21 Psychedelic Bands Like The Jimi Hendrix Experience Must Hear

The Jimi Hendrix Experience revolutionized rock music in the late 1960s with their explosive blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and innovative guitar work. Led by the legendary Jimi Hendrix, the band set new standards for what was possible in rock music, influencing countless musicians and bands that followed.

For fans of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, there are many other bands that share a similar spirit of innovation and musical exploration.

This article explores some of the most notable bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, each contributing their own unique take on rock, blues, and psychedelia.

21 Rockin’ Bands Similar to The Jimi Hendrix Experience for Your Guitar Solo Playlist

These bands, like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, are celebrated for their innovative approach to rock music, often pushing the boundaries of blues, psychedelia, and hard rock with virtuosic guitar playing and memorable performances.

Here’s a list of 21 bands that share similarities with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, known for their pioneering blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and hard rock:

#1 Cream

Cream, formed in 1966 in London, England, is often credited as one of the first supergroups, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums. The band was known for their virtuosic musicianship, blending blues, rock, and psychedelic influences into a powerful and innovative sound. Cream’s debut album, Fresh Cream (1966), introduced their dynamic style, but it was their follow-up albums, Disraeli Gears (1967) and Wheels of Fire (1968), that solidified their status as pioneers of psychedelic rock.

Cream’s music is characterized by Clapton’s fiery guitar solos, Bruce’s melodic bass lines, and Baker’s complex drumming, with hits like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” becoming anthems of the era. Their live performances were known for extended improvisations, showcasing their technical prowess and chemistry as a trio. Despite their short career, Cream’s influence on rock music is immense, paving the way for the development of hard rock and heavy metal. The band disbanded in 1968, but their legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.

#2 Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968 in London, England, is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, known for their pioneering blend of hard rock, blues, and psychedelia. The band consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. Their self-titled debut album Led Zeppelin (1969) introduced their powerful sound, with tracks like “Dazed and Confused” and “Communication Breakdown” showcasing their ability to fuse blues with hard-hitting rock.

Led Zeppelin’s music is characterized by Page’s innovative guitar work, Plant’s powerful vocals, and the band’s tight, dynamic rhythm section. Their albums, including Led Zeppelin II (1969), Led Zeppelin IV (1971), and Physical Graffiti (1975), are considered masterpieces, featuring classics like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Kashmir.” The band’s live performances were legendary, often featuring extended improvisations and showcasing their technical brilliance. Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following Bonham’s death, but their influence on rock music is unparalleled, and they remain one of the best-selling music artists in history.

#3 The Doors

The Doors, formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, are one of the most influential and enigmatic bands of the 1960s, known for their blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia, as well as their charismatic frontman, Jim Morrison. The band’s self-titled debut album The Doors (1967) featured the iconic hit “Light My Fire” and established them as one of the leading bands of the psychedelic rock era. Morrison’s poetic lyrics, combined with the band’s dark, hypnotic sound, set them apart from their contemporaries.

The Doors’ music is characterized by Morrison’s deep, commanding voice, Ray Manzarek’s distinctive keyboard melodies, and Robby Krieger’s bluesy guitar work. Their albums, including Strange Days (1967) and L.A. Woman (1971), explored themes of existentialism, love, and rebellion, with songs like “Riders on the Storm” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” becoming classics. Despite Morrison’s untimely death in 1971, The Doors’ music continues to resonate with new generations, and their influence on rock, particularly in the realms of psychedelic and alternative music, remains profound.

#4 The Who

The Who, formed in 1964 in London, England, are one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 20th century, known for their explosive live performances, powerful rock anthems, and pioneering use of the concept album. The band, consisting of Roger Daltrey on vocals, Pete Townshend on guitar, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums, first gained fame with their 1965 single “My Generation,” which became an anthem for the mod subculture and symbolized the rebellious spirit of the youth of the time.

The Who’s music is characterized by Townshend’s innovative guitar work, Moon’s frenetic drumming, and Daltrey’s powerful vocals. They are known for groundbreaking albums like Tommy (1969), one of the first rock operas, and Who’s Next (1971), which featured the iconic track “Baba O’Riley.” Their live shows, particularly their performances at festivals like Woodstock and the Isle of Wight, were legendary for their energy and intensity. Despite the deaths of Moon in 1978 and Entwistle in 2002, The Who have continued to perform and record, maintaining their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

#5 Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane, formed in 1965 in San Francisco, California, is one of the pioneering bands of the psychedelic rock movement, known for their distinctive sound that blended folk, rock, and acid-tinged psychedelia. The band gained widespread fame with their 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow, which included the classic hits “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” These songs, driven by Grace Slick’s powerful vocals and the band’s intricate arrangements, became anthems of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Jefferson Airplane’s music is characterized by its experimental sound, political lyrics, and a willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. The band’s performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and Altamont are legendary, and they were at the forefront of the San Francisco music scene during the Summer of Love. As the 1970s approached, members of Jefferson Airplane went on to form the band Jefferson Starship, continuing their musical evolution. Jefferson Airplane’s influence on the development of psychedelic rock and their role in shaping the sound of the 1960s remain significant to this day.

#6 The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds, formed in 1963 in London, England, are a seminal British rock band known for their innovative approach to blues and rock music, as well as for launching the careers of three of the most influential guitarists in rock history: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. The band’s early work, characterized by their bluesy sound and Clapton’s guitar work, gained them a strong following in the UK. However, it was during Jeff Beck’s tenure that The Yardbirds began to experiment with psychedelic and hard rock elements, leading to groundbreaking tracks like “Heart Full of Soul” and “Shapes of Things.”

The Yardbirds’ music is marked by its blend of blues, rock, and early psychedelia, with a focus on innovative guitar techniques and experimental sounds. When Jimmy Page joined the band, The Yardbirds continued to push the boundaries of rock music, but internal tensions led to their eventual disbandment in 1968. Page went on to form Led Zeppelin, further cementing The Yardbirds’ legacy as a key precursor to hard rock and heavy metal. Despite their relatively short career, The Yardbirds’ influence on rock music is profound, particularly in the development of guitar-driven rock.

#7 Deep Purple

Deep Purple, formed in 1968 in Hertford, England, is one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, known for their powerful sound that blends rock, blues, and classical influences. The band’s early work, particularly with the release of Deep Purple in Rock (1970), showcased their heavy, guitar-driven style, featuring Ritchie Blackmore’s virtuosic guitar playing and Jon Lord’s distinctive Hammond organ. The band reached the peak of their success with the iconic album Machine Head (1972), which included the legendary track “Smoke on the Water.”

Deep Purple’s music is characterized by its high energy, intricate solos, and powerful vocals, with Ian Gillan’s voice adding to the band’s dynamic sound. Their live performances were renowned for their intensity, often featuring extended improvisations and showcasing the band’s technical prowess. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Deep Purple has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining their status as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock. Their contribution to the development of hard rock and heavy metal has earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#8 Ten Years After

Ten Years After, formed in 1966 in Nottingham, England, is a British blues-rock band known for their energetic performances and the extraordinary guitar work of Alvin Lee. The band gained widespread recognition after their performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where their electrifying rendition of “I’m Going Home” became one of the festival’s standout moments. Their blend of blues, rock, and jazz influences set them apart from their contemporaries, and their ability to improvise during live performances showcased their exceptional musicianship.

Ten Years After’s music is characterized by Lee’s lightning-fast guitar playing, solid rhythm section, and a mix of blues standards and original compositions. Their most successful album, Cricklewood Green (1970), featured the hit single “Love Like a Man,” which further solidified their reputation as one of the leading blues-rock bands of the era. Although the band went through several breakups and reunions, they continued to tour and perform, leaving a lasting impact on the blues-rock genre and inspiring countless guitarists with their fiery performances.

#9 Santana

Santana, formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California, is a band led by Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana, known for their unique fusion of rock, Latin music, blues, and jazz. The band gained international fame with their performance at Woodstock in 1969, where their rendition of “Soul Sacrifice” became one of the festival’s defining moments. Santana’s self-titled debut album, released the same year, featured the hit single “Evil Ways” and showcased their innovative blend of Latin rhythms and rock.

Santana’s music is characterized by Carlos Santana’s distinctive, melodic guitar playing, which combines bluesy riffs with Latin and African rhythms. Albums like Abraxas (1970) and Santana III (1971) produced classic tracks such as “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” which became staples of rock radio. Santana’s ability to blend diverse musical styles while maintaining a cohesive, powerful sound has made them one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history. The band continues to perform and release new music, with Carlos Santana remaining a central figure in the world of rock and Latin music.

#10 Mountain

Mountain, formed in 1969 in New York, is an American hard rock band known for their heavy blues-rock sound and the powerful guitar work of Leslie West. The band’s debut album, Climbing! (1970), included the hit single “Mississippi Queen,” which became one of the most recognizable rock anthems of the 1970s. Mountain’s music is characterized by its thick, distorted guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and West’s gritty vocals, creating a sound that was both heavy and melodic.

Mountain’s live performances were also a significant part of their appeal, with their appearance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival further establishing their reputation as a powerful live act. Their second album, Nantucket Sleighride (1971), continued to build on their success, featuring extended jams and showcasing the band’s musicianship. Despite lineup changes and West’s health struggles, Mountain has remained a respected name in rock music, influencing numerous bands in the development of heavy metal and hard rock. The band’s early work, in particular, continues to be celebrated by fans of classic rock.

#11 The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band, formed in 1969 in Macon, Georgia, is one of the most influential bands in the development of Southern rock, known for their blend of rock, blues, jazz, and country. Led by guitarist Duane Allman and singer/keyboardist Gregg Allman, the band’s dual lead guitar harmonies and improvisational style set them apart from other rock bands of the time. Their 1971 live album, At Fillmore East, is widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, showcasing their ability to stretch out songs with extended jams and intricate musicianship.

The Allman Brothers Band’s music is characterized by its deep connection to the blues, combined with elements of jazz improvisation and rock energy. Tracks like “Whipping Post” and “Jessica” became classics, highlighting the band’s technical prowess and soulful delivery. The band faced numerous challenges, including the tragic deaths of Duane Allman and bassist Berry Oakley in the early 1970s, but they continued to record and perform, earning a devoted following. The Allman Brothers Band’s influence on Southern rock and their legacy as one of the great American rock bands remains strong, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.

#12 Quicksilver Messenger Service

Quicksilver Messenger Service, formed in 1965 in San Francisco, California, is a key band in the psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s, known for their improvisational style and blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences. The band gained recognition for their extended instrumental jams and innovative guitar work, particularly on their 1969 album Happy Trails, which featured the nearly 25-minute track “Who Do You Love.” This album is often considered one of the quintessential recordings of the San Francisco psychedelic scene.

Quicksilver Messenger Service’s music is characterized by its free-flowing, experimental approach, with a focus on creating a live, organic sound that captured the spirit of the era. The band’s loose, improvisational style and emphasis on musicianship set them apart from many of their contemporaries. Despite changes in the lineup and varying degrees of commercial success, Quicksilver Messenger Service remained a respected name in the psychedelic rock genre, influencing a number of jam bands and musicians who followed. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans of the 1960s counterculture and psychedelic rock.

#13 The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead, formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California, is one of the most iconic and enduring bands in the history of rock music, known for their eclectic blend of rock, folk, blues, and extended improvisational jams. The band, led by Jerry Garcia, became the leading figure in the San Francisco psychedelic scene, with their live performances becoming legendary for their length, spontaneity, and the deep connection they formed with their audience. Their 1970 albums Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty are considered among their best, blending rock with folk and country influences.

The Grateful Dead’s music is characterized by its freeform, improvisational style, with each concert offering a unique experience as the band explored new musical territories. Songs like “Truckin’,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Uncle John’s Band” became fan favorites, contributing to the band’s massive and devoted following, known as “Deadheads.” Despite the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the legacy of The Grateful Dead has continued through various iterations and tribute acts, and their influence on rock, jam bands, and the counterculture movement remains profound.

#14 Canned Heat

Canned Heat, formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, is a blues-rock band known for their boogie blues style and their significant role in popularizing the blues among rock audiences. The band gained international fame with their performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where their songs “Going Up the Country” and “On the Road Again” became anthems of the counterculture movement. Canned Heat’s music is deeply rooted in the blues, with a focus on boogie rhythms, slide guitar, and harmonica, reflecting the band’s dedication to the traditional blues while infusing it with a modern rock energy.

Canned Heat’s music is characterized by its infectious groove, driven by Alan Wilson’s high-pitched vocals and guitar work, along with Bob Hite’s powerful voice and stage presence. The band’s ability to bring the blues to a wider audience, combined with their energetic live performances, earned them a dedicated following. Despite numerous lineup changes and the deaths of key members, Canned Heat has continued to perform and record, maintaining their status as one of the most respected and enduring blues-rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s. Their influence on the development of blues-rock and boogie music remains significant, with their classic tracks continuing to resonate with fans of the genre.

#15 Spirit

Spirit, formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California, is an American rock band known for their innovative blend of rock, jazz, and psychedelia. The band, led by guitarist Randy California and drummer Ed Cassidy, was one of the most musically diverse groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their debut album, Spirit (1968), included the hit “Fresh Garbage” and showcased their ability to seamlessly blend different genres, creating a unique and eclectic sound.

Spirit’s music is characterized by its intricate arrangements, experimental use of time signatures, and California’s distinctive guitar work, which often incorporated jazz and blues influences. Their 1970 album Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is considered a psychedelic rock classic, featuring tracks like “Nature’s Way” and “Animal Zoo,” which addressed environmental and societal issues. Despite never achieving the commercial success of some of their contemporaries, Spirit’s influence on the development of progressive rock and their role in pushing the boundaries of rock music has earned them a lasting legacy.

#16 Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf, formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California, is a rock band best known for their hard rock sound and for coining the term “heavy metal” in their iconic hit “Born to Be Wild.” The band, led by vocalist John Kay, quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album Steppenwolf (1968), which featured both “Born to Be Wild” and “The Pusher.” These songs became anthems of the counterculture movement and solidified Steppenwolf’s place in rock history.

Steppenwolf’s music is characterized by its raw, powerful sound, blending elements of rock, blues, and psychedelia with Kay’s gritty vocals and socially conscious lyrics. The band’s subsequent albums, including The Second (1968) and At Your Birthday Party (1969), continued to produce hits like “Magic Carpet Ride,” further establishing their reputation as one of the leading hard rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Steppenwolf has continued to perform and influence generations of rock musicians, with “Born to Be Wild” remaining a defining track of the rock genre.

#17 Blue Cheer

Blue Cheer, formed in 1967 in San Francisco, California, is often cited as one of the first heavy metal bands, known for their loud, heavy sound that pushed the boundaries of rock music in the late 1960s. The band’s debut album, Vincebus Eruptum (1968), included their explosive cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues,” which became a hit and showcased their raw, distorted guitar sound, thunderous bass, and pounding drums.

Blue Cheer’s music is characterized by its high volume, aggressive riffs, and a blend of blues and psychedelia, laying the groundwork for the development of heavy metal and hard rock. The band’s influence on the genre is significant, despite their relatively brief period of commercial success. They continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, experimenting with different styles, but never quite recapturing the success of their early work. Blue Cheer’s legacy as pioneers of heavy music endures, and they are remembered as one of the loudest and most intense bands of their time.

#18 The Electric Prunes

The Electric Prunes, formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, are a psychedelic rock band known for their innovative use of studio effects and their influential early singles like “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” (1966). This song, with its fuzz-laden guitar and eerie vocal effects, became a defining track of the psychedelic era and helped to establish the band as pioneers of the genre. Their self-titled debut album The Electric Prunes (1967) further showcased their experimental approach to rock music.

The Electric Prunes’ music is characterized by its blend of garage rock, psychedelia, and innovative use of studio technology, which created a unique, otherworldly sound. Despite their initial success, the band struggled with creative control and lineup changes, leading to a decline in their popularity. However, their early work, particularly their first two albums, remains highly regarded and influential in the psychedelic rock genre. The Electric Prunes reformed in the 1990s and have continued to perform and record, maintaining their status as cult favorites among fans of 1960s psychedelic music.

#19 The Small Faces

The Small Faces, formed in 1965 in London, England, are a British rock band known for their evolution from mod rock to psychedelic music, and for being one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. Initially part of the mod scene, they gained popularity with hits like “All or Nothing” and “Sha-La-La-La-Lee,” which showcased their energetic, R&B-influenced sound. The band’s shift towards a more experimental and psychedelic style was marked by their 1968 album Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake, a concept album that is considered a classic of the genre.

The Small Faces’ music is characterized by its blend of soulful vocals, catchy melodies, and innovative production, with Steve Marriott’s powerful voice and Ronnie Lane’s songwriting playing key roles in their success. Despite their relatively short career, the band’s influence on both the mod and psychedelic movements in Britain is profound. After Marriott’s departure in 1969, the remaining members formed The Faces with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, while The Small Faces’ legacy continued to grow, influencing countless artists in the years that followed.

#20 Humble Pie

Humble Pie, formed in 1969 in Essex, England, is a hard rock band known for their powerful blend of blues, rock, and soul, featuring the talents of Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton. The band gained a reputation for their dynamic live performances, with their 1971 live album Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore showcasing their ability to captivate audiences with extended jams and raw, energetic performances.

Humble Pie’s music is characterized by Marriott’s gritty, soulful vocals, Frampton’s expressive guitar work, and a mix of hard-hitting rock and blues influences. Their studio albums, including Rock On (1971) and Smokin’ (1972), produced hits like “30 Days in the Hole” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” which became staples of classic rock radio. Despite lineup changes and Frampton’s departure to pursue a solo career, Humble Pie continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on the development of hard rock. The band’s influence can be heard in the work of many rock and blues artists who followed.

#21 The James Gang

The James Gang, formed in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American rock band known for their blues-infused rock sound and the guitar work of Joe Walsh. The band gained prominence with their 1969 album Yer’ Album and the 1970 follow-up James Gang Rides Again, which included the hit single “Funk #49.” Walsh’s innovative guitar playing, combined with the band’s tight rhythm section, made them one of the leading power trios of the early 1970s.

The James Gang’s music is characterized by its blend of hard rock, blues, and funk, with Walsh’s guitar work at the forefront of their sound. Tracks like “Walk Away” and “The Bomber” became fan favorites, showcasing the band’s ability to fuse different genres into a cohesive and powerful sound. After Walsh’s departure in 1971 to pursue a successful solo career and later join the Eagles, The James Gang continued with various lineups but never quite matched their earlier success. However, their influence on rock guitarists and their role in the development of blues-rock and hard rock is widely recognized, with their early albums remaining influential to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What musical qualities do bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience typically have?

Bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience often feature a blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and hard rock, characterized by virtuosic guitar solos, dynamic rhythms, and experimental soundscapes. They typically push the boundaries of traditional rock music, incorporating improvisation and innovative techniques.

Which other bands from the 1960s share similarities with The Jimi Hendrix Experience?

Bands such as Cream, The Yardbirds, and Jefferson Airplane share similarities with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, particularly in their fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements. These bands were also known for their groundbreaking approach to music and live performances during the same era.

How did The Jimi Hendrix Experience influence modern rock bands?

The Jimi Hendrix Experience influenced modern rock bands by pioneering the use of feedback, distortion, and extended guitar solos, which became staples in rock and heavy metal. Their innovative approach to songwriting and performance set new standards for guitarists and rock musicians worldwide.

Are there current bands that draw inspiration from The Jimi Hendrix Experience?

Yes, current bands like The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr., and Rival Sons draw inspiration from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, blending blues, rock, and psychedelic influences in their music. These bands continue to channel the spirit of Hendrix’s innovation and guitar mastery in their own work.