Danielle Haim shares major guitar inspirations

The three talented sisters of Haim have been making waves in the music industry since the release of their acclaimed debut album, Days Are Gone, in 2013. Known for their genre-defying sound, they have redefined rock music in the 2010s and 2020s. Their latest album, I Quit, has received critical acclaim and has earned them their first Grammy nomination in the Best Rock Album category, a major milestone for the band as the first all-female group to be nominated in this category.

Danielle Haim, the lead guitarist, co-producer, vocalist, and drummer of the band, is a versatile musician known for her impressive guitar skills. Her influences span a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to classic rock. In a recent interview, she revealed some of her biggest inspirations, citing Dr. Dre’s album The Chronic 2001 and Outkast’s André 3000 as significant influences on her guitar playing. She also expressed her admiration for Tom Verlaine’s playing in Television’s Marquee Moon, calling it one of her favorite guitar solos of all time.

Classic rock is another significant influence on Haim’s music, with Danielle mentioning Joe Walsh and Mike Campbell as inspirations. She especially praised Joe Walsh’s guitar work on “Life in the Fast Lane,” calling it “some of the hottest shit of all time.” However, her highest praise was reserved for blues icon Bonnie Raitt, whom she considers one of the most genius guitar players of all time. Despite not playing slide guitar herself, Danielle admires Bonnie Raitt’s skill and is in awe every time she watches her perform.

In addition to these iconic musicians, Danielle mentioned that Prince, Keith Richards, and U2’s the Edge have also influenced her playing. She expressed her admiration for Prince, calling him the most underrated guitar player, and shared how the band tracked down the effects pedal used by the Edge in U2’s “Numb” to recreate a similar sound in their own music.

Apart from drawing inspiration from vintage guitarists, Haim also appreciates vintage instruments. Bassist Este Haim once found her dream ’70s Fender Precision Bass on Craigslist for a great price, highlighting the band’s love for classic gear.

Haim’s unique blend of influences and passion for music has cemented their status as one of the most exciting bands in the industry. As they continue to push boundaries and defy expectations, fans can expect more innovative and genre-defying music from the talented trio.