Notice
The first chord accents in the intro are deceptive and can easily be misunderstood. The downbeat is found on the second hit of the C#m chord, not the first, as Mitch Mitchell's drum riff helps to confuse the matter. This is especially true at the cymbal crash at the end of bar four, which is on the upbeat of four and not the downbeat of the next bar, which would be more common. Notice that the primary rhythm guitar is a 12-string acoustic, fattened up with a pound of reverb. This part, which was played by Dave Mason, is notated in it's entirety throughout the arrangement. Jimi's choice of acoustic guitar, plus the use of congas and other percussion, are examples of what makes this tune so unique. Jimi adds to Dave Mason's part by playing small rhythmic statements behind the vocal, demonstrating techniques which he used in many tunes, including "Like A Rolling Stone" and "Castles Made Of Sand." Something to try to emul;ate is Jimi's beautiful tone, which is due in part to his incredible touch and control. As always, Jimi is using a Stratocaster through Marshall amps. All of his soloing is based on C# Pentatonic minor, with the addition of the b5 (G natural) and the 9 (D#). He generally used the 9th in the higher octaves only.
Jimi's second solo section is really four eight-bar solos, all of which display very different moods and effects, beginning with a slightly echoed guitar similar to the one between verses one and two. The second solo features Jimi on the seldom-used slide guitar. It sounds very much like a 12-string in standard tuning, as all the notes are doubled one octave higher. This could be a six string guitar, but it's hard to tell through the flood of echo. This is augmented by a more obvious overdub, notated as Fill 1. When Jimi performed this song live, he forfeited the use of a slide, emulating his overdub effect with the use of triads, as on the live album, Isle of Wight. Solo three combines echo with wah-wah. Jimi's wah manipulations are notated here. Essentially, he is rocking the wah back and forth, closing it for a trebly sound on the downbeats, similar to normal foot tapping with a few minor deviations. Solo four features more of a rhythmic guitar approach, utilizing small chord voicings with a 9th interval.
The bass playing provides still another mystery, as the identity of the bassist is not labeled on the record. Jimi is known for having played the bass parts himself on many tunes from Are You Experienced? and Axis: Bold as Love, and it's my opinion that Jimi is playing bass on this tune, as well. The playing is very guitaristic and hyperactive; it's also incredibly creative and rhythmically supportive. It, as well as all of the guitar parts, should be studied and consumed as a lesson from one of the most creative musicians of all time.
