Did Jimi Hendrix walk around stage during soundcheck to find feedback ‘sweet spots’?

Did Jimi Hendrix Walk Around Stage During Soundcheck to Find Feedback ‘Sweet Spots’?

Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist, is known for his innovative playing style and mastery of feedback. One interesting claim related to Hendrix’s performances is that he would walk around the stage during soundcheck to find feedback ‘sweet spots.’ This article examines the evidence surrounding this claim and explores the practice of seeking feedback sweet spots.

Evidence and Accounts

According to a post on the Music Fans Stack Exchange forum (source: Stack Exchange), there is a claim that Hendrix would walk around the stage during soundcheck and mark the “sweetspots” with masking tape. This practice allowed him to identify the optimal spots on stage where he could stand to produce controlled feedback.

While this claim is intriguing, it is important to note that no direct evidence, such as video footage, has been found to support it. A user on the forum mentioned watching a performance of Hendrix at Monterey Pop and not observing any markings on the floor (source: Music Fans Stack Exchange). This suggests that Hendrix’s movements on stage were more spontaneous and based on his intuition rather than predetermined markers.

However, it should be noted that this lack of evidence does not definitively refute the claim. It is possible that any tape markings were not captured or preserved in available recordings. Additionally, the absence of markings in one performance does not necessarily negate the possibility of Hendrix using this technique at other times.

Similar Techniques by Other Guitarists

While the specific claim about Hendrix remains unverified, it is worth noting that other prominent guitarists have utilized similar techniques to achieve controlled feedback. One example is Robert Fripp, known for his work with David Bowie. In an interview with Tony Visconti, the producer of Bowie’s “Heroes” (source: Sound on Sound), Fripp’s approach to finding feedback sweet spots is described. He would measure the distance between his guitar and the speaker for each note to determine where feedback occurred most effectively. Tape markings were placed on the floor to guide Fripp’s positioning during performances.

Another guitarist mentioned in the Music Fans Stack Exchange post is Ted Nugent. While no direct evidence is provided, it is stated that Nugent would tape the stage during soundcheck to achieve feedback (source: Music Fans Stack Exchange). However, it is important to note that these accounts are anecdotal and lack solid documentation or interviews to support them.

Conclusion

The claim that Jimi Hendrix would walk around the stage during soundcheck to find feedback ‘sweet spots’ remains largely unsubstantiated. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is possible that any potential markings or practices were not captured in available recordings or testimonies.

Nevertheless, the concept of seeking feedback sweet spots is not uncommon among guitarists. Robert Fripp’s approach and anecdotes about Ted Nugent demonstrate that some musicians have employed similar techniques to control feedback during performances.

It is important to approach these claims with a critical mindset, considering the available evidence and acknowledging the limitations of historical documentation. While the specifics of Hendrix’s practices may remain uncertain, his groundbreaking use of feedback in his performances continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.

Sources:

1. Music Fans Stack Exchange: “Did Jimi Hendrix walk around stage during soundcheck to find feedback ‘sweet spots’?” (link: https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/4444/did-jimi-hendrix-walk-around-stage-during-soundcheck-to-find-feedback-sweet-spo)
2. Starling DB: “Jimi Hendrix” (link: https://starlingdb.org/music/hendrix.htm)
3. Sound on Sound: “Classic Tracks: David Bowie ‘Heroes'” (link: https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-david-bowie-heroes)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any evidence to support the claim that Jimi Hendrix walked around the stage during soundcheck to find feedback ‘sweet spots’?

No direct evidence, such as video footage, has been found to support this claim. However, the absence of evidence does not definitively refute the possibility of Hendrix using this technique.

Did Jimi Hendrix mark the ‘sweet spots’ with masking tape?

According to a claim on the Music Fans Stack Exchange forum, Hendrix would mark the ‘sweet spots’ with masking tape during soundcheck. However, this claim lacks concrete evidence to support it.

Were any tape markings observed in available recordings of Hendrix’s performances?

There is no documented evidence of tape markings on the floor during Hendrix’s performances. A user on the Music Fans Stack Exchange forum mentioned watching a performance at Monterey Pop and not observing any markings on the floor.

Did other prominent guitarists utilize similar techniques to find feedback sweet spots?

Yes, Robert Fripp, known for his work with David Bowie, employed a similar technique. He measured the distance between his guitar and the speaker for each note and placed tape markings on the floor to guide his positioning during performances.

Are there any other accounts of guitarists using tape markings during soundcheck for feedback control?

Anecdotal accounts mention Ted Nugent taping the stage during soundcheck to achieve feedback. However, these accounts lack solid documentation or interviews to provide substantial evidence.

Why is it challenging to find concrete evidence of Hendrix’s practices?

The lack of concrete evidence could be due to several factors. It’s possible that any tape markings or specific practices were not captured in available recordings or testimonies, or they may have been lost or not documented thoroughly at the time.

Should we consider the claims about Hendrix’s feedback-seeking techniques with skepticism?

Yes, it is important to approach these claims with a critical mindset. Without solid evidence, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of historical documentation and be cautious about accepting claims without corroborating evidence.

How did Hendrix’s use of feedback influence other musicians?

Hendrix’s groundbreaking use of feedback in his performances had a profound impact on other musicians. His experimental approach to guitar playing and controlled feedback expanded the possibilities of the instrument and inspired countless guitarists to explore new sonic territories.