Eclectic lefty-hand: Conjectures on Jimi Hendrix, handedness, and Electric Ladyland

Laterality. 2010;15(1-2):253-69. doi: 10.1080/13576500902953815.

Abstract

An analysis of Jimi Hendrix's guitar playing and song writing is presented in light of the effects of his mixed-right-handedness on motoric and conceptual processing. It is argued that (i) his mixed-handedness allowed him greater integration of the roles of his left and right hands in guitar playing and (ii) his right-handedness conferred specific benefits in playing a left-handed guitar. In terms of his song writing, the greater interhemispheric interaction (and consequent greater access to right hemisphere processing) associated with mixed-handedness is argued to characterise aspects of his lyrics and vocal delivery.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Electronics
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Hand*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Music / history*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Writing / history

Personal name as subject

  • Jimi Hendrix