Influential guitarists.

There are so many guitarists who have had an impact on music and the guitar so every month we will be looking at the most influential guitarists.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) is undoubtedly one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He helped transform the electric guitar from an instrument into an icon of the 21st century. Early on in his musical career he played in backing bands for musicians such as Chuck Jackson, Slim Harpo, Tommy Tucker, Sam Cooke, and Jackie Wilson. He also played with the Isley Brothers and Little Richard. He stepped into the limelight after meeting former Animals bass player, Chas Chandler. Chandler took Hendrix from America over to London and that’s when the legend was born. Chandler then helped Hendrix form a new band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. Hendrix was an amazing showman. Playing the guitar with his teeth, behind his head and famously setting fire to his gutars on more than one occasion. He really wanted to put on a show for his fans and that was one of the reasons he helped to make the guitar what it is today. It wasn’t just an instrument, it was part of the perforance. In the studio is where he probably made his biggest impact. Helped by people like Chandler, Eddie Kramer and effects guru Roger Mayer he created some absolutely breathtaking music. Fuzz, wah and ocatve pedals helped to create his famous guitar sounds along with the iconic Marshall stacks, upside down Fender Stratocasters and some studio trickery. He died in 1970, just 3 years after releasing Are You Experienced, after taking a number of sleeping pills and drowning on his own vomit. In a short but highly productive career he made the kind of impact that few could ever hope to match.

Main Equipment – Fender Stratocaster played upside down. 100 watt Marshal Stacks. Arbiter Fuzz Face pedals. Vox Wah-Wahs. Roger Mayer Octavias. Uni-Vibe pedals.

Recommended Listening – Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love
, Electric Ladyland, Band of Gypsys.