JIMMY PAGE

Example 1 DADGAD tuning

USING ONE OF PAGE’S FAVOURITE TUNINGS, DADGAD (low to high), this example mixes exotic scale patterns with occasionally dissonant chords. The hammer-ons and pull-offs are a little fiddly at first but a few plays through should make it more comfortable.

Example 2 G-tuned clawhammer

PLAYED IN OPEN G TUNING (low to high: DGDGBD), this example takes a more melodic, folky approach with clawhammer fingerpicking. It also demonstrates some interesting chord voicings that would not be possible in conventional tuning.

Example 3 Strumming with sus chords

USING STANDARD TUNING. this example would also sound great on a 12-string. It demonstrates Jimmy's approach to strummed chords. adding a couple of sus2/sus4 melodic details and a nice harmonic at the end.

Example 4 Voice leading

USING ALTERED CHORD SHAPES to facilitate the melody/top line, this example keeps the fingerpicking nice and even as it descends through various stages. Note the slight variation in picking for bar 6, allowing the melody to continue unbroken through the D7/A chord.

Example 5 Strumming plus bass notes

USING OPEN G TUNING (as described earlier). this example contains elements of jazz chord voicings and chromatic chord movement made relatively simple to play by this tuning. Using a pick. keep the strumming relaxed and watch cut for the single bass notes as these are an important detail.

Jimmy Page uses open and altered tunings in his acoustic playing, informed by Celtic, Indian and Arabic influences