Jimi Hendrix: The Mysterious Strikes of His Teeth and Tongue in Concert

Jimi Hendrix is a name that resonates with both music enthusiasts and general audiences alike. His unique playing style, especially his unconventional techniques, sets him apart as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock. One of the most widely-discussed and debated topics about Hendrix is his ability to play songs with his teeth and tongue. This article aims to address the myth and reality of these claims and explore how, in his live performances, Hendrix employed such tricks to amaze and entertain his audience.

Myths and Realities

It is often claimed that Jimi Hendrix played with his teeth during live performances. However, this is a misconception. While he did put much of his personality and showmanship into his live acts, he never actually played the guitar with his teeth in the studio. That would have been impractical and potentially destructive. This myth likely arose from his dynamic stage presence and the romanticized portrayals of his live shows in the media.

Another unreliable claim is that he played with his tongue. While it is true that Hendrix sometimes used his tongue to demonstrate his technique, it is physically impossible and impractical to play the guitar with a piece of raw beef or any similar object. What Hendrix actually did was to use his tongue near the strings, often performing hammer-ons and pull-offs, which he did purely as a showmanship move. This was done to tease the audience or to simply add an element of unpredictability to his performance.

Witness Accounts and Performances

One of the earliest and most vivid accounts of Hendrix playing with his tongue comes from a witness at the Miami Pop Festival. Recounting his experience, the witness stated, 'I love the way that man moves; he was amazing to watch. Just the first time I saw him play Johnny B. Goode, Purple Haze, and Hey Joe with his tongue—it blew me away. No one else has played like him.' This account emphasizes Hendrix's electrifying live performances and the impact he had on his fans.

While there are no full recordings or verifiable accounts of Hendrix playing the entire song with his teeth or tongue, there are video clips showing him doing individual short solos where he utilized his tongue. Examples include clips of him playing several bars of single-string runs as part of the outro solos for songs like Johnny B. Goode, Hey Joe, and the bridge of Purple Haze. For authentic collectors, the presence of these specific techniques can be identified by the sharp, percussive attack on the high E string during these moments.

Entertainment and Showmanship

Hendrix was known for his innovative and unconventional playing styles. While he did not actually play with his teeth, he would often put on a show by pretending to do so, complete with hammer-ons and pull-offs. Similarly, he would also 'play behind his dead' and 'behind his back,' further blurring the lines between performance and showmanship. These dramatic stunts were intended more to entertain and engage his audience than to demonstrate genuine musical skills.

These techniques were a part of his elaborate and engaging live performances, which included other impressive maneuvers such as playing with his teeth and his tongue. While the authenticity of these claims might be debated, the impact they had on the audiences of his time and the enduring fascination they continue to hold today is undeniable.

From the enthusiastic witness accounts to the technical analysis of the video footage, it is clear that Jimi Hendrix's live performances were a spectacle to behold. His ability to combine powerful musicality with innovative stage tricks created a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Whether he was playing with his teeth or impressing the crowd with behind-the-back antics, Hendrix's untimely passing at 27 left a profound and lasting impact on the music world.