![Why the Prince Bassist Believes Hendrix Comparisons Miss the Mark]](https://backingtracksfullcollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Why-the-Prince-Bassist-Believes-Hendrix-Comparisons-Miss-the-Mark-758x426.jpg "Why the Prince Bassist Believes Hendrix Comparisons Miss the Mark] 1")
In 1994, Prince had already reimagined himself under the elusive moniker O(+>, known to fans as the “Love Symbol” – an act of resistance against Warner Records amid a contractual dispute.
During the turbulent period, Guitar World managed to get exclusive access to the on-stage inner sanctum of The Artist Formerly Known As Prince.
Article continues below
“I thought Sonny was God,” Prince commented matter-of-factly. “Sonny was my hero. A lot of what I do on guitar, I learned from him. I’d go over to his house, and we’d play records, and he’d show me things on guitar.”
As for Thompson’s thoughts on his student-turned-boss’ guitar playing, Thompson said, “A lot of people say he sounds like Hendrix; but to me, he doesn’t really. His vibrato is different.
“Just the way he attacks the guitar is different. I think his guitar sound is coming into its own at this point. I think he incorporates whatever he hears into his guitar playing, like from different instruments and all. It’s like he’s absorbing all this stuff and spitting it back out.”
The bassist went on to reveal that the two grew up together, meeting “on the south side of Minneapolis. I was carrying my guitar somewhere, and he was carrying a guitar too.”
The duo bonded over Hendrix and Grand Funk Railroad, Chick Corea, and “a whole bunch of wild stuff” – and Thompson noted that Prince was quick when it came to picking up the techniques he showed him.
“Oh, man! Photographic memory,” he gushed. “Anything you played for him, he could repeat it. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s definitely got perfect pitch.
“Anything he hears, he can play,” Thompson concludes.
In more Prince news, Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith, Prince’s cousin and the original drummer in his high school band, Grand Central, recently recalled the moment Prince the guitarist was born.
