"Bring It On Home" by Led Zeppelin - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Led Zeppelin’s “Bring It On Home” is a standout track from the iconic Led Zeppelin II album. Combining soulful blues with a hard-hitting rock section, the song showcases Jimmy Page’s mastery of dynamics and technique. This guitar lesson focuses on four key techniques found in the song: power chords, hammer-ons, vibrato, and string bending. These techniques form the foundation of Page’s expressive playing style and are essential for any guitarist looking to replicate the song’s energy and emotion. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are at the heart of “Bring It On Home” during its high-energy sections. These two- or three-note chords are simple yet impactful, providing the driving force behind the track’s rock segments. Jimmy Page employs power chords with precision, giving the song its bold, rhythmic foundation.

Power chords are fundamental for rhythm guitar playing in rock and blues. They are easy to learn and versatile, allowing you to play countless riffs and songs. Mastering power chords will improve your timing, fretting hand strength, and ability to switch between chords seamlessly. In “Bring It On Home,” power chords provide the punch and drive that propel the track forward, making them a key focus of this lesson.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons add a sense of fluidity and speed to Jimmy Page’s melodic lines. This technique, which involves using a finger on the fretting hand to “hammer” onto a string to produce a note without picking again, is used throughout the song’s bluesy riffs and transitions.

Hammer-ons are essential for playing smooth, connected phrases. They allow for faster runs and improve finger strength and dexterity. This technique is also a key component of legato playing, giving your lines a polished, professional feel. In “Bring It On Home,” hammer-ons contribute to the song’s seamless transitions and melodic intricacy, making them an indispensable technique to master.

Vibrato

Jimmy Page’s use of vibrato in “Bring It On Home” adds depth and emotion to the track’s solos and lead lines. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note to create a singing, expressive tone. Page’s wide, controlled vibrato is a hallmark of his playing style and brings a vocal-like quality to his guitar work.

Vibrato is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, adding character and sustain to your notes. It helps develop finger strength and control, allowing you to shape the sound of your playing with precision. In “Bring It On Home,” vibrato is used to add emotion and texture to Page’s solos, making it an essential technique for capturing the spirit of the song.

String Bending

String bending is a staple of Jimmy Page’s lead playing, and it’s used extensively in “Bring It On Home.” This technique involves pushing or pulling the string to change its pitch, often to match another note or add an expressive quality. Page’s bends are smooth, precise, and full of emotion, creating a powerful impact in his solos.

String bending enhances your ability to add emotion and expressiveness to your solos. It strengthens your fingers and improves your control over pitch, enabling you to execute bends accurately. In “Bring It On Home,” string bending is key to replicating Page’s bluesy, vocal-like phrasing, making it a crucial skill to develop.

About Jimmy Page and His Influence

Jimmy Page, the driving force behind Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking sound, is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. His innovative approach to guitar playing, blending blues, rock, and experimental techniques, has inspired generations of musicians. On “Bring It On Home,” Page demonstrates his ability to transition effortlessly between styles, moving from a subdued blues intro to a hard-hitting rock section.

Page’s use of power chords, hammer-ons, vibrato, and string bending in this track highlights his versatility and creativity. Learning this song provides insight into his technique and gives guitarists a deeper appreciation for his artistry. By studying “Bring It On Home,” you’ll gain valuable skills and a greater understanding of what makes Page’s playing so iconic.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Vibrato
• String Bending

This lesson will help you master the techniques that define “Bring It On Home” and elevate your playing to new heights. Power chords provide the song’s rhythmic foundation, hammer-ons and string bending add fluidity and expression, and vibrato brings a vocal-like quality to your solos. Dive into this lesson to capture the energy and artistry of one of Led Zeppelin’s most memorable tracks.