In today’s cigar box guitar lesson, we will tackle Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze on the 4-string tuned to GDGB (see YouTube tablature video below). One of the greatest guitarists of all time, James Marshall Hendrix, was born in Seattle Washington on November 27, 1942, and died in London, England on September 18, 1970.

Purple Haze was the second single from the album “The Jimi Hendrix Experience,” released in March 1967. The song rose to #3 on the British charts and became one of the most iconic guitar songs of all time. Jimi Hendrix apparently wrote Purple Haze at a gig in London in 1966.

Cigar Box Guitar Lesson – Four Tips to learn Purple Haze

Tip 1)

It should be noted that I transposed the song from the original key of E to the playable key of G on the cigar box guitar.   If you want to play in the original key just tune your cigar box guitar down to E-B-E. 

There are three main chords used in Purple Haze you should learn before you start.  The G7#9 chord uses the first, second, and third finger with the open 4th G string (Hendrix used the 7#9 chord in several songs, including Foxy Lady). The other two chords are both major chords and easy to play by forming a barre with the first finger.

Tip 2)

The first part of the main riff outlines a Bb chord:

To play the riff, start with your third finger, slide up from the 9th fret on the third string, then with your first finger, play the 10th fret on the second string and finish with your first finger on the 10th fret first string.  Jimi played with a natural flowing arm motion, so try to keep the shoulder relaxed but have a firm grasp of the rhythm.     

Tip 3) 

If you are brave enough to try the solo, keep in mind that the solo may not be playable on some cigar box guitars if your action is too high or the intonation is out of whack.  Also, some of the bends may not be possible if your string gauge is too thick. 

The solo is mostly on the higher frets so start slow.  I usually start with targeting the main notes before adding in all the slides, bends and vibrato.  Above all,  playing Hendrix authentically is already near impossible on six strings, so do not feel bad if the solo is beyond your abilities.

Tip 4)

Use the video settings on YouTube to slow the tempo down if you find the song too fast.  It’s always good to start slow to get the fingering right and learn the chord shapes.  Take one or two measures at a time and eventually, the song will come together.

If you would like to purchase cigar box guitar tablature for Purple Haze, please click on this link to Sheet Music Plus.

Ok, here’s the scrolling tab video for Purple Haze below.  Good luck!

Check out my other blog posts for more free cigar box guitar lessons, and here’s the link for a good selection of cigar box guitar books and arrangements.  

If you have any suggestions for more songs or lessons, please leave your comments below.