Jimi Hendrix remains one of the most celebrated musicians in the world, his guitar abilities greatly influenced musicians, including Rainbow’s Richie Blackmore, who held Hendrix in high regard.
Known for blending soul, jazz, and rock effortlessly, Jimi initially played guitar for The Isley Brothers and Little Richard, refining his unique style. Later, he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding, propelling himself to stardom in the 1960s.
Blackmore cherished Hendrix’s rich guitar riffs and named five favorites. One such favorite was “Stone Free,” a 1967 hit that didn’t make waves on the American charts. For Blackmore, it was “exceptional.” He appreciated how Hendrix tuned his guitar half a step down, enhancing his vibrato due to looser strings.
Another track that captivated Blackmore was “Manic Depression.” He praised Hendrix’s innovative phrasing, originality, and song construction, highlighting the uniqueness of his riffs, like those in “Purple Haze” and “Manic Depression.” Surprisingly, Blackmore also highlighted Hendrix’s vocal ability, despite Hendrix’s inclination towards being known as a guitarist rather than a vocalist.
Blackmore marveled at the brilliance of “Purple Haze,” noting Hendrix’s impressive use of false harmonics and his ability to bend wrong notes to fit the composition. Beyond technical prowess, Hendrix’s stage presence, composing skills, singing, and showmanship impressed Blackmore. He emphasized that Hendrix’s multifaceted talents were unparalleled.
The song “Hey Joe” stood out for its wild live rendition, showcasing Hendrix’s musical prowess. Blackmore believed that nobody could match Hendrix’s multifaceted abilities, as he could excel in various aspects of music.
Blackmore also held “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” in high regard. Although he met Hendrix only once, briefly, at a Hollywood venue, he recognized the impact of Hendrix’s songs. This single encounter left an impression on Blackmore, highlighting Hendrix’s global influence.
Summing up, Ritchie Blackmore’s favorite Jimi Hendrix riffs included iconic tracks like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” “Burning of the Midnight Lamp,” “Manic Depression,” and “Stone Free.”
Hendrix’s innovative guitar techniques, originality, vocals, and stage presence left an indelible mark on music history. His influence wasn’t limited to his millions of fans, including fellow musicians like Richie Blackmore.
