What was Jimi Hendrix's signature technique on guitar?

Jimi Hendrix was famous for playing the guitar with his teeth. It was one of his most memorable stage-showmanship tricks, transforming a guitar solo into a dramatic visual performance.

Hendrix developed this kind of theatrical presentation during his years playing with rhythm-and-blues bands before becoming a rock star. He also played behind his back, between his legs, and behind his head, but the teeth-playing stunt became especially associated with his image.

One notable example came during the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. During “Hey Joe,” Hendrix combined aggressive playing with exaggerated physical movement and then famously set his guitar on fire at the end of the performance.

The stunt was not his only important guitar innovation. Hendrix also popularized controlled feedback, fuzz distortion, wah-wah effects, and a thumb-over-the-neck fretting style. These musical techniques shaped psychedelic rock and influenced generations of guitarists, while playing with his teeth remained his most instantly recognizable visual trademark.