Led Zeppelin II: A Guitarist's Exploration

Led Zeppelin II is one of the seminal albums of the late 1960s and represents a fusion of blues, rock, and folk that continues to influence guitarists today. As the band's lead guitarist, Jimmy Page's work on this album is legendary, as are his use of various guitar techniques. Let's explore each track for a detailed understanding. Released on 22 October 1969, Led Zeppelin II is one of one of the greatest and most influential rock albums of all time. With sales passing 12 million copies, Led Zeppelin II is a showcase of the band’s evolving musical style, fusing blues-derived material with the now classic hard rock guitar riffs to create Led Zeppelin’s heaviest album.  

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Jimmy Page’s legendary guitar riffs from the track; “Whole Lotta Love” and “Heartbreaker” plus the iconic guitar solo sections throughout.

Guitar Lessons in this Course

Guitar Lesson 1: "Whole Lotta Love"

This track opens with a heavy, distinctive riff featuring the minor pentatonic scale in E. Page’s solo showcases his mastery of bends and vibrato, giving the solo a wild, expressive character. The song is a remarkable testament to Page's ability to innovate within bluesy structures.

Guitar Lesson 2: "What Is and What Should Never Be"

The verse features a clean, arpeggiated chord sequence, which then explodes into a heavy chorus filled with power chords. The solo uses the A Mixolydian scale, including some double-stops and unison bends.

Guitar Lesson 3: "The Lemon Song"

Based on the 12-bar blues pattern, the song mixes major and minor pentatonic scales. The solo is a notable example of Page's ability to build tension through a series of string bends, harmonics, and slides.

Guitar Lesson 4: "Thank You"

A softer song featuring intricate arpeggios and capo usage. The solo, played with an organ-like tone, has chromaticism in its phrasing, contributing to the song's hauntingly beautiful nature.

Guitar Lesson 5: "Heartbreaker"

Famous for its solo, where Page showcases his unique approach to alternate picking, slides, and legato phrasing. The riff is heavily based on the minor pentatonic scale in A, making it a classic rock staple.

Guitar Lesson 6: "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)"

This track features some great palm-muting techniques in the main riff, and the solo displays impressive string-bending, emphasizing Page's blues influences.

Guitar Lesson 7: "Ramble On"

Utilizing finger-picking in the verses, it's an example of Page's ability to blend acoustic and electric tones. The song builds into a crescendo with some beautiful harmonics and chord progressions.

Guitar Lesson 8: "Moby Dick"

This instrumental piece is a playground for guitarists, featuring syncopated rhythms and galloping rhythms in the riffing. The scales used include blues scales and minor pentatonic.

Guitar Lesson 9: "Bring It On Home"

Starting with a traditional blues feel, it bursts into a powerful riff using open-string riffs. The solo showcases various techniques including pull-offs and slides.

Jimmy Page's Contribution

Page's playing on "Led Zeppelin II" is a veritable masterclass in guitar technique, creativity, and musical exploration. His ability to blend blues with rock and experiment with various sounds and textures has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock.

Techniques Used in this Album

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Chromaticism
• Capo
• Finger Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Galloping Rhythms

"Led Zeppelin II" stands as a testament to the power of rock guitar, with Jimmy Page's skillful blending of technical proficiency and raw emotion driving the band's sound. The album remains a valuable resource for guitarists seeking to understand and embrace the history and techniques of rock guitar.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE