I've read quite a few posts on this site comparing Prince's guitar work to the likes of Hendrix, Santana, Vai, etc. Although some of the comments are cool, they often fall into two categories: 1) Prince is the best or 2) Prince is not even in the top 50, etc.

In reviewing many of these posts, I think about great jazz musicians such as Dizzy and Miles. Although both musicians played the same instrument, their styles were both beautiful, but worlds apart. Miles could not hit many of the notes that Dizzy could produce on the trumpet. Diz had this powerful, bold sound, comparable to that of Satchmo. Miles on the other hand, played tones that were more in the middle register, using very little vibrato. I absolutely love the sound of his muted trumpet. Anyway, the point is, these two music giants were both great. Miles' playing on "Blue in Green" and later, on "Mr. Pastorius" in my opinion is perfect. As is, Dizzy's performance on "Night in Tunisia".

To hear Hendrix on "Live at Filmore", is to hear, in my opinion, a great artist creating a masterful, and timeless performance. I would describe Prince's performance at the House of Blues in Hollywood the same way, particularly, his performance of "Beautiful Strange". Others may disagree upon listening to these performances, but to me, that is the beauty of music, as Sly said, different strokes...

Prince has his own style, which was certainly influenced by Jimi and Santana. This does not mean that he has not developed his own style, a style which many fans and fellow musicians respect. Some people on the other hand may not dig it, and that's cool. Just like many, for whatever reason, may not dig the style performed by George Benson, or Stanley Jordan.

Peace.

Hendrix i think even though he was a great songwriter was mainly an axe-man. While prince is much more multi-dimentional. Guitar is something prince does very well but i don't feel his soul dwells there. For Hendrix it was is main source of communication. Good post Morehouse man.

"prince v hendrix" what a novel idea for a thread!

MrBliss said:

Awww, your sarcasm soaked my keyboard...

Good Topic!

It's hard to say because they both do different types of music from different eras. I think that if marketing had have permitted, Prince would have showcased his guitar playing more. I think he was really limited by the type of music he had to make in order to sell, ya know.

Hendrix catered to the purely rock crowd. Straight rock and roll uses the guitar as the main instrument mostly, so Hendrix was able to showcase his talent more.

MrBliss said:

Hmmm, did you actually read beyond the title of the thread?

Jade said:

Except Hendrix's interest in classical, jazz and soul are really evident in a lot of his songs. I mean, for instance, if you listen to the chords in "Electric Ladyland" (the title track), that's straight 1960s soul right there. His larger context might have been rock/distorted blues, but his palette contained many, many colors.

How about Prince UNITED with Hendrix The Celts have been split, but there well may be strength in UNITY, si?