Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze – Verse 3
Purple Haze < All Analyses
Chord Progression
E7#9, A, B, E7#9
Chord Progression Analysis
E7#9 (I7#9) – A (IV) – B (V) – E7#9 (I7#9)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Stevie Ray Vaughan – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
Chord Progression: E7#9 (I7#9) – E7 (I7) – E7#9 (I7#9) – C7 (bVI7) – A7 (IV7) – Ab7 (bIV7) – E7#9 (I7#9)
2. The Beatles – “Taxman”
Chord Progression: D7#9 (I7#9) – G7 (IV7) – D7#9 (I7#9)
These examples feature chord progressions using the distinctive 7#9 chord and showcase the influence Hendrix had on other artists. Both songs have a similar blues-rock sound, with the inclusion of the dissonant 7#9 chord adding an edge to the melody.
Musical Analysis
This chord progression showcases a mixture of both consonance and dissonance, which contributes to the song’s overall sense of tension and release. The E7#9 chord, which serves as the foundation for the progression, features a sharp ninth interval that adds a level of dissonance to the sound. The progression then moves to the A and B chords, which are more consonant and create a sense of resolution. The progression concludes by returning to the E7#9 chord, with the dissonance it brings.
Overall Analysis
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic and influential rock song released in 1967. The chord progression featured in Verse 3 of this song has a bluesy, psychedelic sound that typifies Hendrix’s style. The use of the E7#9 chord, also known as the “Hendrix chord,” adds a sense of tension and dissonance, which contributes to the edgy and innovative nature of the song.
Style Analysis
The style of “Purple Haze” was groundbreaking for its time and was a key example of the psychedelic rock and blues-rock genres. This was a sound pioneered by Hendrix that has been hugely influential on countless musicians over the years. The E7#9 chord, in particular, gives the progression its characteristic “Hendrix” sound, with the blend of bluesy grit and psychedelia. The incorporation of dissonant chords within a fairly usual I-IV-V progression exemplifies Hendrix’s innovative approach to songwriting and musicianship.
What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze – Verse 3?
E7#9, A, B, E7#9
