The Myth and Reality of Jimi Hendrix’s Left-Handed Guitar Strumming Technique

For many years, a popular myth has circulated suggesting that Jimi Hendrix was left-handed. However, the truth is far more complex. Hendrix was indeed left-handed, but his playing technique with a right-handed guitar has been a part of his unique musical legacy.

It's important to dispel the misconception that Hendrix played his guitar upside down. He did play a right-handed Stratocaster, but with the strings flipped to accommodate his left-handedness. This played a significant role in creating the distinctive sound that became his trademark. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating aspect of Hendrix's career and life.

Was Hendrix Really Left-Handed?

Yes, Hendrix was left-handed, and he did use left-handed guitars. Many of the instruments he played, including the famous Fender Stratocasters he used, were indeed strung left-handed. This unique aspect of his guitar setup allowed him to play with greater ease and comfort, even though most of the chords and songs he played were written for right-handed players.

A key figure in understanding Hendrix's playing technique is Randy Hansen. Hansen, a long-time friend and contributor to the Hendrix legacy, noted during an interview that Hendrix was indeed right-handed. Hansen, being left-handed himself, would often flip his guitar to play it in a manner that felt more natural to him. This flipping technique, often attributed to Hendrix, was used not because it changed the sound, but because it mirrored how Hendrix played his guitar.

Why Hendrix Played His Guitar Left-Handed

There are several reasons why Hendrix chose to play his guitar in this way. For starters, he was left-handed, which meant that playing right-handed instruments would have been cumbersome and unnatural. This is why he restrung his guitars left-handed, allowing him to play with the same ease as any right-handed guitarist. Additionally, he sometimes tuned his guitar to Eb, which helped him quickly change chord formations when he was doing guitar sessions with artists like Little Richard and The Isley Brothers.

Some have speculated that Hendrix played his guitar left-handed due to a lack of left-handed guitars. While this may have been true early in his career, the fact that he continued to play this way even after gaining fame suggests that it was not just a matter of availability. Rather, it was a choice that became an integral part of who he was as a musician. The unique sound and technique that come from playing a right-handed guitar upside down became a defining characteristic of Hendrix's style.

Signature Sound and Legacy

The positioning of the strings on a right-handed guitar, with the high E strings closer to the floor, allowed Hendrix to create a distinctive playing style. This technique made it easier for him to switch between chords and riffs, giving his music a smooth and fluid quality that is immediately recognizable. The process of playing a right-handed guitar left-handed transformed his playing into a virtuosic performance that has influenced countless guitarists across generations.

It is worth noting that Eric Gales, a left-handed guitarist who plays with the strings reversed, has also adopted a similar technique. This demonstrates that while Hendrix's approach was unique, the potential for innovation in guitar playing remains ever-present.

The legacy of Jimi Hendrix extends far beyond his iconic guitar techniques. His ability to adapt and innovate has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Playing a right-handed guitar left-handed was just one aspect of Hendrix's artistic vision. His influence continues to resonate in music today, inspiring new generations of guitarists to push the boundaries of what is possible with their instruments.

Hendrix's choice to play his guitar in this distinctive manner was not merely a technical decision but a creative one that contributed to his groundbreaking music. His legacy as a left-handed guitarist who played right-handed guitars showcases the unique blend of tradition and innovation that has defined his musical journey.