Jimmi Hendrix: The Greatest Instrumentalist In The History Of Rock Music

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace,” said legendary American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In the 1960’s Jimi Hendrix, along with many other musical artists, greatly influenced numerous people. His unorthodox method of playing and how well he played the guitar would become his trademark for many years to come. Arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music, Hendrix expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar and pioneered explosive possibilities of the instrument. His innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Johnny Allen Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 in Seattle Washington and was one of

His stage presence was far superior to any other performer of rock and roll during that time era. One of the things that Hendrix was know for was being a left-handed guitar player, however, played a right-handed guitar that was strung for a lefty. This made the guitar react and sound completely different than a normal guitar would sound. He favored high volume and gain through overdriven amplifiers and was instrumental in utilizing guitar amplifier feedback. According to Holly George-Warren of the Rolling Stones, "Hendrix pioneered the use of the instrument as an electronic sound source. Players before him had experimented with feedback and distortion, but Hendrix turned those effects and others into a controlled, fluid vocabulary every bit as personal as the blues with which he began." His advanced use and creativity of the guitar led to a wah-wah effect which would eventually chang the way rock and roll would be played forever. When he was performing on stage he would set his amplifiers on max, later known as the Hendrix setting. Another trademark of Hendrix was his unique ability to be one of a kind on stage and truly express himself. While playing he would perform stunts such as playing the guitar behind his back, under his legs, and even with his teeth. His performances were nonetheless unforgettable especially when he set his guitar on fire and afterward smashed it during the Monterey Pop Festival. An iconic picture of Jimmi Hendrix on his knees with his hands raised high and his guitar burning on the floor in front of him would symbolize rock and roll in the years to come. His magnificent and odd way of playing would be something the people loved and envied. Hendrix would set the bar for future rock and rollers with his outstanding and innovative performances on