Ian Anderson always dreamed of being a guitar-god. But one 1966 album was so out of his league he turned to the flute instead

Ian Anderson’s interest in guitar gave way after hearing Eric Clapton on John Mayall’s 1966 album *Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton*. Rather than compete with guitarists he admired, he chose the flute, a decision that helped give Jethro Tull a distinctive sound.

Anderson also praised Jimi Hendrix’s *Are You Experienced?*, calling it a “lesson in sadness and madness”. He later said the Clapton record persuaded him to abandon ideas of guitar-playing excellence and “toot the flute instead”. The article also credits Jethro Tull’s tours with Led Zeppelin with showing how rock could draw on folk and other musical traditions while reaching a wide audience.