Day 1:  Friday, August 29^th 10:30AM – 5:00PM

Technique – Jimi’s style 101

Today’s class will mainly focus on the techniques used by Jimi and his approach.  In the afternoon, we will deal with songwriting techniques & lyrics.  Evaluation of students with a special emphasis on technique and form will also be an integral part of this class.  Students will be working closely with Phil to help master these techniques and to help solidify how they are used in the context of songs and musical ideas.

 

Ø      10:30AM –11:15AM – After a short introduction from Phil, we will then get a very brief introduction from each student.

Ø      11:15 – 1:00PM – Moving straight in on the techniques used by Jimi to create his ‘sound.’  Topics will include: discussing the fingerings used, the thumb on each hand, chords & inversions, including a more detailed look at how Jimi looked at his music.  Some pieces will be used for examples, but they will mainly be used to understand and breakdown the musical ideas & techniques used, as they relate to his style. 

 1:00PM – 2:00PM – Lunch break

Ø      2:00PM – 3:00PM – Continued focus on technique and application with class interaction and discussion.  Songwriting will then be the main topic of discussion and some Hendrix tunes will be looked at in detail for this purpose.

Ø      3:00PM – 5:00PM – Students will be coached onstage to help master and further understand the use of these techniques and musical ideas covered in today’s class.

Day 2:  Saturday, August 30^th 10:30AM – 5:00PM

 

Sounds – Jimi’s equipment / His influences and more

In today’s seminar we will examine the pedals, amplifiers and guitars that Jimi used to help shape his awesome sound.    We will discuss more technique: getting in depth with solos, use of vibrato and bending in pitch will also be covered.  The influences on Jimi’s music will also be explored.

 

Ø      10:30AM – 11:45AM – Rhythm, double-stops and a detailed look at the use of the thumb (fretting hand) will be this morning’s main discussion.

Ø      11:45AM – 1:00PM – Solos and more:  Bending notes, vibrato and work on developing pitch will all be covered.

 1:00PM – 2:00PM – Lunch break

Ø      2:00PM – 4:00PM – Amplifiers, pedals and guitars will be on the agenda with a detailed look at Phil Woodward’s dual-amp setup.

Ø      4:00PM – 5:00PM – In the last hour of today’s seminar I will discuss some of the influences on Jimi’s music to help students understand where he gained so much of his inspiration.  This will also help introduce Sunday’s primary focus of the ‘ Blues’.

 

 

Ø      7:15PM – 8:00PM - Rehearsal with students selected for the evening’s concert with “Voodoo Haze” – *All students are welcome to attend the rehearsal for tonight’s performance – only a few students will be asked to participate in the “Jam.”  This is primarily to keep the evening from running over too late (to insure a little bit more ‘controlled chaos!’).

 

 

Ø      8:30 – 9:45PM – Voodoo Haze in concert

Ø      9:45 – 10:15PM – The Voodoo Jam!!!  Selected students will join in performing to participate in 2-3 songs for a big final jam!

 

Day 3:  Sunday, August 31^st 10:30AM – 5:00PM

Playing The Blues – Hendrix style

We will continue the previous day’s discussion of Jimi’s influences. Most of today’s class will be devoted to playing the blues and studying several pieces that were based solely on this style.  Covering the basic I-IV-V blues progression, turn-arounds and soloing tips will be addressed. We will finish with a complete seminar overview.

 

Ø      10:30AM – 12:00PM – Introduction to the blues and a detailed study of the basic I-IV-V blues progression, turn-arounds and chords used within the blues. 

Ø      12:00PM – 1:00PM – Shifting our attention, soloing in the blues will be this hour’s focus.

 1:00PM – 2:00PM – Lunch break

Ø      2:00PM – 4:30PM – Putting it all together:  This segment will cover all aspects of the blues and how to play it, from rhythm to getting just the right solo and everything in between.  Also included will be tips on how to sing a blues tune with just the right feel and timing.

Ø      4:30PM – 5:00PM – Overview and final thoughts by Phil Woodward:  A complete review of the past three days, reviewing many of the tips and techniques covered and thoughts on future goals for each student to stay focused on.

 

 

Ø      5:00 – 6:00PM – A final farewell to all students.  This time will be open for those who wish to just hang-out, chat and stay for a little extra bit of time as we wrap-up the final day of our seminar.