This All Along the Watchtower guitar lesson will teach you one of Hendrix’s most iconic songs using just three basic chords. What makes this track so special is how Jimi took Bob Dylan’s original folk song and transformed it into a rock masterpiece with his signature style. You’ll love playing this one because it sounds impressive but uses chords you probably already know, making it perfect for beginners who want to sound like pros.
The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity paired with endless opportunities for creativity. Once you get the basic progression down, you can start adding your own flair with different strumming patterns and chord voicings.
The Story Behind the Song
Hendrix recorded his version of “All Along the Watchtower” in 1968, completely reimagining Bob Dylan’s acoustic original from “John Wesley Harding.” Dylan himself was so impressed with Hendrix’s interpretation that he started playing it Jimi’s way in his own live performances. The recording features some of Hendrix’s most tasteful guitar work, with layers of rhythm and lead parts that interweave beautifully.
What’s fascinating is that Hendrix used a Fender Stratocaster through a Marshall stack, but kept the tone relatively clean compared to some of his other work. This approach lets every note ring clearly while still maintaining that signature Hendrix bite. The song reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most covered songs in rock history.
What You’ll Learn
- Three essential chords: C# minor, B major, and A major
- Smooth chord transitions that sound professional
- The classic strumming pattern that drives the whole song
- How to add subtle chord embellishments like Hendrix did
- Proper muting technique for that tight, controlled sound
- Tips for playing with a pick versus fingerstyle approach
Chord Progression Breakdown
The entire song revolves around just three chords: C# minor, B major, and A major. In the key we’re playing, you’ll use these chord shapes throughout the verses and instrumental sections.
Start with your C# minor chord. Place your first finger on the 4th fret of the G string, your second finger on the 6th fret of the A string, and your third finger on the 6th fret of the D string. This might feel like a stretch at first, but keep your thumb positioned behind the neck around the 5th fret for support.
The B major chord comes next. You can play this as a full barre chord, but if you’re just starting out, try the easier version by muting the low E string and playing from the A string down. Place your first finger across the 2nd fret, then add your other fingers on the 4th frets.
Finally, the A major chord gives your fretting hand a break since it’s down at the 2nd fret. This is your standard open A chord that most beginners learn early on. The key is making these transitions smooth and keeping your rhythm steady.
Chord Transition Tips
The trickiest part for most players is the transition from C# minor to B major. Practice this change slowly, focusing on moving your fingers as a unit rather than one at a time. Your first finger barely moves between these chords, so use that as an anchor point.
When moving from B to A major, lift your whole hand and reset rather than trying to slide down. This prevents accidentally hitting open strings and keeps your chord changes clean.
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm
The strumming pattern has a laid-back feel that’s essential to getting the song right. Think of it as down-down-up-up-down-up with emphasis on the first and fourth beats. Don’t rush it – this song has a steady, hypnotic groove that shouldn’t feel hurried.
Start by just playing downstrokes on each chord change to get comfortable with the progression. Once that feels natural, add the upstrokes between chord changes. The upstrokes should be lighter than your downstrokes, hitting mainly the higher strings.
Pay attention to the space between your strums. Hendrix wasn’t constantly strumming – he let the chords breathe and ring out. Practice playing the pattern with some strings muted occasionally to create dynamic contrast.
Rhythm Guitar Techniques
Try incorporating some palm muting on the lower strings while letting the higher strings ring open. Rest the edge of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge. This creates that percussive attack you hear in the original recording.
You can also experiment with chord embellishments. On the A major chord, try lifting your second finger occasionally to let the open B string ring. This creates an Asus2 sound that adds color to the progression.
Tips for Playing This Song
Keep your wrist relaxed while strumming. Tension in your picking hand will make the rhythm sound stiff and uncomfortable. The motion should come from your wrist, not your whole arm.
Don’t worry about playing every string on every chord. Hendrix often focused on the middle four strings, avoiding the low E and high E strings. This gives a fuller, more controlled sound that won’t get muddy.
Practice with a metronome once you know the chord changes. Set it around 120 BPM to start, which is slightly slower than the original. Speed comes naturally once your muscle memory develops.
Listen to both versions – Dylan’s original and Hendrix’s interpretation. Understanding both approaches will give you insight into how the same chord progression can sound completely different depending on your playing style and tone.
Work on making your chord changes feel effortless before adding any lead guitar elements. The rhythm guitar is the backbone of this song, and getting that solid will make everything else fall into place naturally.
Take your time learning this classic and don’t rush the process. Practice along with the video lesson to get the timing right, and soon you’ll be playing one of the greatest guitar songs ever recorded with confidence and style.