Who is the famous guitarist with 6 fingers?

The famous guitarist known for having six fingers is Hound Dog Taylor. Born with polydactyly on one hand, a condition where a person is born with more than the usual number of fingers or toes, Taylor became a distinctive figure in the blues scene. His unique physical trait, combined with his raw, slide guitar style, contributed to his legendary status.

The Life and Career of Hound Dog Taylor

Theodore Roosevelt Taylor, widely known as Hound Dog Taylor, carved out a significant legacy in the world of blues music. His energetic performances and distinctive sound left an indelible mark, particularly within the Chicago blues genre.

Taylor's musical journey was rooted deeply in the blues traditions, evolving to incorporate elements of rock and roll, which made his sound accessible to a broader audience.

Musical Style and Impact

Hound Dog Taylor's guitar playing was characterized by:

• Slide Guitar Mastery: He was a virtuoso of the slide guitar, often using a copper slide that gave his sound a gritty, resonant quality.
• Raw Energy: His performances were known for their unbridled energy and spontaneity, reflecting the raw emotion of the blues.
• Unique Finger Approach: Despite having six fingers on his right hand, he primarily used his standard five fingers for playing, though the extra digit was part of his lore. Some accounts suggest he had it surgically removed later in life, while others say he simply played around it. This unique physical characteristic added to his mystique as a guitarist.

Taylor's contribution to music helped define the sound of Chicago blues. His influence can be heard in countless blues and rock guitarists who followed. His album, Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers, released in 1971, is considered a classic and a testament to his raw and powerful approach to the blues.