Overview
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Explore the musical genius of one of history's most influential guitarists in this 50-minute lecture by Milton Mermikides, Gresham Professor of Music. Delve into a comprehensive analysis of Hendrix's playing techniques, sonic innovations, and compositional brilliance that have yet to be fully understood despite his legendary status. The lecture methodically unpacks his diverse influences and extraordinary invention across sonic sculpting, rhythmic feel, fretboard navigation, harmony, and composition. Follow Hendrix's evolution from his early days as a sideman for the Isley Brothers through the Experience albums, the iconic Band of Gypsys project, to his visionary "Electric Church" concept. The presentation includes detailed segments on how the guitar speaks, axes of expression, fretboard techniques, chord-melody fluidity, groove language, expressive dissonance, and the integration of body and technology in his revolutionary approach to music. Recorded at Rich Mix, London on March 20, 2025, this lecture offers rare insights into the technical and creative dimensions of Hendrix's tragically short but monumentally influential musical career.
Syllabus
00:00 // Introduction
00:33 // I Just Want to Talk to You: The Guitar Speaks
07:15 // Axes of Expression
08:51 // Timbre with Pitch: The Fretboard Diamond
16:28 // If 6 was 9: Fretboard and Chord-Melody Fluidity
26:35 // Let the Good Times Roll: The Language of Groove
38:28 // All in My Brain: Expressive Dissonance and Contrast
42:43 // Body, Technology… And Beyond
45:01 // Voodoo Child: A Slight Return
47:49 // Castles Made of Sand
Taught by
Gresham College