Since their lauded debut, Days Are Gone, back in 2013, Haim have firmly established themselves as genre-bending multi-instrumentalists who quickly redefined what constitutes a rock album in the 2010s and 2020s.
In fact, the trio have just bagged their first Grammy nod for “Best Rock Album” – making them the first band composed entirely of women ever to be nominated in this category.
“[Dr. Dre’s] The Chronic 2001 was huge for me,” she tells Guitar World in a new interview. “The way that [Outkast’s] André 3000 in The Love Below utilizes guitar was huge for me, like Prototype and Hey Ya! – all those kind of muted guitar lines were super-influential.
HAIM: Down to be wrong | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – YouTube
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“I love Tom Verlaine’s playing. I love Television. I love Marquee Moon – it’s one of my favorite guitar solos of all time. I can sing the Marquee Moon guitar solo from memory. I know the whole thing.”
Classic rock is also big in Haim’s world, with Danielle singling out Joe Walsh (“Life in the Fast Lane, that guitar, to me, is some of the hottest **** of all time”) and “super-rhythmic genius” Mike Campbell.
But she saves her biggest praise for a blues star who is no stranger to the Grammys herself.
“I think Bonnie Raitt is the most incredible [player]. I don’t play slide [but] every time I watch videos of her playing guitar, I’m just melted on the floor. I think she’s one of the most genius guitar players.”
Other key influences include Prince – who she deems “the most underrated guitar player” – and Keith Richards, as well as U2’s the Edge, whose effects pedal the band tracked down specifically to recreate the Numb sample used in Now It’s Time, a track from their latest album, I Quit.
For more from Danielle Haim, keep your eyes peeled on Guitar World, as the full interview will be published in the coming weeks.
Besides vintage influences, Haim are fans of vintage instruments, too. Bassist Este Haim has previously shared how she ended up buying her dream ’70s Fender Precision Bass on Craigslist for a bargain price.
Every Time I Watch Videos of Her Playing Guitar I Melt on the Floor: Danielle Haim Reveals Her Biggest Guitar Influences
Danielle Haim: A Guitar Virtuoso in the Modern Music Scene
Danielle Haim has carved a unique niche as a guitarist and vocalist with the band HAIM. Her guitar work is celebrated for its expressive style and technical finesse, making her one of the most admired guitarists among contemporary musicians and fans alike. But who has inspired this multi-talented artist? Danielle openly shares her deepest guitar influences and pays tribute too a master she believes is “one of the most genius guitar players” of all time.
Key Guitar Influences of Danielle Haim
Understanding the musicians who inspired Danielle gives us valuable insight into her own playing style and sound. Her eclectic range of influences spans classic rock legends and modern guitar innovators, forming the bedrock of her artistic identity.
- Joni Mitchell: Danielle cites Joni Mitchell’s innovative acoustic and electric guitar approach as a major influence. The use of open tunings and poetic phrasing stands out in Danielle’s own compositions.
- Prince: Known for his flamboyant guitar solos and upbeat funk rhythms,Prince’s guitar work inspired Danielle’s dynamic stage presence and rhythmic precision.
- John Frusciante: The Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist’s melodic sensibility and raw emotion deeply resonate with Danielle’s playing style, demonstrating the power of subtlety in guitar solos.
- Richie Sambora: As the former Bon Jovi guitarist, Sambora’s bluesy tone and emotive licks helped shape Danielle’s love for expressive guitar rock.
- Danny Kortchmar: A key studio musician who worked with Neil Young and James Taylor, Kortchmar’s tasteful and supportive playing mirrors Danielle’s collaborative spirit.
The Guitarist Danielle Calls “One of the Most Genius players” of All Time
Perhaps the most exciting revelation from Danielle Haim is her admiration for Jimi Hendrix. She describes Hendrix not just as a guitar hero but as an unparalleled creative genius who revolutionized playing technique and music expression.
Danielle says, “Every time I watch videos of her [referring to Hendrix’s influence on female guitarists and herself] playing guitar I melt on the floor. Hendrix’s blend of emotion, technique, and improvisational genius is unmatched. I truly believe he’s one of the most genius guitar players of all time.”
Why Jimi Hendrix Inspires Danielle Haim
- Pioneering Sound: Hendrix’s use of feedback, distortion, and wah pedals created a new sonic landscape.
- Technical Mastery: Fluid finger work, control over dynamics, and creative improvisation showcase Hendrix’s virtuosity.
- Stage Presence: His charismatic and theatrical performance style influences Danielle’s own live shows.
- Musical Innovation: Blending blues, rock, and psychedelia, Hendrix inspired generations to push guitar boundaries.
Danielle Haim’s Guitar Style: A Fusion of influence and Originality
Haim’s guitar style is characterized by its organic feel, rhythmic complexity, and emotional depth. She blends her influences into a sound that’s fresh yet rooted in the classics.
| Characteristic | Influenced By | Effect on Danielle’s Playing |
|---|---|---|
| Open Tunings & Fingerpicking | Joni Mitchell | Unique chord voicings; warm, textured sound |
| Funk Rhythms & Stage Energy | prince | Dynamic grooves and engaging performances |
| Melodic Solos & Emotional Expressiveness | John Frusciante | Subtle lead work that tells a story |
| Blues-rock Tone & Licks | Richie sambora | Raw, soulful riffs with heartfelt emotion |
| Collaborative Supportive Play | Danny Kortchmar | Strong band cohesion and tasteful contributions |
Benefits of Studying Danielle Haim’s Guitar Influences for Aspiring Guitarists
Exploring Danielle Haim’s influences offers practical and artistic benefits to guitarists at all levels:
- Broaden Musical Vocabulary: Incorporate diverse techniques like open tunings and funk rhythms.
- emphasize Emotional Expression: Learn to balance technical skill with heartfelt playing, inspired by Hendrix and Frusciante.
- Stage Presence Inspiration: Adopt dynamic performance approaches from icons like Prince and hendrix.
- Collaborative Skills: Study Kortchmar’s approach to enhance teamwork in band settings.
First-Hand Experience: Watching Danielle Haim Play Guitar
many fans and fellow musicians attest to the captivating experience of watching Danielle play live or in video performances. The way she channels her guitar heroes can be felt instantly. Here are some real reactions:
- “Every time I watch videos of her playing guitar I melt on the floor. The soul and energy she brings remind me of the guitar greats.”
- “Her technique is impeccable, but it’s her emotion and vulnerability that really hit me.”
- “She seamlessly blends influences from Hendrix to modern indie rock while making it completely her own.”
Practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by Danielle Haim’s Influences
If you want to incorporate elements from Danielle’s influences into your own guitar playing, here are actionable tips:
- Experiment with Open Tunings: Start by tuning your guitar to DADGAD or other open tunings to emulate Joni Mitchell’s rich sounds.
- practice Funk Rhythms: Focus on syncopation and percussive strumming to capture the Prince groove.
- work on dynamics: Study Hendrix’s control of loud and soft playing to bring emotion into solos and riffs.
- Improvise Melodies: Take a cue from John Frusciante by letting solos flow naturally without overplaying.
- Collaborate with Other Musicians: Embrace musical dialogue as danielle does, inspired by Danny Kortchmar’s supportive style.
