The world record for guitar playing belongs to Poland, and this phenomenon hails from Wrocław.
On 1 May, a staggering 8,122 guitarists converged in Wrocław’s Market Square to perform Jimi Hendrix’s iconic song ‘Hey Joe’ in unison, setting a new Guinness World Record. For 23 years, Wrocław has held this event, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and inspiration that resonates around the globe.
This year marked the 23rd attempt to break the world guitar record, attracting enthusiasts of all types – from classical guitar aficionados to electric guitar enthusiasts and ukulele players alike. Among the crowd were notable guitarists and legends, such as Al Anderson, who played with Bob Marley, the blues virtuoso Leburn Maddox, and celebrated Polish guitar icons Wojciech Cugowski and Grzegorz Skawiński. Renowned bands like Myslovitz, Big Cyc, and Hurt performed on one of the five stages set up for the occasion, as Wrocław’s Market Square and surrounding streets thrummed with the energy of over 8,000 guitarists, all strumming the same melody in harmonious unison.
The inception of this grand event dates back 23 years to Leszek Cichoński, a revered Polish blues musician and dedicated guitar instructor. During guitar workshops in prior years, he had suggested to his students that they collectively play ‘Hey Joe’ on a handful of guitars as a fitting conclusion to their sessions. The overwhelming sound of those guitars struck a chord deep within him. ‘I understood the power of playing together,’ he recounted in interviews. This epiphany inspired him to gather as many guitarists as possible in one open space to collectively express gratitude to Jimi Hendrix for his monumental influence on music through a shared performance of ‘Hey Joe.’ Thus, the Thanks Jimmy festival was born.
The first gathering took place on 1 May 2003, in Wrocław’s Market Square, with 588 performers attempting to set a new record for the largest number of guitarists playing simultaneously. The organisers recognised that the allure of becoming a world record holder would draw guitarists from across Poland. The entry requirements were refreshingly accessible – participants needed only to know a few fundamental guitar chords (C, D, G, A, and E) and possess their own instrument. No advanced skills, age restrictions, or high-end equipment were necessary.
The world record was first surpassed in 2008 on the fifth attempt, when 1,951 guitarists played ‘Hey Joe’ together in the Market Square. This milestone sparked international interest, as guitar enthusiasts from America learned of the record and soon topped it with 2,052 participants. This growing competition enticed an ever-increasing number of both self-taught and professional guitarists to flock to Wrocław each year on 1 May. In 2009, the Polish contingent triumphed once again, as 6,346 guitarists played Jimi Hendrix’s hit in unison.
As word spread, renowned guitarists began to join the effort, offering their support to set the record. Notables such as Steve Morse, Tommy Emmanuel, Hiram Bullock, Leon Hendrix, Scott Henderson, Eric Burdon, Steve Vai, Ray Wilson, Marcus Miller, and the band Europe contributed their talents. Prominent Polish guitarists also lent their expertise, including Marek Raduli (TSA, Banda i Wanda, Bajm), Jan Borysewicz (Lady Punk), Robert Litza (Arka Noego, Luxtorpeda, 2Tm2,3), Titus (Acid Drinkers), Mieczysław Jurecki (Budka Suflera), Ryszard Sygitowicz (Perfect, 2 plus 1), Wojciech Hoffmann (Turbo), Muniek Staszczyk (T-Love), Marek Piekarczyk (TSA), and Grzegorz Markowski (Perfect).
For many participants, the experience of playing alongside such legends often eclipsed the prospect of entering the Guinness Book of Records. Leszek Cichoński emphasises that it is not merely about numbers but rather the profound sense of unity that comes from making music together.
‘Among the players are both young children and free-spirited individuals over 60. Families travel from places like Rzeszów, Olsztyn, and Wadowice to join in. In recent years, groups from Bochnia and Zielona Góra have organised themselves, and this year saw a significant turnout from Warsaw. Witnessing so many guitars in one place truly gives you goosebumps. When Marek Raduli first saw the sea of guitars raised high above the stage, his eyes glistened with emotion. I, too, felt that same reaction this year. The atmosphere is utterly unique; there’s no other place in the world quite like Wrocław’s Market Square,’ Cichoński shared in an interview with Art Rock magazine in 2011.
Indeed, a stroll through Wrocław on 1 May immerses you in this extraordinary ambiance. Everywhere you turn, you encounter musicians playing string instruments, including the ever-popular ukulele among amateur players. Many spontaneously gather to create music, jamming on blues classics and rock anthems that span various eras and cultures.
As the clock approaches 4 p.m., the excitement in the Market Square intensifies, signalling the start of the official record attempt. Leszek Cichoński takes to the stage to welcome everyone, introducing the musical stars who will join the gathered guitarists in their quest for the record. He reminds participants of the chords to ‘Hey Joe’ and sets the rhythm, initiating this remarkable collective performance. After several run-throughs, during which the amplified guitars can be heard most prominently, the moment arrives for the acoustic guitars to take centre stage. ‘Now only acoustic,’ commands Cichoński, and the sound of thousands of acoustic guitars ascends into the sky, gradually building in volume. ‘Now electric,’ and the crescendo swells, enveloping everyone holding a guitar in the electrifying sound of their instruments harmonizing with thousands of others. The experience is truly extraordinary and sends shivers down your spine.
Anna Druś
Foto: Krzysztof Zatycki / Forum
Source: DlaPolonii.pl
