5 Guitarist Who Influenced Jimi Hendrix

Rockapedia | 6th January, 2024

There is no denying Jimi Hendrix changed how the guitar would be played from the moment he broke onto the scene in the late 60's. While Hendrix has been a major influence for many guitarist, who influenced him?

(theBeat.ie)

Eric Clapton

When Hendrix first arrived in London before finding fame Clapton was considered by many to be the No.1 guitarist in town. While both Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience were on the scene at the same time its Claptons earlier work that has an influence on Hendrix.

Arguble one of the most important blues albums released, John Mayalls Bluesbrakers, nicknamed by fans as The Beano Album, changed how guitar would be recorded as a lead instrument.

Mayall wanted to re-create Claptons live sound, especially the volume, in the studio. While lead guitar had appeared in recordings before it was as part of the band. The Beano Album focused on Clapton as the lead instrument.

Buddy Guy

Blues guitarist Buddy Guy is a guitarist that stands alone. Considered by legendary bluesmen such as Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf as a young sideman, the new crop of 1960's guitarist such as Hendrix, Clapton and Jimmy Page all thought of him as being old.

Buddy Guy burst onto the scene as guitarist at first. He quickly earned a reputation for his wild performances, especially his volume. Blues veterans considered his sound too loud, while younger listeners such as Hendrix would see it as the only way forward for the guitar.

Buddy Guys bending and quick style would form part of Hendrix library of licks, along with the theatrics, such as playing with teeth or behind his head.

Hubert Sumlin

When legends of blues music Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf are prepared to battle over your services, you know your doing something right.

Known for his quick licks and choice of notes, Humber Sumlin would have a major influence on the young Hendrix.

Howling Wolfs Killing Floor, which Sumlin played on, would become Hendrix calling card when he first burst onto the scene in London, taking to the stage with Clapton for the iconic guitar battle.

Sumlins guitar style stood out from other guitarist at the time. Staying away from the blues scale and standard licks, Sumlin had the ability to think outside of the box creating his own style as a result.

Albert King

While both BB and Freddie had an influence on Hendrix playing its the third King that had the most impact.

Albert King guitar style lacked the technique of Freddie and the smoothness of BB, however his unique abilty to bend a guitar string to produce any note made him a master.

Albert Kings music had more funk to it compared to his fellow bluesmen, however what earns him the title of legend, his is string bending abilities.

Avoiding a run of notes to get from lick to lick, Albert would bend the string further than anybody had tried before.

While extreme string bending is now considered standard practice, Hendrix would become a student of the blues master, using string bending to create wailing sounds in his own playing.

Muddy Waters

Regarded by many as being the god father of electric blues music, Muddy Waters has influenced almost every blues singer and musician since he began performing in clubs.

While Muddy left it to his side men to look after the fancy licks, Muddys playing was authentic electrified field music.

Recording a string of blues of classics and having a good eye for guitar players Muddy re-invented Blues music, influencing everybody who picked up the guitar.

Worth A Mention

Of course Hendrix was influenced by more than 5 guitarist. You dont become one of greatest players by copying a handfull of licks.

Hendrix was a melting pot taking ideas from everyone around him.

Other artists such as Little Richard, Robert Johnson, BB King and John Lee Hooker would all play a role in Hendrix becoming the guitarist he eventually became.