Since I've Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic blues-rock guitar performances ever recorded, and Licklibrary's note-for-note guitar lesson offers a deep dive into every expressive nuance, phrasing technique, and emotional detail of this legendary track. A staple of Jimmy Page’s repertoire, this song showcases his dynamic control, impeccable blues phrasing, and use of tone to convey raw emotion. Our lesson breaks down every section of the song in meticulous detail, giving guitarists the tools and techniques needed to master this epic performance. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Mastering Jimmy Page’s Guitar Work

Jimmy Page’s performance on “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is widely regarded as one of the most expressive guitar solos in rock history. His ability to blend soulful bends with searing vibrato and articulate phrasing makes this track a goldmine for players looking to enhance their expressive vocabulary. In our Licklibrary lesson, we dissect each phrase, note choice, and expressive technique to help students internalise Page’s unique voice on the instrument.

Learning this song provides much more than the ability to replicate an iconic solo—it enhances your overall musicality, improvisational skill, and emotional expression on the guitar. Each technique taught in the lesson is applicable far beyond this track, making this an essential study for blues and rock guitarists alike.

Technique Breakdown & Benefits

String Bending & Bluesy Bends

One of the defining elements of this track is Jimmy Page’s passionate use of string bending and bluesy bends. These techniques allow the player to stretch notes to their emotional limit, replicating the vocal qualities of the blues. Developing control over your bends is crucial for expressive soloing and will dramatically improve your ability to phrase melodically.

Vibrato

Page’s vibrato is wide, vocal, and full of attitude. Mastering this gives players the ability to inject emotion into sustained notes, making their solos more expressive and dynamic. The Licklibrary lesson focuses on developing even, controlled vibrato that enhances each phrase.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the intro and solo sections to create smooth transitions between notes. This technique adds fluidity and legato phrasing to your playing, which is essential in blues and expressive rock guitar.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Jimmy Page incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth, flowing licks. These techniques allow for speed and dynamic variety, helping players create seamless passages and add rhythmic interest to solos.

Legato

The song also uses legato playing, combining hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to form fluid melodic lines. This helps develop a player’s fretting hand strength and control, contributing to smoother, more connected phrases.

Double Stops & Unison Bends

Double stops and unison bends appear in the solo to create dramatic, harmonically rich moments. These are essential tools in a blues-rock guitarist’s vocabulary and can be used to add impact and thickness to your solos.

Arpeggios & Chord Progressions

The rhythm sections of the song are built around beautiful arpeggios and moody chord progressions. Understanding how these are structured and used is key to building a strong foundation in blues and rock harmony.

About the Guitarist – Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is revered for his innovation, tone, and mastery across genres. On “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” Page channels pure emotion through his guitar, blending blues traditions with his own fiery style. His influence on guitarists spans generations—from rock to metal to blues—cementing his place as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His work on this track, in particular, is a masterclass in expression, timing, and control.

Why This Lesson is Essential

Studying “Since I’ve Been Loving You” through this Licklibrary lesson not only helps guitarists play a legendary piece of music, but it also enhances their understanding of dynamics, phrasing, and emotional expression. Every note is broken down clearly and accurately, making it accessible for intermediate to advanced players looking to take their blues playing to the next level.

Whether you’re looking to emulate Page’s soulful bends, understand the structure of expressive solos, or dive into blues-rock guitar storytelling, this lesson will elevate your playing in powerful and inspiring ways.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Legato
• Unison Bends
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Double Stops

Ready to bring your blues phrasing and emotional expression to the next level? Dive into the full note-for-note breakdown of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” at Licklibrary and unlock the secrets of Jimmy Page’s blues-rock masterpiece.