Guitar Teacher REACTS: JIMI HENDRIX "The Star-Spangled Banner" | Woodstock 69' USA National Anthem

[@Guitargate]

Happy 4th Of July! If you haven’t seen this performance recently, give it a gander. Hendrix’s fearlessness is even more powerful and profound each and every time I watch. What a tremendous moment in American history and for the power of music everywhere!

[@claytonpaul4259]

Thanks for this! and for mentioning the tuning! Everyone just glosses over that. I think it was Clapton or Townsend who was also surprised by this in an interview, wondering what he would do after a whammy sesh during a performance. well just tune by ear while playing, why not? just insanity.

[@papaw2937]

Well done Mike. Hopeful for my country. And inspired for my guitar play.

[@gmel1084]

You gotta react to Metallica’s star spangled banner! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuVoaeojb-lbrc

[@pgrill24]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHaUkKCtg7KYjdk

[@pgrill24]

I promise this version is amazing!!! I'll donate $20 to your favorite charity if it is not mind blowing...

[@bensagal-morris8072]

The greatest guitar performance of all time bc it transcends being a piece of music into a cultural statement and touchstone. I don’t care what anyone says, look at Michael’s face here. It’s amazement every time. This is what separates music for musicians and music that moves culture. No one, not EVH, not SRV, not Clapton, not Gilmour, not Page, no one else has a performance that becomes more than the sum of its parts like this one. This was the electric church right here.

[@nigelralphmurphy2852]

can i quote this?

[@bensagal-morris8072]

@@nigelralphmurphy2852 Sure.

[@mrq6270]

What you said about this performance I would say about Machine Gun on the Band of Gypsys album. To me that tops them all.

[@bensagal-morris8072]

@@mrq6270 They’re in the same category. Equal to me.

[@joev3411]

@@bensagal-morris8072 same here both master creations from his soul to our ears. Nobody can compare to this beautiful Man Jimi Hendrix

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

I say can’t nobody touch this the way that Jimi Hendrix played it was rad and playing the guitar 🎸 upside down can’t no one top this

[@WillyHuebert-mw7kn]

Nobody will Top Jimis national anthem. So many have tried and failed.

[@SamA-bi4ly]

In one of the many Jimi biographies there was a quote from one of his roadies/tech who said during a sound check all the guitar would do was scream and feedback. Jimi would walk over, grab the guitar and it would go quiet, like the beast knew it's master was here.

[@jameson32]

Kind of a normal thing; your hands dampen the vibration of the strings. It stops the feedback loop.

[@rmyancey]

Dude, Jiimi didn't think "maybe i probably shouldn't do this"... He just did it and imo that's American as hell. God bless everyone and Happy 4th!

[@Halliday7895]

i dont see why he would have any second thoughts...

[@bendream544]

Because of the very real danger of it going the wrong way, as most things American do. Riots etc. And there was a discussion before the show about whether or not to play it. And let's not forget it was us British that appreciated him first and as per usual when America and money got involved the poor man was used and abused and then killed for what he loved more. And while we're at it what was going on in America was nothing compared to the sad Vietnamese people hence the reason Jimi played it the way he did. Yet even today people still don't get it....ie YOU

[@finley1817]

@@bendream544Buddy I have news for you…

[@davidnuckols8151]

I was seventeen years old at Woodstock. I left Sunday morning after Jefferson Airplane blew everyone's mind. I was hungry and had a headache. Hendrix played Monday morning to about thirty thousand people. About eight percent of the peak audience. And he made history. I never saw this until the movie came out.

[@primovid]

OMG That has to be one the biggest regrets in a person's life...at least for me it would be. But you still had the amazing opportunity to say you saw Woodstock and all the other incredible performances there!

[@chrisdurham6517]

I've always believed that Jimi's Anthem is like listening to a painting of the lyrics.

[@Mr.Kittychickenwing]

I love that.

[@richardmann4006]

I agree. You can see the song. Not just hear it.

[@Breakthroughcoachingottawa]

Hendrix was the Picasso of guitar players, indeed

[@KelleyStrzelczyk]

Have you heard peace in Mississippi? Or Captain Coconut. Excellent instrumentals.

[@mrq6270]

@@KelleyStrzelczyk LOVE both of them! And Pali gap

[@tonebender69]

It's just brilliant! He is painting with sound the story of the lyrics. Do people even realize that before he improvizes all the sounds of a war? The machine gun fire, bombs, rockets, jet fighters flying over head? It's at the moment in the lyrics "And the rockets red glare" that's exactly where he begins the sound scape. "the bombs bursting in air" genius!

[@kevinmalone2218]

Let us not forget that Jimi served in 101st Airborne. Thank you for your service, Jimi!

[@brucematzen4678]

Amen, sir, amen!

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

If he wouldn’t have broken his leg on a training jump, maybe we wouldn’t have gotten the amazing art he created.

[@samiam7342]

the best part is when he hits the final note lets it ring out and then blasts into the intro for purple haze!!!!

[@Guitargate]

Yesssssss

[@samiam7342]

@@Guitargate happy 4th Michael! have a pit beef with horseradish for me!!!!

[@michaelcurtis8419]

I'm fortunate enough to have seen Jimi perform during the 60"s. You by far are the first person I've heard who actually explains the why's and how's of this iconic performance.

[@primovid]

It's so great to hear a guitarist talk about this epic American performance. It brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it without knowing anything about the technical aspect, but strictly as an amazing piece of creative artistry. Thanks so much for explaining to those of us non-guitarists so we can appreciate this legend even more.

[@JohnBlessingPaligap]

He was the greatest Guitarist of all time.

[@LostMyMojo100]

Still is!

[@michaelmancillas9763]

Amen, brother!!

[@bubblevest1544]

You weren’t the only one with watery eyes at the end. This country /world needs to embrace what this man stood for, peace, understanding,love , the power of music and arts, freedom. No matter what color , ethnicity and beliefs we are all here together. I remember checking out this record from the library in 4th grade and wearing deep grooves in it. I was hooked. Thanks

[@lifetimes2983]

As someone of age who lived through this musical and cultural period it is truly a thrill to see the younger generation, especially a musician be amazed as we all were back in the day at the skill, power, artistry and musicianship of Jimi Hendrix. He was and still is simply on a higher level than other guitarists then or now who are themselves great players. Jimi added one huge addition to his playing which makes him untouchable....His SOUL !!!

[@scottbrockman9743]

"Its better than I remember." Every time I listen to this it gets better and better. The look of simultaneous joy and awe on your face is priceless.

[@WhackoMacko]

As a massive Hendrix fan and guitarist, I just loved this reaction. Jimi is just totally inspiring, even now, after my 35 years of playing .. just untouchable, but so inspirational. Great reaction .. you know a true Hendrix fan and someone who understands what he gave to the guitar world when you're punching the air while witnessing his amazing control and soul laid out for all to see. Total legend.

[@s550danny]

It’s crazy how moments like that were just meant to go down in history. Meant to be so iconic. And to have had witnessed that live, must have been a blessing. Jimi Hendrix IS the greatest guitarist this earth will ever see

[@breadzeppelin2705]

I was just as excited as you man, I showed a few friends this song and they said it’s just noise. It’s awesome to see people actually appreciate such power and feel and understand Hendrix. Thank you

[@beestrongbc]

😁 Your Friends Had to be a Guitar Player who Loves Sounds and Feedback. 😊 What they Call Noise We Call Harmony. 🙂🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thank You Jimi. ✌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@themrbadluck]

It’s called musical maturity. I thought it was all noise the first time I heard it

[@mmarcz]

Still gives me goosebumps to this day ❤

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

In 1972, two years after Hendrix died, I was 11 years old. I was already a BIG Hendrix fan, and we were still mourning his passing. But I'd never seen a video of him. I snuck into a theater (I had to sneak in, because Woodstock was rated R), and sat through three hours waiting to hear Hendrix and see him for the first time. For those who were not around at the time, it's impossible to describe what a SHOCK this was. I'd never imagined that music could have such power. There was simply nothing like it before. Half a century later, I still get chills when I hear this. You mentioned the great polarization in the US at the time. Consider this: Hendrix was n headlining the biggest music festival in the history of the world at the time (one month after men walked on the moon), and everything was all peace, love, flower power. Suddenly, at the climax of this hippie celebration, Hendrix comes out with the most violent rendition of the National Anthem humanly possible. It reminded the festival goers of the world that waited for them. And at the same time, he stood in front of the whole world, stared into the eyes of the most powerful nation on earth, and said "You broke your covenant with God and your people." A skilled electric guitarist cna learn how to do what he did, but only Hendrix could carry the symbolic weight of it. And for that reason, it belongs to him and him alone. I knew a few people who were at Woodstock, including Juma Sultan, one of the percussionists with his band. He told me that nobody in the band had any idea Hendrix was going to play this. He just thought it up and did it while the others in the band were like "What's Jimi doing?" FYI: I knew a few people who were friends with Hendrix. He was certainly no teetotaler and had a problem with his poisons,. But the rumor of him keeping LSD in his headband is a lie. And he was not on acid at this concert.

[@bruceheckerman7343]

FINALLY: Someone who gets it and appreciates it. Thank you!

[@AnniesEggs]

I'm English and watching this made me well-up. But his live playing often does this. 41 years of listening and no one else causes this reaction with their music. Never has and probably never will.

[@lookoutforchris]

He’s the real thing. What everyone wants to be. He carries the full weight of blues, delta, rock, soul, jazz behind him.

[@jefsat7761]

I'm loving how enthusiastic you are about this.. Couldn't be happier watching and watching you. Thanks man.

[@Nopski_]

I think his machine gun live in the filmore east is my favorite, him making the guitar sound like bullets, flying airplane and bombs being dropped is just awesome

[@mr.goodenough3796]

Yes, Machine Gun is Awesome I consider it performance art.

[@Guitargate]

Best of the best.

[@genuineimpulse9134]

On the expanded play, there are two versions of machine gun, different. Both great.

[@LostMyMojo100]

The more knowledge of guitar playing you get, the further away this performance seems... Legend! ✌

[@frenkmavric]

Michael, your words captured the essence of what jimi played... i cant get enought of this performance... the sound, his absolute control of sound wall... to this day nobody is able to ride the force of sound and to chanel it in order to hear it as jimi was capable...greertings from slovenia.

[@jerseycurl]

My husband, Steve, was there at Woodstock watching this performance. And he also says it sounds better than he remembers it. Thanks for your insights into the nuances of his execution. A tru master.

[@sbfreedom6791]

I'm a 60's and 70's guy. I can't explain how proud I am of this rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I am still weeping over this work of art! My kids and grandkids now know of this!!!

[@barackmycat9448]

It keeps going into Purple Haze with a fantastic transition!

[@yutehube4468]

When brilliant guitarists react to Jimi, the first thing they ask is "Have you messed with this recording, have you added notes?" nope, that's just the way Jimi rolled. He was superhuman on guitar and always will be.

[@Mike-kv5pl]

It's just about the most iconic and powerful performance of any song by any artist ever. And one thing some people might not be aware of is that Hendrix played this song many times in concert before and after his Woodstock performance.

[@mrdfk9410]

Jimi did this multiple times before and after Woodstock, but this is obviously the most famous of the lot! What a statement!

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

Hey, I am from Baltimore. Every time I hear "The Star Spangled Banner", I get goosebumps. Thank you Michael. I am so proud of my fellow Baltimoreans , for defeating a foreign invading army and navy.

[@p.t7495]

History of electric guitar just jumped into warp drive , Ones Jimi tuned up & turned up on the Sean . Great reminder , thanks for the review, enjoyed your comments happy 4th of July.

[@AfterTheGoldRush1990]

Jimi, thank you for the best cover of the star spangledbanner, and thank you for your military service to our country ❤ you will always be one of the greatestguitar playersof all time. Wish you were still here ,, you were ours too briefly in the 60s, but you willneverever forgotten ripjimi 😊linda from phx az 😊

[@ganazby]

What a great and genuine reaction to a seismic guitar moment. Bravo!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks Philip!

[@ptofview]

At 0:46, the “hope” part you describe is called “Taps”. Taps is a tune performed by a single military bugler at all military funerals. It is a somber and heartwrenching tune that brings any family to tears. It is fitting Jimi chose this tune to play after his guitar screamed of bombs dropping, explosions, and people screaming and crying.

[@keithperdue4993]

Saw Jim1i play this at Berkeley, amazing of course. Studio version is truly beautiful with gobsmacking sound of a huge cosmic orchestra that sounds otherworldly.

[@danielsartain8330]

I remember the first time I watched this in high school and my jaw literally dropped. It was like watching a spaceship blast off into the galaxy. Jimi was special because he could create so much sound from just a Marshall amp, fender strat, and wah pedal.

[@mightyluv]

OH man, just seeing and hearing that makes me tear up and smile and roar and laugh all at once. It’s the most powerful thing that has EVER come out of a screaming electric guitar! God damn! Thanks for posting!

[@joshwebber9024]

Thanks for this!!! It is exactly what I was hoping you would do today. - from Afghanistan

[@PNWGuitar]

Jimi was just amazing, one of those guys who really plays and it feels like he is painting a picture in your mind. It's in his bones, EPIC

[@jonperry-raymond4793]

It is fasinating to watch Jimi's Dick Cavett interview after this performance and Jimi's comment about performing the Star Spangled Banner

[@monickalynn4365]

Wow. Just wow.Jimi Jimi Jimi!

[@statelineLife]

My favorite breakdown of any video ever! 🙏👏👏👏💯💥

[@scottb200]

So awesome. The couple of shots of the crowd are great, the look on their faces is basically "...what in the holy hell.....". A Canadian here, wishing you a happy July 4. Stay safe down there !

[@captainshadow3756]

When you said, "...a screaming electric version of the American soul." I really felt that. Very accurate description of the vibe created in his rendition. 🎯🎯🎯

[@wade8240]

Great explanation of all the those complex nuances going on in Jimi's playing. An absolutely incredible sound / tone he's unleashed on the audience as well. Many times his sound / tone is overlooked in critiques, given the lack of technology he was working with back then. That alone, should be considered the "Holly Grail" of sound.

[@edelcorrallira]

There are many incredible guitarists out there: Rusty Cooley, Darrel, SRV, Albert & BB King, Les Paul, Chuck Berry, Clapton, Beck, Meola, Metheny, Holdsworth, Satch, Vai, Zappa, Howe, Hackett, Barre, Green, Blackmore, Iommy, Murray, Smith, Downing, Tipton, Henson, Abassin, Williams, Paganini (yes that Paganini), Villalobos, Tarrega, Segovia, the list goes on and on ... But Hendrix, he's something else. By far my favorite guitarist, and yes that Machine Gun solo is just on a league of its own.

[@cjsmith8319]

Honestly, as often as we try, how can you put that performance into words? You can’t. The level of mastery and artistry that Hendrix possessed will remain unparalleled. All I can do is just watch.

[@davidbraxton5110]

Jimi Hendrix, my favorite guitarist. He created so many unique sounds on his fender guitar, like rain drops from the heavens. Each note moving and stirring your soul.

[@bpatts1652]

Mitch said that he and Jimi shared a half bottle of wine that morning… no mention of LSD. Jimi looked clear to me..🤷‍♂️ but that whole Woodstock performance is stellar

[@starfleet1126]

Great Break Down Bro Of an American Classic! The Power ! THE POWER OF GUITAR!! THE POWER OF INDEPENDENCE!!!👊💪🇺🇸💪🍻

[@patrickbrown8540]

It always impressed me how he could pick right up where he left off at each part, where he started playing something else, then came right back where he left off. That is not easy to do at all.

[@chrisyeomans5547]

It is when you're jimi Hendrix.

[@samlewis7878]

Thanks for the wonderful commentary--- Yes- Jimi's performance here is enough to make one speechless. He is so commanding, so virtuosic it could very well surpass any musical offering... though I know that is saying alot.

[@mikecumberbatch2734]

Love watching guitarists react to Jimi. Pure joy😂

[@DavidBrown-pp1gw]

Jimi is the GOAT 🐐

[@finn-hugonilsen2333]

After this performance, also listen to Jimi Hendrix: Villanova Junction (live), from Woodstock. It is worth it!

[@graemehodges4367]

And the improvised part before it - basically the last ten minutes of the performance.

[@omarcapaso7156]

I loved how you got so excited at some parts lmao

[@robertwoods3750]

jimi felt strongly about the horrors of war and protested the Vietnam war going on at the time as did most people of my generation at the time {60-70's} , the fact that he incorporated the sounds of bombs and the terrors of war in with the star spangled banner is nothing short of amazing, most people left Woodstock before he took the stage as he was the last performer and was penciled in at the last minute, this song took place at 8 or 9 in the morning after a great time of roc and rollin all nite , most left and there was only 20 to 40 thousand left and they were packing up when jimi started to play , those that were there got the thrill of their lives and possibly Jimi's greatest performance. no better memories are better than that, greatest time to be alive ever!!!.

[@keiranbradley3238]

Just the way he attacks the whammy bar is incredible. He was so fearless, what a beautiful soul he was/is. The G.O.A.T

[@Lovell2018]

The dive bomb sounds, the screams, and those last three closing notes. Gotdamn!!! Thank you also for your insight and your knowledge. Your commentary was spot on. I dig the way you broke down all the intricacies and what Jimi was doing.

[@chriskovalchuk8503]

Love your videos! Big fan, thanks for taking the time and breaking these players down. You’re a great teacher in the way you explain things visually. And you really keep the genres you cover very diverse. Great stuff, thanks!

[@ronaldbarnes6188]

I’m a musical sense Hendrix was in another dimension. Not only did he feel music I think he was able to see and touch it.

[@shresko79]

Great choice of video to celebrate our Independence! Thank You Jimi for your service to this great nation! RIP

[@allanmakela3011]

Man landing on the moon,Jimi doing this,everyone talked about it ushering in new things in 1969,some couldn,t comprehend change,or embrace it,the rest of us let Jimi take us away,in his unique language,and interpretive guitar journeys

[@Zonydeep]

We love you Jimi

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

This is the best "Reaction" video I have seen of Jimi's rendition of the SSB. It is awesome that you, as a guitar professional, can break down the technical aspects of his performance, equipment and techniques so that non-musicians, and musicians alike, can have a better understanding and appreciation of just how outstanding that performance was. Great job young man!

[@BLDRUNNER81]

Jimi was the only guitarist in the history of music, that took an instrument to it's limits and beyond. The way he was in control, you could almost here his guitar screaming, ' get this guy off of me'!!!! You can't practice this moment, you live the moment with the supernatural energy running through him. This was fun to see again in high def.

[@maitreyanoot3996]

I love you for loving this so much. I'm with you. It is amazingly powerful.

[@dangilmore9995]

I love your review on this, iv always thought hendrix was in a league of his own. Greatest guitarist I have personal ever heard, and I love how you say this captures the soul of America, I completely agree. Thanks for your review it was awsome.

[@Guitargate]

My pleasure!

[@InsomniacRocker]

A true american music legend. In my opinion, the absolute best rock guitarist that ever was and ever will be. Also, great reaction as always!

[@mtnvalley9298]

Happy Fourth Michael and the USA!! One of your best react videos ever and that's saying something!! Thanks!!

[@ronaldbarnes6188]

He was able to see and talk to music. He became ingratiated with it. He and musical notes were one. 🎸🎸🎸

[@royjones3099]

All man!!!! U got it man!!!!!thank you for guitar players watching your channel!!!!

[@charlesboylan4717]

The version of Purple Haze and the outro which is Villa Nova Junction that immediately follow is fabulous.

[@jamesclark9479]

Thank you so much for posting this... Perhaps it's just where I'm at in life right now, but I literally teared up listening to it... I was alive in the sixties... In fact Jimi Hendrix at Monterey Pop festival, with Otis Redding was the first album I ever bought... It is good to remember those times of turmoil, and to remember that we made it through that... And I think we'll make it through this... Thank you once again so much for posting this... Happy 4th of July

[@BradHarperMusic]

Dropping those bombs after the "rocket's red glare" gets me every time.

[@NickP333]

Happy 4th, Michael! That performance is untouchable. It’s truly masterful and his intention behind it is so true. He meant every note and gave each one soul. Damn, he was just so phenomenal. I wonder what music would’ve become if he hadn’t passed at such an early age.

[@Guitargate]

So true. Some of us fly right up and into the sun.

[@NickP333]

Well put. I think ya pretty much nailed it, man.

[@Laight4work]

that is a masterpiece of 20th century art. it's beyond song

[@PolburnProductions]

I’m so glad you added Hendrix. I recently was inclined to add a suggestion, but I couldn’t find a video version, but audio is good enough.......the epic Fillmore East NYE from 69/70. Not machine gun, although that would be unreal, but Stone Free. The 13 minute version is something I’d love to see you do. I won’t add anything more than that, but do me a favor and at least listen to it for your own enjoyment. Now, going back to his SSB....I agree, this song raises the hair on my arms and brings tears to my eyes it’s so dam beautiful. Appreciate your take on this. Thanks again.

[@jasondejong3062]

We could use another moment like this these days! Hendrix was a mad genious, nobody will ever be able to coax sounds out of a guitar like he could. Great choice for today👍🏼 God bless America and Happy 4th everyone!

[@stephanieweisbart777]

I was alive in the sixties but I was too young to go to Woodstock but, it was a pivotal moment in history. FYI, check out all the footage of Woodstock and you will see that nobody was arrested. We were taught to be respectful and polite in those days. Everyone was stoned as well. There were children in that audience.

[@rpminc1974]

It still gives me chills to this day when I here this. Great reaction too, very informative !!

[@windowgirl7300]

JIMI is still ahead of "HIS TIME"... and it's 54 years later!!

[@tyler3216]

Happy 4th everyone! Jimi Rocks!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@brettjamz3]

Mike, your pretty cool. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

[@tomhepner5118]

Thank you Michael! I was 19 in 1969 and remember watching the movie for the first time. It was mind blowing then and even more more mind blowing and important to remember today.

[@cleonmagabeefy8473]

At the end he seemlessly jumps into Purple Haze... Awesome DVD, lots of extra songs that's not on the CD

[@zappa1952]

Thanks for a guitarist's perspective. I was 16 in 1969. Wasn't there but saw him later that year in L.A. Super disappointing show sadly for a huge Hendrix fan. When the Woodstock movie was released, I went with a friend. Hendrix was at the end of the movie. The camera work was deplorable. Mostly close-ups of his face. So this video was awesome. My friend and I left in tears. Thank you.

[@michaelvarney.]

I watch/listen to this each year on the 4th. Since I was a small kid. Will until my dying day.

[@derekmc9580]

Wow. What a video man. And on the 4th. Your able to really explained what this artist was trying to get across with his performance. As a guitar player you’ve really inspired me man.

[@__bam]

Thanks for the breakdown. It has been too long since I have REALLY listened to this. Probably since before I even started playing guitar. And with that said an even great appreciation for the man!! WOW!

[@frankenscience3553]

the way he knew to strum up on the last note

[@the90schildmashups92]

Billy Cox was saying in an interview that basically he could sense this was going to be something special, so he stopped his bass after about 6 seconds in

[@damonhines8187]

That section you referred to as your favourite part, the hope for the American soul or whatever, is also one of my favourite parts: the 15 notes of 'Taps', a bugle call replacing three actual drum taps broadcast on army bases meant to signify "extinguish lights" that also became a traditional part of military funerals. Deeply meaningful and symbolic. Thank you for sharing this with us. I only heard it when the album came out, only got into Jimi after his death, not having had the benefit of an older sibling or friend to hip me to his singular genius, though other friends my age who DID have older siblings tried to turn me on to his music but the Brit-born Beatles freak would have none of it, didn't want to know. Then he was gone and the archeological digging commenced. 💔😢🎶🌈🌉❤️✨️🕊

[@windowgirl7300]

The "LESLIE" effect provides the swirling. YES... incredible that he tuned while playing the open strings, in time. He's tuned down one half step. JIMI had incredible perfect pitch!!

[@harrykadaras9459]

Hendrix was the Ringmaster. He had such control of that guitar/amp/feedback that he was completely relaxed...almost in a Zen-like state

[@LamarSowellBDApocalypse]

I JUST subscribed to u because we both understand "Machine Gun" is the greatest protest and music STATEMENT, ever made.