Introduction

Have you ever seen a guitar player using their teeth to play the instrument? Although playing guitar with teeth might seem like a novelty act, it has become a popular technique among certain players. But who really started this unique way of playing? There are many myths and legends surrounding this topic, but in this blog post, we will focus on one of the most popular stories: Did Jimi Hendrix really invent playing the guitar with his teeth?

History of Playing Guitar with Teeth

The practice of playing guitar with teeth has been around for a long time and was popularized by blues guitarists during the 1920s and 1930s. The technique was originally used as a way to stand out from the crowd and capture the audience’s attention during live performances. In the early days, the technique was referred to as “playing guitar with the lips” and “playing guitar with the face.”

One of the earliest guitarists to use this technique was Sylvester Weaver. An African American blues guitarist from Louisville, Kentucky, Weaver used the technique in his recording of “Guitar Rag” in 1923. Another notable early blues guitarist who played with his teeth was Tampa Red. His song “It’s Tight Like That” recorded in 1928, features him playing the guitar with his teeth at one point during the solo.

These early blues guitarists influenced other musicians who were starting to gain popularity, such as T-Bone Walker. The Texas-based blues guitarist was famous for his unique showmanship, including his ability to play guitar with his teeth. Walker was also known for his hit song “Call It Stormy Monday,” which features him playing the guitar with his teeth during the solo.

Jimi Hendrix and Playing Guitar with Teeth

While playing guitar with teeth was not a new technique, Jimi Hendrix undoubtedly brought it to a wider audience. Hendrix was a master of showmanship and was always looking for ways to surprise and shock his audience. During the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, Hendrix shocked the audience with his rendition of “Wild Thing,” during which he famously played the guitar with his teeth.

The performance was captured on film and instantly became iconic. It was not the first time Hendrix had played guitar with his teeth, but it was undoubtedly the most famous. Hendrix used the technique several more times during his career, most notably during his performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock in 1969.

Despite the impact that Hendrix had on the popularity of playing guitar with teeth, he did not invent the technique. As we have seen, playing guitar with teeth had been around for decades before Hendrix became famous, and he was undoubtedly influenced by the blues guitarists who came before him.

Origins of Playing Guitar with Teeth

As mentioned earlier, playing guitar with teeth can be traced back to the early days of the blues. However, the technique may have even earlier origins. Some historians believe that the technique may have been developed in West Africa, where musicians would play the ngoni (a stringed instrument) with their teeth or mouth.

Playing guitar with teeth is also closely related to other techniques used in African music, such as playing the kalimba (thumb piano) with the mouth. The use of the mouth or teeth to play instruments is also prevalent in some Middle Eastern and Asian musical traditions, such as playing the ney (a flute-like instrument) with the teeth in Turkish music or using the mouth to play the xiao (a Chinese flute).

It is worth noting that playing guitar with teeth is not a technique that should be done without caution. Not only can it be dangerous to the player’s teeth, but it can also damage the guitar. Many players who use this technique use a specific guitar or modify their instrument to make it easier to play with their teeth.

Influence on Guitar Playing

Playing guitar with teeth may seem like a party trick, but it has had a significant impact on guitar playing. The technique has influenced a generation of guitarists who strive to push the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. It has also influenced the way that guitarists think about creating a show and connecting with their audience.

Jimi Hendrix’s use of the technique, in particular, helped to transform the way that people thought of the electric guitar. He showed that the guitar could be a tool of expression, not just a means of playing notes. Hendrix’s use of feedback, distortion, and other effects further expanded the possibilities of the instrument and helped to shape the sound of rock music in the 1960s and beyond.

Today, playing guitar with teeth is still used by some guitarists, although it is not as prevalent as it once was. However, it remains a popular part of many guitarists’ shows and is often used as a way to capture the audience’s attention and create a memorable performance.

Myth Busted: Jimi Hendrix Did Not Invent Playing the Guitar with His Teeth

Despite popular belief, Jimi Hendrix did not invent playing the guitar with his teeth. The technique had been used by blues guitarists for decades before Hendrix became famous. Hendrix undoubtedly popularized the technique, and his performances are still some of the most iconic examples of playing guitar with teeth, but he did not invent it.

Playing guitar with teeth is an exciting and attention-grabbing technique that has influenced guitar playing and showmanship for generations. While it is not necessary to play the guitar with your teeth to be a great guitarist, it is undoubtedly an impressive feat that can add to an already amazing performance.

FAQs

1. Is playing guitar with teeth damaging to the teeth?

Playing guitar with teeth can be damaging to your teeth and should be done with caution. Many guitarists who use this technique use a specific guitar or modify their instrument to make it easier to play with their teeth.

2. Who invented playing guitar with teeth?

The practice of playing guitar with teeth dates back to the early days of the blues. Sylvester Weaver and Tampa Red were early blues guitarists who used the technique, and it was later popularized by T-Bone Walker. Jimi Hendrix did not invent playing guitar with teeth, although he undoubtedly helped to popularize the technique.

3. Why do guitarists play with their teeth?

Guitarists play with their teeth as a way to stand out from the crowd and capture the audience’s attention during live performances. It is also a way to add another element of showmanship to their performance.