Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

3. The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceElectric Ladyland

Jimi Hendrix had the biggest influence on me. I think he’s by far the best ever guitarist, he’s incredible. I know how to play a little bit but he does things I still can’t understand. I mean, not just you can’t play it but you can’t even understand it, you know? He had such long fingers that you’d think his fingers were twice as long (as normal hands). I think it will be centuries before we see again such a revolution in how to approach music.

I saw him on stage many times, but I never tried to copy Hendrix – in any case, with my poor vision, I was always too far to see! I learned to play completely by ear, never learned from a teacher either.

PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today