just a quote from Greg Tate's " Midnight Lightning":

"...To some degree, it is because guitar solos have become so irrelevant in modern pop that Hendrix looms larger than ever - one of the few electric guitarists still functioning on music's cutting edge. Hendrix invented the orgasmic rock guitar moment, but was so much more concerned with song structure, lyrics, and textured sound than the vainglorious ejaculations that would come to define that arena staple of the 70's and 80's. The thing with Hendrix is that his rhythm guitar playing comes off as exciting and energizing as everybody else's soloing. His rhythmic ability also made the line between a lead and rhythm guitar indeterminate if not superfluous. The call and response he often got going between the two approaches in a song rarely allowed for a clear line of priority or demarcation...."
[This message was edited Mon Aug 9 22:28:27 2004 by paligap]

I have often thought this.

Partially because he was the only guitarist in his band, and partially because he was great, he filled out the sound with the fullness of rhythm playing but the unique qualities of lead playing.

Little Wing is a prime example. The intro is so well known, but all through the song he plays different stuff, melodic & rhythmic at the same time. Of course he plays a traditional solo at the end, and a great one, too.

Also Wait Until Tomorrow. It's a rhythm phrase, but it's so recognizable, it's like a lead phrase.

Killing Floor, The Wind Cries Mary, and many others. I think it's an overlooked quality in his music. Even he grew tired pf people focusing on him playing with his teeth or setting the guitar on fire, or even just playing brilliant solos.

yeah, I love those moments in his music when the two merge; it's like the solo sort of emerges somewhere from out of the rhythm, and then descends back into it...

paligap said:

Yeah, u know I'm hip 2 it pali. We discussed this great book. Jimi was so complete. His rhythm playing was much better than many other guitarist's leads.

Rest In Peace Rick. GOD bless you.

Manic Depression ,Easy Rider,Freedom,Dolly Dagger..some of my fave rhythmically.

To me his rhythm playing as always been underrated because so much of the solo stuff is overwhelming.

Although apparent in the uptempo tunes, to me it's the mellower tunes that really showcase this skill.

Hey Joe
The Wind Cries Mary
May This Be Love
Third Stone From The Sun
Are You Experienced
Little Wing
If 6 Was 9
Castles Made Of Sand
One Rainy Wish
Bold As Love
Have You Ever Been
Burning Of The Midnight Lamp
Rainy Day, Dream Away
1983
All Along The Watchtower

And his version of "Like A Rolling Stone" from the Monterey Pop Festival is a perfect example of how to "rock with dynamics". The perfect chord work during the verses is so Curtis.

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

theAudience said:

But didnt he sort of effortlessly switch back and forth from lead to rhythm due to the limitations of a trio?The gushing commentary by critic Charles Shaar Murray on the MontereyPop DVD points this out.At least thats one of the things I learned from listening to it. Jimi was often switching from lead to rhythm (sometimes with his G behind his back!)
throughout the song as necessary....As you say "Like A Rolling Stone" is a good example.

MrTation said:

Oh yes, without question.

Outside of Like A Rolling Stone, I was focusing on the recorded tracks where he had the luxury of just laying down straight rhythm guitar parts in many cases.

VH-1's Classic Albums - Electric Ladyland, shows Eddie Kramer soloing individual tracks on certain songs so that you can hear the guitar parts.

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm