The reason Hendrix Called This Guitarist “The Best in the Universe”

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When guitarists reflect on their first experience hearing Jimi Hendrix, it’s a moment seared into their memory. Hendrix was more than just a revolutionary musician—he was a cosmic guitar prophet, transcending the boundaries of sound and bringing his every philosophical notion into his six-string mastery. His unique blend of imagination and technique catapulted him from a background player to one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. Hendrix’s tonal innovations would not only change the face of music, but they helped define the cultural landscape of the 1960s.

However, despite being widely hailed as the greatest guitarist of his time, Hendrix was never one to boast about his own abilities. In fact, he often used his interviews to speak reverently about other guitarists he admired. Among those was Chicago’s Terry Kath, a player whose extraordinary technical skill and creativity often went underappreciated compared to more famous contemporaries like Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page. In an interview, Hendrix famously declared Kath the “best guitarist in the universe”—a statement that rings even truer today.

Kath’s legacy is undeniably marked by his fiery musicality and the experimental approach he brought to the guitar. His work with Chicago helped shape the band’s innovative sound, but tragically, Kath’s life was cut short in 1978. The guitarist accidentally shot himself while handling a pistol while under the influence, a loss that rocked the music world. At only 31, Kath left behind a body of work that still echoes in the hearts of musicians who truly understand the art of guitar playing.

Kath’s performances were more than just technical feats; they were infused with a passionate energy that propelled Chicago toward a more progressive, long-haired rock image. The band’s transformation was catalyzed in part by Kath’s presence, famously ripping off his suit on stage and inspiring the group to adopt a more laid-back, rebellious style. Yet, his influence extended far beyond the band’s image.

Kath’s guitar work was a sonic force to be reckoned with. His solo on Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4” is a blistering example of angular rock guitar, demonstrating skills that often made even the likes of Clapton and Page look pedestrian in comparison. One of his most experimental pieces, “Free Form Guitar” from Chicago’s debut album, saw Kath taking the guitar to unprecedented extremes with fuzz and wah pedals, exploring a soundscape that few could match.

Hendrix wasn’t alone in his admiration for Kath. Chicago played a series of shows with Hendrix in the late 1960s, and it was clear to everyone who saw Kath perform that he had an undeniable gift. Both guitarists shared a mutual love for pushing the boundaries of what the instrument could do, with Kath’s daring use of effects and unorthodox techniques parallel to Hendrix’s own exploratory spirit. It’s tragic, however, that Kath’s name is not as widely recognized today as it should be. Artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, and Duane Allman often overshadow his contributions, despite Kath’s groundbreaking work in the realms of both technical skill and creative innovation.

Kath was one of those rare musicians who saw the guitar as a tool for sonic experimentation. Much like Hendrix, he constantly sought to break new ground, using his instrument to explore and expand the limits of sound. For those who understand the depth of guitar artistry, Kath’s place in the pantheon of greats should be indisputable. His work is a testament to the power of creativity and the unspoken magic that happens when a musician pushes their instrument to the very edge of its capabilities.

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