Ten Years Gone by Led Zeppelin

The LickLibrary guitar lesson for Led Zeppelin’s timeless classic “Ten Years Gone” provides an in-depth breakdown of the guitar techniques and nuances found in this iconic track. This lesson is crafted for guitarists aiming to capture the depth and emotion of Jimmy Page's playing, offering a step-by-step exploration of the skills and methods that give “Ten Years Gone” its distinct character. From subtle bends to intricate arpeggios, this lesson allows players to master the essential techniques that make this song a masterpiece, while also enhancing their own versatility as guitarists. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "Ten Years Gone"

"Ten Years Gone" features the legendary Jimmy Page, known for his powerful riffs, emotive soloing, and ability to blend blues with rock in a unique, expressive way. Page's influence on guitarists worldwide is immeasurable; his innovative approach to layering guitar parts and creating harmonised textures helped shape rock guitar playing. In "Ten Years Gone," his use of delicate dynamics and soaring leads showcases his versatility and mastery over both melody and rhythm. Understanding Page’s techniques provides not only insight into this specific song but also a glimpse into the building blocks of rock and blues that have influenced generations of guitarists.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is a key technique in “Ten Years Gone,” bringing out the expressive quality in each note. By bending the string to reach pitches outside of the fretted notes, players can emulate vocal-like expression, crucial to Page's style. Bluesy bends, a staple of blues-inspired rock, add a soulful quality, perfect for this emotionally driven song. Mastering bends will allow guitarists to infuse their playing with depth and feeling, crucial for conveying the song’s melancholic vibe.

Alternate Picking

In many of the song’s passages, alternate picking is used to maintain clarity and precision in faster sections. This picking technique involves alternating up and down strokes, providing efficiency and speed without sacrificing accuracy. Developing strong alternate picking will allow guitarists to tackle complex sequences with greater ease, enhancing fluidity and control in their playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used extensively throughout "Ten Years Gone" to add warmth and sustain to the notes. This technique involves slightly bending and relaxing the pitch repeatedly to give notes a ‘wobbling’ sound. Learning vibrato not only helps in mastering this song but also enhances a player’s expressiveness across all styles, giving notes a unique character that resonates emotionally with listeners.

Arpeggios and Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Page’s use of arpeggios and arpeggiated chord progressions forms the backbone of this track, contributing to its lush, layered sound. Arpeggios, or playing individual notes of a chord in sequence, create a gentle flow and add complexity to the rhythm. These techniques help guitarists improve finger dexterity, accuracy, and timing, laying the foundation for more intricate finger work in any genre.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs add fluidity to the melodic phrases in “Ten Years Gone,” allowing notes to transition smoothly. A hammer-on involves quickly pressing a finger onto the fretboard to produce a note, while a pull-off is the opposite action, releasing the fretted note to produce another. Practicing these techniques enhances finger strength and speed, which is essential for achieving Page’s effortless style.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between notes, giving phrases a smooth, gliding effect. This technique is achieved by moving a fretted note up or down the neck without lifting the finger, creating a seamless connection between notes. Mastering slides adds fluidity to playing and captures the expressive, vocal-like quality of Page’s style.

Double Stops

Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, are prevalent in the lead sections of "Ten Years Gone," adding harmony and depth to the melody. This technique enriches the sound by allowing guitarists to play simple harmonies, essential for rock and blues styles. Learning double stops enhances versatility and helps players develop a fuller sound without relying on additional guitar parts.

Harmonics

Harmonics contribute a unique, bell-like quality to Page’s sound in this song. By lightly touching a string at certain frets and picking, guitarists can produce overtones that resonate with a soft, ringing quality. This technique is useful for adding texture to compositions and is an effective way to expand one’s expressive range.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are a fundamental part of “Ten Years Gone,” enabling players to move chords up and down the fretboard while maintaining a consistent sound. These chords require holding down multiple strings with a single finger, helping guitarists strengthen their grip and control. Mastering barre chords is essential for rhythm playing and allows guitarists to perform in any key with ease.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning these techniques within the context of “Ten Years Gone” offers more than just a song tutorial; it provides an immersive training in the nuances of rock guitar. Players will not only learn how to replicate the song’s sound but also how to add dynamics, emotion, and complexity to their own playing. Each technique is an essential building block that, once mastered, opens up new possibilities for creative expression. Whether it’s the fluidity of hammer-ons and pull-offs, the precision of alternate picking, or the emotive power of vibrato, these skills will enhance any guitarist’s repertoire and confidence.

Guitar Techniques in "Ten Years Gone" Lesson

Here’s a list of guitar techniques covered in this lesson, with links to further information on each technique:

• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Harmonics
• Barre Chords

This LickLibrary lesson will help you dive deep into the techniques of "Ten Years Gone," offering a comprehensive journey through one of Led Zeppelin’s most cherished songs while enriching your guitar skills.