Master Riffs Like The Gods of Rock

About the Course

Unlock the secrets of 70s rock rhythm techniques with our course, "Master Riffs Like The Gods of Rock." This course is designed to immerse you in the iconic sound of Led Zeppelin, focusing on the unique playing style of Jimmy Page. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist or just starting out, you'll find this course both challenging and rewarding. By the end, you'll be able to play riffs that echo the legendary sound of rock's greatest era.

This article introduces you to Chapter 1 of the full course available in the Gibson App. Here, you'll begin your journey with chord picking, a technique that forms the backbone of many classic rock songs. Dive into the world of Jimmy Page's riffs and discover how these techniques can transform your playing.

Chapter 1

Introduction

The Architects of Rock

Led Zeppelin, with Jimmy Page at the helm, crafted some of the most influential riffs in rock history. Page's unique style drew from a variety of musical genres, including rock and roll, traditional blues, Eastern music, and Celtic influences. This course delves into Page's sound, exploring hard rock single note riffs, chord picking, and Eastern influences. Each concept is presented as a short riff, culminating in a performance over a Led Zeppelin-style backing track.

Challenging Techniques

The course is tailored for intermediate guitar players, focusing on techniques associated with Jimmy Page. While some ideas may be challenging, practicing them will help you understand the unique playing style of one of rock's most iconic guitarists. By the end, you'll master riffs in the style of the gods of rock.

Chord Picking & Chord Progression 1

Arpeggios and Voice Leading

Jimmy Page's use of chord arpeggios is a hallmark of his acoustic guitar style. Starting with an A minor chord, the lesson explores picking techniques across the top four strings. The concept of close voice leading is introduced, where minor finger movements create new chords, enhancing harmonic transitions.

Dynamic Chord Progressions

The progression moves from A minor to E major, G major, and D major, utilizing close voice leading for smooth transitions. The lesson concludes with chord picking through major chord shapes, including C major, G major, and E seventh, providing a comprehensive exercise in chord arpeggios.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: Chord Picking

Begin your journey with chord picking, a technique foundational to 70s rock. Learn to play arpeggios and explore close voice leading, enhancing your harmonic transitions and dynamic chord progressions.

Chapter 2: Strumming

Dive into strumming techniques, creating fuller sounds with rhythmic patterns. Inspired by songs like "The Rain Song" and "Ramble On," this chapter focuses on dynamics and strum patterns, adding depth to your playing.

Chapter 3: Triads

Explore triads, three-note chords that form the basis of many classic rock riffs. Learn to move triads against a static root note, creating harmonic shifts and syncopated rhythms.

Chapter 4: Droning Riff

Discover the hypnotic effect of droning riffs, building tension and intensity. This technique is a signature of 70s rock, heard in tracks like "Kashmir" and "Dazed and Confused."

Chapter 5: Pentatonic/Blues Riff

Master the pentatonic and blues scales, essential to rock riffs. Learn to create question and answer riffs, incorporating bends and slides for expressive playing.

Chapter 6: Open Power Chord Riff

Utilize open position power chords, drawing inspiration from rock and blues. Learn to play riffs with attitude, combining angular sounds with dynamic techniques.

Chapter 7: Play a Full Song

Combine everything you've learned to play a full song inspired by the Gods of Rock. This final chapter brings together all techniques, culminating in a complete musical experience.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper connection to your instrument, ready to explore new musical horizons with confidence and creativity.