Introduction
Ranking lists has always been a highly subjective matter. Who’s the best Formula 1 driver? Hamilton, Schumacher? Who’s the greatest football player of all time? Maradona, Messi, or Pele? And so on… But when it comes to discussing the greatest guitarist of all time, that’s when we join hands and raising our voices as one: JIMI MARSHALL HENDRIX, AMEN!!!
Obviously, being the greatest guitarist of all time, it makes Hendrix the greatest Stratocaster guitarist of all time as well! Engineer Eddie Kramer, in 2013, stated about Jimi Hendrix and his Fender: ‘My first realization that a Fender had the potential to change the way the world looked at – and responded to – the sounds that a guitar could produce was in the hands of the master of sonic wizardry – James Marshall Hendrix.‘
Early Impact When Jimi Hendrix Hit London In 1966
When Jimi Hendrix arrived in London in the late 1960s, he had an immediate and profound impact on the music scene. His innovative guitar playing style, blending elements of rock, blues, and psychedelia, was unlike anything people had seen before. His performances at venues like the Marquee Club and his involvement with the likes of The Who and The Rolling Stones catapulted him into the spotlight. His energetic stage presence and virtuosic guitar skills quickly gained him a dedicated following.
Credit: rockandrollgarage
Influences of BB King, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James:
Jimi Hendrix’s musical influences were diverse and included blues legends like BB King, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James. These artists played a significant role in shaping his playing style. He incorporated elements of BB King’s expressive vibrato, Muddy Waters’ raw emotional delivery, and Elmore James’ slide guitar techniques into his own unique sound. By merging these influences with his innovative approach, Hendrix was able to create a fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia that was truly groundbreaking.
Buddy Guy’s Influence on Jimi Hendrix
Much like Buddy Guy, who was a major influence on Hendrix, Jimi absorbed and incorporated elements of Buddy Guy’s guitar playing into his own style. Buddy Guy’s dynamic playing, use of distortion, and daring stage antics resonated with Hendrix. Hendrix took inspiration from Guy’s willingness to push the boundaries of what could be done with a guitar, ultimately infusing his own creativity and imagination to make those techniques his own.
Assimilating Buddy Guy’s Moves With The Guitar
One of the most captivating aspects of Hendrix’s performances was his physicality in handling the guitar. He used his entire body to manipulate the instrument, incorporating flamboyant moves like playing the guitar behind his back, with his teeth, and even setting it on fire. This visual spectacle, combined with his innovative sound, added a new dimension to live performances, leaving audiences awe-struck by the combination of sonic innovation and stage theatrics.
Jimi Hendrix Influence on Guitar Icons:
Icons of the guitar world such as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page were truly amazed by what they witnessed and heard from Hendrix. His ability to push the boundaries of guitar playing and his innovative use of effects and techniques left a lasting impression on these established guitarists. Hendrix’s influence can be seen in their own work as they sought to incorporate some of his daring spirit and creativity into their own playing styles.
Why Jimi Hendrix Is Considered The Best Stratocaster Player Ever?
Jimi Hendrix is revered as the ultimate Fender guitarist due to his groundbreaking technique and creativity. He harnessed the Fender’s versatility, using its vibrant tones to pioneer new genres and redefine electric guitar possibilities. His mastery of feedback, innovative use of effects, and raw emotional expression solidified his status as an unparalleled Fender icon.
And it’s not just us saying it, legendary guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and John Frusciante also say the same!
