Ritchie Blackmore discovers rare guitar string modification
covered in this article. Ritchie Blackmore, a guitarist from the 1960s, faced a common issue of limited string options for electric guitars. While playing with the Outlaws and touring with prominent musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent in Hamburg, Blackmore was exposed to different styles and performances that influenced his playing. The experience of backing musicians like Tony Sheridan and Ted ‘Kingsize’ Taylor provided Blackmore with valuable practice and exposure to different playing techniques.
Blackmore’s quest for a unique sound led him to an encounter with Elvis Presley’s guitar player, who shared the unconventional string setup used by James Burton, a renowned guitarist. Burton’s innovative approach involved using banjo strings on the top four strings of his Telecaster, creating a distinctive sound that inspired Blackmore to experiment with a similar setup. Intrigued by the idea of bending strings like Burton, Blackmore decided to try using banjo strings on his electric guitar.
The use of banjo strings on a guitar was a radical departure from the traditional string configurations of the time. Burton’s decision to restring his guitar with banjo strings on the top four strings, along with regular electric guitar strings for the remaining strings, resulted in a unique tonal quality and playability that set him apart as a pioneer in country guitar. Blackmore’s attempt to emulate Burton’s sound by adopting a similar string setup showcased his willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic possibilities.
While Blackmore’s experiment with banjo strings on his guitar did not yield the desired results, it exemplified his creative approach to music and his openness to trying unconventional techniques. The influence of guitarists like Burton on Blackmore’s playing style highlights the interconnected nature of musical innovation and collaboration within the guitar community. By embracing new ideas and techniques, guitarists like Blackmore and Burton have contributed to the evolution of guitar playing and inspired generations of musicians to explore the limitless possibilities of the instrument.