Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford says its "really fun" to be part of the latest Experience Hendrix Tour in a new interview, while admitting that Steven Tyler's 'American Idol' stint is stifling Aerosmith's work on their next album.

Whitford, along with a rotating cast of musicians that includes Steve Vai, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, former Jimi Hendrix bassist Billy Cox and others, will kick off the Experience Hendrix Tour on Friday (May 20) in Las Vegas. The trek features the all-star lineup of artists paying tribute to the late guitar legend's music.

The Aerosmith guitarist says he truly enjoys paying homage to Hendrix and sharing the stage with a wealth of talented musicians. "A lot of these people you don't get to see that much or spend much time with, so I've made a lot of great friends doing this work," he tells the Arizona Republic. "Everybody enjoys it."

On whether he thought Hendrix was the greatest guitarist ever, Whitford responded, "It's hard to put that sort of label on anybody … but he was a stylist to the nth degree, and his approach and what he did was so fresh." Whitford, who saw Hendrix play live twice, has a few favorites that he likes to play on the tour, including 'The Wind Cries Mary,' 'Fire' and 'All Along the Watchtower.'

As for Aerosmith, Whitford mentions the band's recently announced Latin American trek, as well a Japan tour. But he admits frustration when it comes to work on a new album. "We're also still trying to work on this record we've been trying to make for five or six years," he explains. "Something always keeps us from completing the job."

When asked about the effect of singer Steven Tyler's 'American Idol' judging duties on Aerosmith, Whitford acknowledges that, "It limits things because he is not available for a certain part of the year."

Watch the Experience Hendrix Lineup Perform 'Along Along the Watchtower' on 'Lopez Tonight'

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