Polyphia guitarist Tim Henson recently shared his thoughts on Kirk Hammett’s previous comments about his guitar style. He described the Metallica legend’s remarks as simultaneously flattering and critical in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Henson’s response came after discovering Hammett’s comments through a Google alert. The Metallica guitarist had questioned the relatability of Henson’s technical approach to guitar playing.
“I got a Google alert for Polyphia, and I was like, ‘Oh, what’s this with Kirk Hammett?'” Henson said. “I click on it and I started reading and I’m just like, ‘Oh my God. This is a compliment and a diss at the same time from f*cking Kirk Hammett!'”
The guitarist explained how the comments affected his bandmate differently than himself.
“Scott (LePage, Polyphia guitarist) is a Metallica head,” he continued. “Scott’s father is the singer in Kill ‘Em All, which is a Metallica cover band. That’s what they do on the weekends. When Scott’s dad’s not at his job, he’s fu**ing doing a Metallica cover band. So Scott got sad.”
Henson expressed appreciation for the acknowledgment from the metal icon despite the mixed nature of Hammett’s remarks.
“But I was happy because in an interview that Kirk Hammett was doing about Hammett activities and the world of Kirk Hammett, my name was brought up!” he said. “So I’m happy about that and I appreciate you doing that.”
Henson concluded with a direct appeal to the Metallica guitarist.
“I appreciate that he even has thoughts about it,” he added. “Kirk, if you are reading this one, thank you for the acknowledgement. You’re a fucking legend. Take us on tour, dude. Please. Seriously, man. Let’s talk about it over a beer, maybe!”
The exchange originated from Hammett’s previous interview, where he responded to Henson’s concept of ‘boomer bends’. He questioned the relatability of the Polyphia guitarist’s highly technical style, stating: “It’s good to listen to three or four times, but can you really relate?”
This ongoing debate between the two guitarists reflects broader discussions within the guitar community about technical innovation versus emotional accessibility in modern music.
Metal Head Zone reported that Hammett elaborated on his position. He finds Henson’s style unique and technically amazing, but believes it appeals mainly to a niche audience capable of appreciating its complexity. The Metallica guitarist contrasted this with his preference for music that conveys raw emotion and is more accessible to a broader audience. He cited classic artists like Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan as examples of comforting and satisfying sounds.
The generational divide in guitar playing styles has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Guitar World noted that Hammett defends traditional guitar approaches for their emotional simplicity and broad relatability. He recognizes that modern players like Henson push technical boundaries with innovative techniques and sonic experimentation.
This conversation mirrors past controversies in guitar history. YouTube discussions highlighted that similar debates occurred when Eddie Van Halen’s tapping style first emerged. The technique faced initial skepticism before gaining legendary status. This pattern suggests that innovation in guitar playing often faces resistance before achieving wider acceptance within the music community.
The exchange between Henson and Hammett ultimately highlights the ongoing evolution of guitar playing. Technical prowess and emotional expression continue to coexist as different but equally valid approaches to the instrument. Both guitarists represent distinct philosophies that have shaped modern rock and metal music in their own significant ways.
