Jimi Hendrix chords and playing technique
Q: “You can learn the typical chord technique of Jimi Hendrix (with the thumb at the top), i.e. is it purely technical or also anatomically determined or can someone with small hands and ditto talent learn that with practice or keep it best with ordinary barre chords?”
First and foremost, perseverance is key. Keep searching for the correct positioning of your fingers, hands, wrist, arm, and so on. Don’t assume that better or more expensive equipment is the solution. While upgrading gear might be beneficial for the economy and second-hand websites, the solution is often anatomical. Everyone is different, and some guitarists have shorter or crooked fingers. I have students who simply can’t play with their thumb over the top. So what?
There’s no shame in this. Don’t lose heart and don’t get stuck on what doesn’t work or isn’t possible! This technique is just one of many on the guitar. You can’t excel at everything, and most likely, you will find your niche. Top guitarists usually have one (or sometimes two or three) specialties—their “trademarks.” Guitarists who can do everything equally well simply don’t exist! But OK, we’re deviating from the subject; maybe I’ll write another blog article about that :-)! Back to the topic at hand.
Other limitations can also be a factor. For example, previous injuries, poorly healed fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, muscle diseases, etc. But perseverance can overcome many obstacles. A possible solution is a thinner and/or narrower guitar neck. Another option (whether or not combined with a thinner neck) is using thinner strings with less tension (refer to the article on string tension and thickness). A third option is to reduce the action. I personally use a practice or study guitar with a thin neck: preferably my Ibanez JS1000 (Joe Satriani model) and JEM model (Steve Vai) with a D’Addario 009-042 string set.
An 008-set also exists, but I find they break too easily. I can use the 009-set for a long time, even with lots of bends up to 5 semitones and a fully pulled-up Floyd Rose bridge, without breaking strings often. Contrary to popular belief, you can achieve a nice Stratocaster-like sound from these Ibanez guitars. If there are even thinner necks available, I’m not sure, but you can always have a custom neck made by a luthier to fit your hand size. Keep in mind, a thinner neck might result in a “thinner” sound.
But remember, good sound always starts with the source—the guitarist. A skilled guitarist will still sound great even on a broomstick with washing wire!