Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin - Guitar Lesson Overview

"Over the Hills and Far Away" by Led Zeppelin is one of the band’s most iconic acoustic-to-electric tracks, showcasing Jimmy Page’s mastery over both delicate acoustic passages and soaring electric solos. Released on their 1973 album Houses of the Holy, the song has become a quintessential piece for guitarists to learn. Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Over the Hills and Far Away" covers the key techniques you’ll need to nail the track’s dynamic playing, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, string bending, and palm muting.

Whether you're just beginning or an experienced guitarist, mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your skillset. This lesson will break down each section, allowing you to capture the magic of this timeless song. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in "Over the Hills and Far Away"

Hammer-Ons

The hammer-on is a key technique used throughout the acoustic intro of "Over the Hills and Far Away." Hammer-ons allow you to sound a note by sharply pressing down (or “hammering”) on a string without picking it again. This technique adds fluidity and speed to your playing, enabling smooth transitions between notes.

In the song, hammer-ons are used to connect notes in a way that makes the melodic lines sound seamless and flowing. Learning hammer-ons will improve your finger dexterity and help you develop speed, especially in passages that require fast note changes. Our lesson breaks down the hammer-ons in this track and shows you how to apply them effectively to create smooth, melodic lines.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are another essential technique used in "Over the Hills and Far Away," especially in the acoustic sections. A pull-off is the reverse of a hammer-on, where you pull your finger off a string to let another note ring out without picking the string again. This technique is used to create fast, fluid sequences of notes and is key to achieving the smooth, flowing sound that defines the acoustic parts of the song.

By mastering pull-offs, you can add a sense of legato to your playing, making your notes sound more connected and fluid. This technique is invaluable in both acoustic and electric guitar playing. Our lesson will guide you through the pull-offs in "Over the Hills and Far Away," helping you integrate them into your own playing.

String Bending

In the electric solo sections of "Over the Hills and Far Away," string bending takes center stage. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, giving the notes a vocal-like quality. In this track, Page uses string bending to add emotion and expression to his lead lines, making them stand out.

Mastering string bending will allow you to play more expressively, adding emotion and intensity to your solos. It’s a staple in blues and rock guitar and is essential for any lead guitarist. In this lesson, we’ll break down how Page uses bends in the solo and show you how to control your bends to hit the right pitch every time.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used in the heavier sections of "Over the Hills and Far Away," particularly in the electric guitar parts. By resting your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, you can mute the strings slightly, creating a percussive, controlled sound. Palm muting adds definition to the rhythm guitar parts and gives the riff a punchier, more aggressive feel.

Learning palm muting is essential for tight, rhythmically driven guitar playing. It’s especially useful in rock and metal genres, where you need to control the sustain and dynamics of your power chords and riffs. Our lesson will teach you how to master palm muting in this song and use it to create clean, rhythmic passages.

About the Guitarist: Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page’s influence on rock guitar is monumental. As the principal songwriter and lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin, Page blended blues, folk, and rock to create a distinctive sound that defined a generation. "Over the Hills and Far Away" exemplifies his dual prowess as both a fingerstyle acoustic player and a hard-rocking electric guitarist.

Page’s ability to shift from delicate fingerpicking to explosive electric solos within the same song is part of what makes this track so fascinating to learn. Through this lesson, you will delve into Page’s diverse techniques and discover how he uses a combination of subtlety and power to create a unique sonic journey.

Conclusion

"Over the Hills and Far Away" is a dynamic showcase of Jimmy Page’s mastery over both acoustic and electric guitar. By learning the techniques in this song—hammer-ons, pull-offs, string bending, and palm muting—you’ll not only be able to recreate this classic track but also develop essential skills that will improve your overall playing.

With our detailed, step-by-step lesson, you’ll gain confidence in applying these techniques and be well on your way to mastering both rhythm and lead guitar. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this lesson provides the perfect opportunity to learn from one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Palm Muting