SRV-Zeppelin Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hey guys, I'm sure many of you have seen the video of Jimi Hendrix playing "Hey Joe" live at Monterey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2qRKy36dL4 I've always loved that song and have been working on the Monterey version of the solo recently as opposed to the recorded version which I can already play. I was just wondering if it's considered "safe" to hold a 9+ lb Les Paul behind one's head (as Hendrix does with his Strat right at the end) while soloing. I've always wanted to try it, but haven't been brave enough yet as I just got my LP a week ago. (I suppose I could try it on my SG, but it just doesn't sound the same...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FennRx Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 only if you can afford to replace it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Martin Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Um, rock 'n roll should never be safe. This is only a part of the allure of such stage antics. If it was the "proper" way to play guitar, everybody'd be doing it (and all the great showmen have). That being said, in doing this technique you're not flying around the neck and "staying loose" the way you normally would. Obviously, you're partially supporting the guitar with your hands and on your neck/shoulders. You normally don't shift positions that much (Jimi never shifts during that part if you watch carefully), which is why it's great certain portions of solos. I've never seen anyone play anything EXTREMELY complicated. Just practice and you'll get it down, I've done it with my LP quite a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 It's a Strat...who cares? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 I don't see any danger in that... The guitar is resting on his shoulders and his head so its not like he is doing bench presses with the guitar... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKingN Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 its not like he is doing bench presses with the guitar... I'd be cool if he did Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 THe only proper way to play a guitar is at my house. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolongermike@gibson Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Oh man, that's exactly what I was about to say! Well, close, I was gonna say "Ain't nothing safe about rock'n'roll." Um' date=' rock 'n roll should never be safe. [/quote'] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Martin Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Oh man' date=' that's exactly what I was about to say! Well, close, I was gonna say "Ain't nothing safe about rock'n'roll." [/quote'] Well Mike, I hate to break it to you, but rocking out in Second Life isn't exactly living dangerously. ;-) Kiddin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spook Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 That's right R9 the only guitar worth having is a Les Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyDogJr Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Actually, I've been playing the solo to Johnny B. Goode behind my head with a Les Paul for.... more than 20 years? :) Geeze! I am getting old! It's the first time I really thought about it. LOL!!! Anyway, Yea, I play behind my head using a Les Paul. Give it a try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Um' date=' rock 'n roll should never be safe. [/quote']+1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Just recently I saw footage of T-Bone Walker from the early '60's. He was playing the guitar behind his head.... It just goes to show there's little new in the world. Behind the head is safe - Have you ever tried Jimi's trick of playing the solo with your teeth? THAT CAN HURT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCI Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 You're not supposed to actually pick with your teeth, just use hammer ons and pull offs while making it look like you're playing with your teeth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRV-Zeppelin Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 That's right R9 the only guitar worth having is a Les Paul. I respectfully disagree. While LPs are by far the BEST guitar one can own' date=' they're not the only one worth having. I also have an SG and I would like to get a 62 Strat reissue due to the fact that they expand the range of sounds/tones I can get from my guitars. Have you ever tried Jimi's trick of playing the solo with your teeth? THAT CAN HURT!!! I happen to know that from experience... in fact, a guy I knew cut his gums up pretty bad trying it out. I had originally wanted to try playing the solo that way but figured it would be less annoying to try playing behind my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spook Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 SRVzeppelin I was joking. Poking fun at folks who put the name before the the real reason the guitar was made, to make music and there are certain things that sound better on a strat than a paul and viseversa.Heck my main guitar for gigs is a custom strat I wouldn't trade anything for but I guess if it breaks who cares it was just a strat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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