Led Zeppelin first formed in 1968 in London, England under the name New Yardbirds. Their original lineup included vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. They are considered one of the most influential bands in history, incorporating many different styles, from heavy metal to folk rock to blues rock. Stairway to Heaven from their fourth self-titled album, Led Zeppelin IV, made the band superstars.
The original lineup remained until 1980, after the sudden death of drummer John Bonham. Several reunions and Page and Plant collaborations have occurred throughout the years, but the band has never officially reformed.
Guitarist Jimmy Page is ranked as number two on Gibson’s Top Fifty Guitarists of All Time, and number three on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. To play like Jimmy Page, scale knowledge and the ability to play distinct leads will be needed. On most of Led Zeppelin’s albums, Page played a Gibson Les Paul with Marshall amplification. However, on Stairway to Heaven, he used a 1959 Fender Telecaster. In concert, Jimmy Page was famous for using a double-necked Gibson EDS-1275. On songs such as Dazed and Confused and How Many More Times, Page uses a cello bow to play his guitar. Page did not use many special effects, but some include a Maestro Echoplex, a Vox Cry Baby Wah, and a Dunlop Cry Baby. For amplification, Page used Vox AC30, Fender, and Orange amplification.
Bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones typically used a Fender Jazz Bass, although he also used custom Manson bass guitars. Jones also used custom Manson mandolins. John Paul Jones does not use bass effects, but uses an Acoustic Control Corporation 360 bass amp for amplification. Jones was also the keyboardist for Led Zeppelin, often playing a Rhodes piano or Hammond organs.
Vocalist Robert Plant has a massive vocal range and technically is a tenor, but is also considered a countertenor. A countertenor is a vocalist who has developed a falsetto range well above their regular register. To sing like Robert Plant, a very high male voice or a female voice will be needed.
John Bonham is considered one of the best drummers of all time. A Rolling Stone reader’s poll in 2011 placed him first as the best drummer in history. Bonham exclusively used Ludwig drums, and Paiste cymbals. Bonham also used Remo drum heads, as well as a Ludwig Speed King Pedal, allowing him to play triplets on the bass drum.
To incorporate the sound of Led Zeppelin, not many special effects will be needed, but knowledge is key. Knowledge of music theory and song structure is a must for all members, and a powerful drummer and vocalist will be needed.
Keep Rockin’!
All photos by Heinrich Klaffs © March 4, 2010
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