Each month during the coming year we’ll be featuring one of twelve guitarists that influenced us more than any others. You’ll likely have heard of many; perhaps there are some that will be new finds. Our aim is to celebrate their contribution to the overall guitar lexicon, as well as encourage you to check out each player on a deeper level–you may learn something new!

Up first is a stranger to no one and an influence to most. For me personally, this guy was such a cool enigma and interesting character in addition to his unique playing. However, it was his super emotionally charged performances and one-of-a-kind tone that just oozed out of his strat every time he touched it that hooked me. In fact, my first Fender Stratocaster was an homage to this incredible guitarist–his name was Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).

Jimi Hendrix (imo) was the most unique guitarist coming out of the 60’s. Some have called him the most influential guitarist of all time. His tone and approach to guitar were quite different from many of the players before him and this specialized style really began to influence large swaths of guitarists, even to this day. The combination of over-driven fuzz, phaser and wah-wah (although not completely new at the time) allowed Jimi to essentially communicate his “voice” seamlessly from mind to fingers. His ability to literally “talk” through his guitar is unmatched, and is a tone that has been sought after by players such as Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robin Trower, Santana and Richie Blackmore, just to name a few

While many are quick to focus on Jimi’s awesome guitar technique and sound, he also contributed some incredible works as a writer during his short time on earth. His very few studio works included: Are You Experienced?, Axis Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland–my personal favorite. His sanctioned live recordings consist of Band of Gypsies, Woodstock and Monterey Pop Festival. Many Hendrix aficionados are split between their favorite “Hendrix” time period and/or backing band which generally consisted either of Mitch Michell and Noel Redding or Buddy Miles and Billy Cox. From the live end, I tend to drift more towards the solid grooving of the Band of Gypsies crew (Miles & Cox), whereas in the studio I really like the creative subtleties of Mitchell and Redding. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. I feel that the live performances really showcase Jimi’s guitar ability and improvisation that are missing from the studio works. However, the luscious guitar textures and sonic tapestries are more prevalent in the studio. Either way, you can’t lose.

If you are a guitarist and this guy is not in your collection you are really missing out on one of the founding fathers of guitar. Don’t let the haters sway you. There are always the guys out there that will say “he’s always out of tune” or “he really wasn’t that good of a player” or more predictably, “he was always playing on acid”. While there is some truth to the sentiment, I think the haters are missing the point. The influence that came from the guitar playing and writing of Jimi Hendrix is unmatched to this day and likely will be for time immortal. That’s what really makes this guy a wonder of the guitar world and why he is the first on our list. Make sure to check him out!