Sick Again by Led Zeppelin – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

“Sick Again” by Led Zeppelin is a riff-heavy rock anthem taken from their 1975 album Physical Graffiti. Packed with swagger, attitude, and intricate guitar work, this track is a goldmine for any aspiring rock guitarist. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dissects every iconic riff and solo detail, staying true to the original performance. Whether you're a fan of Jimmy Page’s signature tone or looking to improve your rock guitar vocabulary, this lesson gives you everything you need to master the track from top to bottom.

In this guitar lesson, we focus on four key techniques that are central to the song: arpeggios, string bending, slides, and power chords. These techniques are essential tools in any rock guitarist’s arsenal and are demonstrated with crystal-clear instruction to help you build confidence and accuracy in your playing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Featured

Arpeggios

One of the standout features in “Sick Again” is the use of arpeggios in both the rhythm and lead parts. Page cleverly uses arpeggiated chords to add depth and movement to otherwise straightforward progressions. These arpeggios are often played with a rock edge, helping them feel aggressive rather than delicate.

Benefit to the player: Learning to incorporate arpeggios into your playing strengthens your understanding of chord structure and voice leading. It also improves right-hand precision and left-hand coordination—key skills for creating fluid, melodic passages.

String Bending

“Sick Again” features a variety of expressive string bending techniques. From half-step bends to wider bluesy bends and subtle pre-bends, Page uses these to inject vocal-like phrasing into his solos. The bends are often followed by vibrato or slides, making them feel even more dynamic.

Benefit to the player: Mastering string bending builds pitch accuracy, finger strength, and emotional expression. It’s one of the most vital techniques for lead guitarists looking to create memorable solos.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the song to add fluidity to riffs and leads. Page often employs slides as connectors between chord shapes and single-note runs, making transitions sound smooth and intentional. This adds a slinky, blues-rock feel to the performance.

Benefit to the player: Slides enhance fretboard mobility and make your playing feel more connected and expressive. Practicing slides helps you understand note targeting and transition techniques between different fretboard positions.

Power Chords

As with many Zeppelin tracks, power chords provide the rhythmic foundation of “Sick Again.” These chords are used to deliver the song’s heavy, driving energy, especially during the main riff and chorus sections. Page often alternates between power chords and more intricate chord shapes to keep the arrangement interesting.

Benefit to the player: Power chords are essential for rock and metal rhythm playing. They develop tight right-hand muting, fretting precision, and the ability to lock into grooves with the band.

Summary

Learning “Sick Again” through our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com offers a powerful opportunity to sharpen your rock guitar chops. The song is an energetic blend of rhythmic tightness and solo expression, giving you a well-rounded workout in both lead and rhythm techniques.

From the gritty power chords to expressive bends, from clever arpeggios to smooth slides, this lesson provides practical tools that will carry over into countless other rock and blues contexts. Not only will you walk away with a deeper appreciation for Jimmy Page’s guitar brilliance, but you’ll also add some serious attitude and finesse to your own playing.

About the Song and Guitar Style

“Sick Again” closes Physical Graffiti with a raw and gritty punch, featuring driving riffs, expressive solos, and tightly woven guitar parts. The song showcases Jimmy Page in top form—delivering slinky chord progressions, fiery bends, and punchy rhythms that make it instantly recognizable.

The guitar work in this track walks a fine line between tight, composed sections and loose, blues-infused licks. It's a great example of how Page blends technicality with feel, often leaving space in the arrangement while making every note count. The way he transitions between powerful riffs and subtle phrasing makes this song a rewarding challenge to learn and play.

About the Guitar Player – Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist and founding member of Led Zeppelin, is considered one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His playing style is a blend of British blues, folk, psychedelic rock, and early heavy metal. Known for his innovative recording techniques and daring live performances, Page's approach is equally rooted in composition and improvisation.

In “Sick Again,” Page delivers one of his more aggressive and attitude-driven performances. With gritty tone, unorthodox chord voicings, and energetic phrasing, the track captures the essence of his guitar style—raw, passionate, and unpredictable. Studying this song offers an incredible insight into how Page constructs dynamic and expressive guitar parts.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggios
• String Bending
• Slides
• Power Chords

Ready to take on this Led Zeppelin classic? Dive into the full lesson at LickLibrary.com and channel the spirit of Jimmy Page—one riff at a time.