Essential Lessons #43: Little Wing
My Comments
Little Wing is very special to me. I learned the song little by little before tabs and accurate transcriptions were available. I learned it by ear, piece by piece, over a long time span. The riffs I learned from Little Wing became part of my style.
This is the soft side of Hendrix. He is usually associated with the Purple Haze wild man image but he played beautiful clean guitar in ballads such as Little Wing, Wind Cries Mary, Castles Made of Sand, and May This Be Love. If you want to learn to play R&B, ballads, or just pretty clean riffs then these are the songs for you. I alway tell my students Little Wing is the song to study if you want to do ballads. Likewise, Red House for the blues, and All Along The Watchtower for rock. Jimi was the best.
Details
“Little Wing” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s most celebrated songs, showcasing his exceptional songwriting, guitar playing, and musical innovation. The track has become an iconic piece of Hendrix’s legacy and is admired by musicians and fans alike. Here is an in-depth look at “Little Wing”:
- Artist: The Jimi Hendrix Experience
- Album: Axis: Bold as Love
- Release Date: December 1, 1967
- Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock
- Length: 2:24
- Label: Track Records (UK), Reprise Records (US)
- Writer: Jimi Hendrix
- Producer: Chas Chandler
Background and Inspiration
- Inspiration: “Little Wing” is inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s experiences and emotions while performing at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. He described the song as a reflection on the festival’s atmosphere and the sense of freedom and spirituality he felt. The song captures a dreamlike state, blending elements of fantasy and reality.
- Title Meaning: Hendrix often referred to “Little Wing” as a kind of guardian angel or protective spirit, symbolizing peace, love, and beauty. He once described it as “like a little fairy,” representing his ideal of a nurturing and ethereal presence.
Composition and Style
- Musical Structure: “Little Wing” is a short piece, with a structure that includes an intro, verses, and an instrumental outro. Despite its brevity, the song’s melodic richness and emotional depth make it a standout track.
- Guitar Work: The song is renowned for its intricate guitar work, featuring a unique blend of chordal and melodic playing. Hendrix employed a variety of techniques, such as double stops, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, to create a flowing and expressive sound.
- Instrumentation: In addition to Hendrix’s guitar and vocals, the track features bass, drums, and a subtle use of glockenspiel, which adds a shimmering quality to the song.
- Key and Time Signature: The song is primarily in the key of E minor, with a 4/4 time signature.
Recording and Production
- Recording Period: “Little Wing” was recorded on October 25, 1967, during the sessions for the Axis: Bold as Love album.
- Studio: Olympic Studios, London
- Notable Techniques:
- Guitar Tone: Hendrix achieved a warm, clean tone with a touch of reverb and the use of a Fender Stratocaster. He also used a rotating Leslie speaker cabinet to create a swirling, ethereal sound.
- Production: Chas Chandler’s production focused on capturing the song’s delicate and introspective nature, allowing Hendrix’s guitar work and vocals to shine.
Personnel
- Jimi Hendrix: Lead guitar, vocals
- Noel Redding: Bass guitar
- Mitch Mitchell: Drums
- Chas Chandler: Producer
- Gary Kellgren: Engineer
Lyrics and Themes
- Themes: “Little Wing” explores themes of innocence, beauty, and transcendence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a mystical, nurturing figure who brings comfort and inspiration.