posted on Sep, 1 2004 @ 02:05 AM
Jazzerman,
I think I understand where our disagreement is coming from now. Like I said before, I started researching Jimi, after I found out about my signature.
I read about Jimi's brother, family etc.. I also read several sites that stated he played with his guitar strung upside down. I assumed when they
refered to his guitar being strung upside down, that it was one in the same. That they meant the way I stated. You are right, it is a misconception.
I will admit, that I could have been more clear in my post. He did play his guitar strung upside down as I said. He just didn't do it, when he
was older/recording. (He also didn't have to.) I didn't say he did it when he was older/recording. But I can see how I might have left you with that
impression. Please understand, I am not an expert/historian/Jimi fanatic. So I'm naturally not going to be as specific as someone like yourself.
It's not that big of a deal/important to me. I do recognize however, that it is to you and why.
I obviously wasn't clear about when he played, the way I said in my own mind. I don't go around memorizing everything I hear or read about Jimi, or
anything else for that matter. I try to remember as much as possible. But the remarkable things get remembered, and the rest is a haze. I just
remembered that tid bit, and put it in the post. Because I thought it was remarkable. So I didn't remeber correctly, when he did it. Just that he
had. That's why I wasn't more clear about it.
It's not about when he did it for me, it's that he did it. And if he was able to do that, what else could he have done if he tried? I come from the
mindset of endless posibilities. I am an optimist, I admit it. You believe he was a good guitarist. I believe he was a visionary. Like the song says
"There ain't no good guys, there ain't no bag guys.There's only you and me, and we just disagree. ooooo oooooo oooooo........"
To me this debate isn't even about what Jimi could or couldn't do. It's about how profound what he did do was. Isn't it? You see him as good. I am
looking at the big picture. What percentage of the population could do what he did at that time? What percentage of guitarists could do what he did,
at that time? How many guitarists were doing what he did before him etc. In that light, he was truely one of a kind in my mind. It seems like, you
don't feel he had a big influence on Rock and Roll. I on the other hand, think his style changed the face of Rock and Roll.
At the time he was a freak. People in the US didn't even like him very much, because he was too different. Which begs the question, what was he doing
guitar/sound wise, that was so different? And if he was that far away from the mainstream. How many guitarists were doing what he was before him? How
could he be just another guitarist or good, and be so unique at the same time? Why is it he has been so popular for over two decades, even in the US?
My perception, is because he was ahead of his time, or as I said a visionary. It seems to me, time finally caught up with his sound. So I truely
don't understand your view on this, that he was "good".
Maybe your view on Hendrix, is akin to my view on Eddie Van Halen? He too was a visionary in Rock music IMO. But I think he was good, not great. It's
hard to view him as great, compaired to Vai, or Satriani to name a couple. Compaired to them, he is just good talent wise. Even so, I would still give
him props, for changing the face of rock and roll as well. I hope I'm not digging another hole to climb out of here. ;-) But before Eddie and before
Eruption, I had never heard anyone play guitar like that. Then shortly afterwards, everyone and their dog seemed to copy his finger roll style of
playing. So it seems like, he had a big influence on Rock music as well. So maybe, I can say he was great. But it would be because of the influence he
provided. Not because of his playing ability. So maybe you are looking throughout history, like I do with Eddie and playing ability?
I remember the conflict, between Jimi and Pete Townsend. Pete didn't even want to follow Jimi on stage. Because Jimi would steal the show. I would
have to agree if you said Vai is better, or even Satriani. Jordan is a bad mofo too. But at the time, in his day. Jimi was the shiznit wasn't he?
I'm no expert like I have already stated. But I don't know of anyone that was doing what he was doing, sound wise before him. So I would agree that
Jimi was a good guitarist playing wise. But because of the influence he had on Rock music, I have to say he was great. That's where I am coming
from.
What would be even more amazing to me about Jimi. (Yes I know you don't share my enthusiasm here) Is if he had his guitar strung right hand normal,
when he was flipping his guitar on his dad. If he had it strung right hand normal. That would mean, that he played guitar three different ways in his
life. My assumption would be, it was right hand normal at the time. Because it seems like it would be too obvious to his dad. If it were strung upside
down. With jerry rigged strings etc.. If that is the case, then that would mean he played right hand normal, left hand upside down, and left normal. I
myself would never claim to be a guitarist, as I am not that good at it. Once again, it's just not that important to me. So naturally, it would
probably impress me more if Jimi played three diffeent ways. Do you know how it was strung then?
To me, he proved he had the capability to play however he chose? He also proved mentally that he had the capacity to play guitar however he chose.
That's how I am looking at. He could have, and did do alot of unique things on guitar. Reguardless of when or how long etc.. In my mind, he had the
potential, it was just a matter of time. Unfortunately it was the one thing he didn't have. Don't you ever wonder at all, how he could have turned
out. Or wonder if he were still alive, if he would be the undisputed king of rock guitar? I do, and I think that is the difference in our views. I
wonder how Vai/Hendrix would turn out today at the crossroads. If Jimi had continued to progress and broadened his horizons even further. Who knows,
maybe Jimi is Vai.
It's bedtime for Bonzi. Thank you for your apology, I appreciate it. I appologize for not speaking more clearly, and not having a better
understanding myself of what I meant. I'm a happy go daisy kind of guy. This was supposed to be simple chit chat for me, not a full blown debate. My
horse wasn't even in this race. Now if you said Steve Vai was "good"......... :-)
Take Care,
Tom