Anyone who has worked in a guitar shop since its release as a single in 1992 is likely justifiably sick of Under The Bridge. John Fruciante’s arpeggiated intro long ago entered the canon of great guitar parts doomed to be recycled ad nauseum by budding players along with the likes of Enter Sandman and (god forbid) Stairway To Heaven.
For Frusciante’s inspiration for the band’s biggest hit, look no further than Bold As Love-era Hendrix. The embellished clean parts throughout are pure Jimi.
As for Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis’ inspiration? “I'd had this beautiful angel of a girl who was willing to give me all of her love, and instead of embracing that, I was downtown with fucking gangsters shooting speedballs under a bridge."
Listen | Buy