For passion alone hendrix. Van Halen is a great guiarist possibly more skilled as in he gets a clearer sound but think of all the influences Van halen had Hendrix, Clapton, Page and many more to influence him. Who did Hendrix have. He got a guitar in a pawn shop after he left the army, played it upsidedown and had a job within 2 weeks. Thats brilliance for you.