Guitarists beat the Guinness world record for ensemble playing when 7,411 musicians got together in the southwestern Polish city of Wrocław to play Jimi Hendrix’s hit “Hey Joe” on Tuesday.

The previous record of 7,356 guitarists was set two years ago at the annual Thanks Jimi Festival, a tribute to the legendary rock musician who died in London in 1970.

The first Thanks Jimi Festival in 2003 saw 588 guitarists turn up in Wrocław’s market square for the event originated by musician Leszek Cichoński after he once found himself on stage playing Hendrix music with 17 other guitarists at a blues workshop.

Past guest musicians at the festival have included American guitar virtuosos Al Di Meola and Scott Henderson and the British band Status Quo.

Last year’s gathering included American guitarists LeBurn Maddox and Greg Koch.

(gs/pk)

Source: PAP