Black Mountain Side by Led Zeppelin - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Led Zeppelin’s "Black Mountain Side" is a standout track from their debut album, showcasing guitarist Jimmy Page’s unique blend of British folk, Indian classical, and blues influences. This instrumental piece is rich with advanced techniques that every aspiring guitarist should master. In this lesson, we dive deep into the techniques that give "Black Mountain Side" its distinctive sound, including altered tunings, fingerpicking, harmonics, and hammer-ons. Each technique contributes to the ethereal, otherworldly feel of the song, and by mastering these, you will significantly enhance your guitar playing skills. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Altered Tunings

One of the key elements of "Black Mountain Side" is its use of altered tunings. Jimmy Page utilizes a DADGAD tuning, which is known for its drone-like, modal sound, often associated with traditional folk music. This tuning not only gives the song its mystical and exotic feel but also opens up new chord voicings and scale patterns that are otherwise impossible in standard tuning.

Altered tunings, like DADGAD, allow guitarists to explore new tonalities and textures. Learning how to play in an altered tuning enhances your understanding of the guitar’s potential, giving you access to different chord voicings and melodic lines that can transform your playing. It also sharpens your ear as you explore unfamiliar harmonic landscapes, helping you grow as a more versatile musician.

Fingerpicking Techniques

"Black Mountain Side" relies heavily on intricate fingerpicking. Jimmy Page’s fingerpicking technique is influenced by folk players like Bert Jansch, and it involves alternating bass notes with melodic lines, creating a flowing and dynamic sound that is central to the song. This approach requires precision and a steady rhythm to maintain the intricate patterns throughout the song.

Fingerpicking is essential for creating more complex guitar parts, allowing you to play bass, harmony, and melody simultaneously. Developing fingerpicking techniques improves your dexterity and coordination, opening the door to playing more advanced acoustic pieces. It also gives your playing a more intimate and personal feel, allowing for greater expression.

Harmonics

Another highlight in "Black Mountain Side" is the use of harmonics. These bell-like tones add a layer of shimmering texture to the song, creating an atmospheric sound. Harmonics occur when you lightly touch the string at specific points along the fretboard, producing a note that resonates with clarity and purity.

Harmonics add a distinctive sound to your playing, making your performances more dynamic and interesting. Learning how to play harmonics will improve your technique, especially in terms of accuracy and control, since producing clear harmonics requires precision. They are also a great way to add embellishments and color to your melodies.

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons are frequently used in the melody of "Black Mountain Side" to give the piece a fluid, legato quality. In this technique, you hammer your finger onto the fretboard to create a note without picking the string again. Jimmy Page's use of hammer-ons in this song adds to the smooth flow of the melody, making the song feel more seamless and connected.

Mastering hammer-ons will improve your legato playing, helping you create smooth, flowing lines with fewer pick strokes. It enhances your speed and finger strength, as well as your ability to play fast, intricate passages without sacrificing tone or clarity. It's a crucial technique for any guitarist looking to add more expression to their playing.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His playing on "Black Mountain Side" showcases his ability to fuse different musical genres, from British folk to Eastern music, into a cohesive and captivating piece. Inspired by British folk artist Bert Jansch, Page brought a sense of tradition to his playing while also pushing the boundaries of what rock guitar could sound like. His innovative use of altered tunings, fingerpicking, and harmonics in this song has influenced countless guitarists across genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-picking
• Harmonics
• Hammer-ons
• Altered Tunings

By learning the techniques used in "Black Mountain Side," you will not only master a beautiful and iconic song but also develop a deeper understanding of the guitar's vast potential. Whether you're looking to improve your fingerpicking, explore new tunings, or add harmonics to your playing, this lesson provides the perfect opportunity to take your skills to the next level.