Hendrix's live performances and recordings.
- Expressive Potential: The intervals within the minor pentatonic scale, particularly the minor third and minor seventh, lend themselves well to bending notes, vibrato, and other expressive techniques that define electric guitar playing in rock and blues. Hendrix masterfully exploited these characteristics to add incredible emotion and raw power to his solos.
Hendrix's Application in "Voodoo Child"
While the E pentatonic minor scale serves as the primary framework, Hendrix's genius lay in how he manipulated and expanded upon it. He would:
- Add Blues Notes: Often, he would incorporate the "blue note" (a flattened fifth, or Bb in the key of E) into his pentatonic runs, further enhancing the bluesy tension and release.
- Dynamic Phrasing: Beyond just playing notes, Hendrix focused on the phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics of his solos, making each lick tell a story.
- Signature Techniques: His innovative use of the wah-wah pedal, controlled feedback, and distinctive vibrato brought the pentatonic scale to life in a way no one else had before, creating the iconic "Voodoo Child" sound.
Understanding the E pentatonic minor scale is key to appreciating the musical foundation of this legendary guitar piece and gaining insight into Jimi Hendrix's influential playing style. To explore the E minor pentatonic scale further, you can find various resources detailing its patterns and applications online.
