Hendrix pioneered a distinct sound on the electric guitar which became an inspiration for future guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan. Because Hendrix was a southpaw, he adapted his right-handed Strat to play it left-handed. The term used was playing his guitar "upside down." Hendrix liked to tune his guitar down one semi tone (Eb) to suit vocal range and produce a more vibrant sound on guitar especially given his passion to bend the strings. Stevie Ray Vaughn followed this technique. Today, guitar makers design left-handed guitars. Jimmy Hendrix did for electric guitar what Robert Johnson did for blues music. Hendrix set the stage for a number of guitarists who followed. That's called creativity, talent and influence. I, for one, adopted some of his unique style into my playing. In 1970, the world of music lost his great talent much too early.

If you get a chance, look up the guitar playing of D ick Dale. D ick Dale played in the style of surf music. He was revered by the likes of Hendrix, The Beach Boys, and others. D ick Dale played his Stratocaster "upside down" and influenced a young Jimmy Hendrix. D ick Dale was very unorthodox in his playing and I have listened to his chops. Yes, I play!