If 6 Was 9

Hendrix’s Anthem of Freedom and Sonic Rebellion

“If 6 Was 9” stands as one of Hendrix’s most unapologetic musical statements—a psychedelic storm that walks the line between defiance and poetry. Released on Axis: Bold as Love in 1967, the track dives headfirst into themes of individuality and existential freedom. Recorded at Olympic Studios, the song turns inward with grit and clarity, with Hendrix declaring that he won’t bend to conformity, not in fashion, thought, or spirit.

His guitar tone is raw and gritty, tuned a half-step down and wrapped in swirling effects, fuzz, and tape delay. Instead of the polished phrasing heard in more tender compositions, Hendrix plays here like the world might tilt at any second, sliding between blues roots and cosmic abstraction. This commitment to raw expression contrasts with the melodicism found on other tracks on the album, such as “Little Wing.”

The rhythm section matches that energy with subtle precision. Mitch Mitchell’s jazz-infused drumming dances around the beat, while Noel Redding’s bass keeps the track grounded, even as the music threatens to drift into chaos. This unique rhythmic foundation is what distinguishes The Experience’s heavy sound, also heard on definitive blues-rock statements like “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”

Studio tricks like stereo panning, reverb-heavy vocals, and reverse-tape textures create a space where rebellion doesn’t just sound loud—it sounds infinite. Though the album explores romantic surrealism in tracks like “One Rainy Wish,” this song reveals a different dimension of Hendrix altogether: stripped of pretense, sharply aware, and defiantly unbound.

Explore more from Jimi Hendrix through his profile and archive, or browse our collection of Rock guitar studio recordings from other top artists.

Recording Details

💬 What does “If 6 Was 9” mean to you? Does it speak to self-reliance, rebellion, non-conformity, or something deeper? Share your thoughts below—your voice keeps the conversation Hendrix began alive.