If you’re a fan of Jimi Hendrix, then you probably know about his iconic Fender Stratocaster known as the “Monterey Strat.” This guitar was famously played by Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where he famously set it on fire. But did you know that there is a secret about this guitar that most people don’t know? Read on to find out!

What is the “Monterey Strat”?

The “Monterey Strat” is a Fender Stratocaster guitar that was painted by artist and friend of Hendrix, Paul Allen. The original body of the guitar was white, but Allen painted it with a psychedelic design that included a large white dove holding a stratocaster in its beak on the front, and a portrait of Hendrix on the back. The guitar also had a white pickguard that was adorned with a series of colorful decals, including a peace sign, a star, and a dog.

Hendrix started playing the “Monterey Strat” in 1967, and he played it at a number of gigs before the Monterey Pop Festival. However, it was at the festival where he famously set it on fire at the end of his set. The performance has become legendary, and is often cited as one of the greatest moments in rock and roll history.

What is the Secret About the “Monterey Strat”?

The secret about the “Monterey Strat” is that it was originally a right-handed guitar, but Hendrix played it left-handed. In other words, the guitar was not customized for Hendrix to play left-handed, but he played it that way anyway.

This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually quite significant. Most left-handed guitarists have to buy customized guitars that are made specifically for left-handed playing. This is because the strings on a right-handed guitar are arranged in a way that makes it difficult for a left-handed person to play. In order to play left-handed on a right-handed guitar, the guitar has to be flipped upside down and the strings have to be reversed. This can be uncomfortable and awkward for the player, and can also affect the sound of the guitar.

But Hendrix was able to play the “Monterey Strat” left-handed without any problems. In fact, he preferred to play right-handed guitars upside down and backwards, rather than playing on a left-handed guitar. Hendrix was known for his unique playing style, and playing a right-handed guitar left-handed was just one of the ways he set himself apart from other guitarists.

How Did Hendrix Play the “Monterey Strat” Left-Handed?

So, how was Hendrix able to play the “Monterey Strat” left-handed? The answer lies in the way the guitar was constructed.

The Fender Stratocaster is a symmetrical guitar, which means that the body and neck are the same on both sides. This means that the guitar can be flipped over and played upside down without any problems. However, the strings will be upside down, which can affect the sound of the guitar. Hendrix compensated for this by reversing the strings and re-integrating the bridge saddle and nut. To put it simply, Hendrix turned the guitar into a left-handed one, without actually doing any modifications.

Why Did Hendrix Play the “Monterey Strat” Left-Handed?

There are a few reasons why Hendrix preferred to play right-handed guitars left-handed. First of all, left-handed guitars were not as readily available when Hendrix was starting out, so he had to make do with what he had. In addition, Hendrix felt that playing left-handed gave him a unique sound and style that set him apart from other guitarists. He also felt that playing left-handed allowed him to play notes and chords that he wouldn’t be able to play on a right-handed guitar.

Conclusion

The “Monterey Strat” is an iconic guitar that has played a significant role in the history of rock and roll. But the secret about this guitar that most people don’t know is that it was originally a right-handed guitar that Hendrix played left-handed. Hendrix was able to do this because of the unique construction of the Fender Stratocaster, which allowed him to flip the guitar over and play it upside down without any modifications. Playing left-handed on a right-handed guitar was just one of the ways that Hendrix set himself apart from other guitarists, and it helped him create a unique sound and style that has influenced generations of musicians.

FAQ

• Did Jimi Hendrix play any other right-handed guitars left-handed?
  Yes, Hendrix played several right-handed guitars left-handed, including a Gibson SG and a Flying V.
• Did Hendrix ever play a left-handed guitar?
  Yes, Hendrix did play left-handed guitars, but he preferred to play right-handed guitars upside down and backwards.
• Were there any disadvantages to playing a right-handed guitar left-handed?
  Playing a right-handed guitar left-handed can affect the sound of the guitar, as the strings will be upside down. However, Hendrix was able to compensate for this by reversing the strings and re-integrating the bridge saddle and nut.