Black Country Woman by Led Zeppelin – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

“Black Country Woman” by Led Zeppelin is a standout acoustic track from the legendary Physical Graffiti album. Raw, rootsy, and steeped in blues and folk tradition, this song highlights the band's willingness to explore beyond their signature heavy rock sound. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com takes you through every detail of this earthy acoustic gem, focusing on the unique elements that make Jimmy Page’s guitar work so unforgettable.

This lesson is perfect for players wanting to explore a more acoustic and roots-oriented side of Zeppelin’s music, while developing technique and fretboard fluency. It breaks down essential guitar skills including altered tunings, string bending, barre chords, and slides, all of which are used to craft the song's rich textures and expressive phrasing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Altered Tunings

“Black Country Woman” makes use of altered tunings, which are a defining feature of Jimmy Page’s acoustic work. These tunings create unique chord voicings and drone-like resonances that standard tuning simply can’t provide. In this track, the altered tuning contributes to the warm, open tonality and adds a distinctive sonic character to the chords and riffs.

Benefit to the player: Exploring altered tunings opens up new chord shapes, voicings, and melodic possibilities. It encourages creativity and enhances your ability to play in different tonal landscapes—perfect for songwriting and arranging.

String Bending

Though often associated with electric guitar, string bending is used subtly on the acoustic here to add vocal-like expressiveness. Page uses small, bluesy bends to emphasize certain melodic phrases, bringing emotion and life to his acoustic playing.

Benefit to the player: Practicing string bending on an acoustic builds finger strength and helps develop a strong sense of pitch. It’s a great technique for expressing emotion in your solos and riffs, regardless of genre.

Barre Chords

The use of barre chords in “Black Country Woman” helps create full, resonant rhythm parts that cut through the acoustic mix. Page uses them to move fluidly between chord shapes while maintaining rhythmic tightness and dynamic control.

Benefit to the player: Barre chords are fundamental to any guitarist’s toolkit. They enable you to play chords all over the neck, improve finger dexterity, and help strengthen your fretting hand. Mastery of barre chords is crucial for playing in different keys and for rhythm guitar versatility.

Slides

Page incorporates slides to transition between chord voicings and single-note lines with fluidity and grace. These slides add a bluesy, organic feel to the playing and are often used in sync with rhythmic strumming patterns, giving the song its earthy pulse.

Benefit to the player: Learning slides improves your control and helps connect different fretboard positions smoothly. It adds expression to both lead and rhythm parts, making your playing sound more connected and musical.

Summary

Our Black Country Woman guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com gives you the tools to play this Led Zeppelin classic with accuracy, feel, and style. Whether you’re working on acoustic technique or exploring the possibilities of alternate tunings, this lesson will challenge and inspire you.

The track is a brilliant showcase of Jimmy Page’s acoustic prowess, offering a rich combination of rhythmic complexity and melodic sensitivity. By mastering this song, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Zeppelin’s acoustic side, while refining your technique and fretboard knowledge in the process.

From intricate barre chord progressions to expressive bends and folk-infused sliding melodies, this lesson equips you with versatile techniques that will elevate your playing across styles. It’s a must-learn track for any serious guitarist exploring the acoustic legacy of Led Zeppelin.

About the Song and Guitar Style

“Black Country Woman” was recorded outdoors, capturing not just the music, but also the ambiance of the setting—complete with the sound of a passing airplane. This raw recording environment enhances the song’s authenticity and highlights the natural dynamics of Jimmy Page’s acoustic guitar work.

The guitar style here leans heavily into blues and folk influences, using open chords, bending, and sliding phrasing that mimic traditional acoustic blues. The groove and feel are laid-back, yet incredibly tight, showing Page’s ability to command rhythm and space with just an acoustic guitar.

About the Guitar Player – Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page is not only one of rock’s most celebrated electric guitarists but also a master acoustic player. His ability to blend British folk with American blues has left an indelible mark on rock music. In “Black Country Woman,” Page showcases his deep knowledge of acoustic traditions, turning a simple arrangement into a textural masterpiece.

Page’s versatility and innovation—especially his use of alternate tunings and layered acoustic arrangements—have influenced countless guitarists. Learning this track offers valuable insight into how Page balances technical skill with musical storytelling.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Altered Tunings
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Slides

Start learning “Black Country Woman” today with LickLibrary’s expert guitar lesson, and immerse yourself in the rich, acoustic world of Led Zeppelin’s timeless sound.