Unlocking Jimi Hendrix's Rhythm Guitar Secrets Using the CAGED System

Jimi Hendrix is often hailed as one of the greatest guitar players of all time, known for his wild solos, mastery of effects, and electrifying performances. 

But one aspect of his playing that sometimes flies under the radar is his incredible rhythm guitar work. 

Hendrix's rhythm playing is deeply rooted in triads, and many of his signature moves can be decoded using the CAGED system.

In this article, we’re going to break down some of Hendrix’s most iconic rhythm techniques through the lens of CAGED. 

Hendrix’s rhythm secrets: Applying the CAGED system

Thumb over the neck for the E shape

Hendrix often used his thumb to fret the low E string, freeing up his other fingers for embellishments on top of standard chord shapes.

The diagram below shows the fingers you should use for each fret:

• Thumb on the low E string
• Ring finger on the D string
• Middle finger on the G string
• Index finger on the B string

Be sure to mute the A string and high E string – you can do this by letting parts of your fingers rest lightly on the strings.

This technique is especially useful in the E shape of the CAGED system, where you can easily add colorful extensions like 9ths, 6ths, and sus4s.

In songs like Little Wing, Hendrix's use of thumb-over-the-neck allowed him to add these embellishments while keeping the rhythm tight and fluid. 

By mastering this technique in the E shape, you can unlock more freedom in your rhythm playing and start adding those Hendrix-esque flourishes.

Try this exercise

• Start with an E chord shape, and instead of barring with your index finger, use your thumb for the low E.
• Experiment with adding notes like the 9th (F#), the 6th (C#), and the sus4 (A) while maintaining the groove.

Sliding between CAGED shapes A and G

One of Hendrix’s rhythm tricks was his ability to slide effortlessly between chord shapes, particularly from A to G shapes. 

You can hear this technique in Wait Until Tomorrow, where he slides from an A-shape chord into a G-shape voicing, adding movement and dynamics to what could otherwise be a static rhythm part.

This sliding movement is a core aspect of Hendrix’s rhythm playing. It adds flavor and helps you visualize how the CAGED shapes connect up and down the neck.

Try this exercise

• Take an E major chord and play it using the A shape at the 7th fret.
• Slide up to the G shape at the 12th fret, focusing on the smoothness of the transition.
• Add hammer-ons or embellishments in each shape, just as Hendrix would.

Experimenting with the C shape

In Castles Made of Sand, Hendrix frequently used the C shape to build his chords and then embellished them with rich intervals like the major 7th and 9th. 

These small additions brought a lot of sophistication and depth to his rhythm playing, making it stand out from standard triadic voicings.

Try this exercise

Here’s a diagram of the C CAGED shape and the embellishments that Hendrix favored.

• Remember, wherever the root note is, that’s the chord name.
• So let’s try an A major chord using the C shape with the root on the 12th fret.
• Add the major 7th (G#) and the 9th (B) to create a more complex and rich harmonic texture.

The iconic Hendrix chord: Blurring CAGED shapesOne of the most famous elements of Hendrix’s playing is the "Hendrix chord" (dominant 7#9), which he used in songs like Purple Haze and Foxy Lady.

While this chord doesn’t fit neatly into any single CAGED shape, it can be understood as a blend of the A and C shapes.

You can see from the diagram below that it really does sit right in the middle.

Though Hendrix might not have been thinking in strict CAGED terms, his ability to blend these shapes and embellishments is something you can learn from. 

Practice moving between the A and C shapes while incorporating the dominant 7#9 voicing for that classic Hendrix sound.

Hammer-ons and pull-offs in the D shape

While Hendrix didn’t always use the D shape in its purest form, he often incorporated parts of it in his rhythm playing, especially when adding hammer-ons and pull-offs.

One key example is Bold as Love, where he uses the D shape to outline melodic ideas while keeping the rhythm driving forward.

Try this exercise

• Play an A chord using the D shape at the 7th fret.
• Add hammer-ons and pull-offs, focusing on notes like the 4th (D) and the 2nd (B) to bring in melodic motion while keeping the underlying harmony steady.

Bringing it all together

Hendrix’s use of the CAGED system may not have been conscious, but his rhythm guitar playing offers a masterclass in how to visualize and move between chord shapes fluidly. 

If you want some expert demonstrations of the ideas covered in this article, check out the accompanying video.

By integrating these techniques into your own playing – sliding between shapes, adding embellishments, and using thumb-over-the-neck voicings – you can start to capture some of Hendrix’s magic while maintaining your groove.

Hendrix’s genius might be unattainable in some ways, but by studying his rhythm work through the CAGED system, you can add a little bit of his mojo into your own playing.