"That's The Way" by Led Zeppelin - Guitar Lesson Description

That's The Way by Led Zeppelin is a timeless acoustic ballad that captures the band’s delicate and emotive side. The track highlights Jimmy Page’s mastery of acoustic guitar arrangements and provides a fantastic opportunity for players to delve into advanced techniques that combine expressive playing with dynamic rhythm. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com will guide you through all the intricacies of this classic, focusing on techniques such as altered tunings, vibrato, syncopated rhythms, and slides. Mastering these techniques will not only help you replicate the song authentically but also enhance your overall skill set as a guitarist. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Altered Tunings

One of the defining elements of That's The Way is its use of altered tunings, specifically open G tuning. This tuning adds a rich, resonant quality to the acoustic guitar, allowing for unique chord voicings and open-string harmonics that create the song’s distinctive atmosphere. Open G tuning is a staple in Jimmy Page’s repertoire, often used to craft lush, intricate arrangements that stand out in Led Zeppelin’s discography.

Our lesson provides detailed guidance on setting your guitar to open G tuning, ensuring you achieve the song's original tonal quality. Learning altered tunings like this one not only expands your musical horizons but also enables you to approach songwriting and improvisation with a fresh perspective, unlocking sounds and textures that are otherwise inaccessible in standard tuning.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a subtle yet powerful technique that adds depth and emotion to individual notes. In That's The Way, Jimmy Page employs vibrato to infuse his melodic lines with warmth and expressiveness. This technique involves oscillating the pitch of a note by subtly bending the string, creating a shimmering effect that enhances its sustain.

Our lesson will teach you how to execute vibrato with control and precision, mimicking the expressive quality of Page’s playing. Mastering vibrato is essential for developing your own voice on the guitar, as it allows you to convey emotion and nuance in your performances.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic structure of That's The Way is characterised by syncopated patterns that add a flowing, organic feel to the song. Syncopation involves placing emphasis on off-beats or unexpected beats within a measure, creating a sense of movement and groove. Jimmy Page uses this technique to keep the acoustic arrangement dynamic and engaging.

Our lesson will break down the syncopated rhythms in the song, showing you how to maintain a consistent groove while incorporating these rhythmic nuances. Learning syncopation is a valuable skill for any guitarist, as it enhances your timing, versatility, and ability to adapt to various musical styles.

Slides

Slides are another key technique featured in That's The Way. This technique involves gliding your fretting hand along the string to transition between notes, resulting in smooth, seamless movement across the fretboard. Jimmy Page’s use of slides in this track adds a graceful, lyrical quality to the melodies, complementing the song’s emotive tone.

Our lesson will guide you through the slide passages in the song, teaching you how to execute them cleanly and accurately. Incorporating slides into your playing will improve your fretboard navigation and add a professional polish to your performances.

About Jimmy Page and His Influence

Jimmy Page’s contribution to rock music is unparalleled. As the principal architect of Led Zeppelin’s sound, Page brought a blend of technical skill, musical innovation, and artistic vision to the band’s work. That's The Way exemplifies his ability to craft acoustic masterpieces that resonate emotionally while showcasing his unique guitar techniques.

Learning this song provides insight into Page’s acoustic approach, offering a deeper understanding of his compositional style and technical mastery. By studying his work, guitarists can gain inspiration and refine their own playing, incorporating Page’s techniques into their repertoire.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Altered Tunings
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Slides

Our That's The Way guitar lesson is your ultimate guide to mastering one of Led Zeppelin’s most beautiful acoustic pieces. By focusing on techniques like altered tunings, vibrato, syncopated rhythms, and slides, this lesson equips you with the tools to replicate Jimmy Page’s iconic playing style. Whether you’re a Led Zeppelin enthusiast or an aspiring acoustic guitarist, this lesson will elevate your skills and deepen your appreciation for one of rock’s most legendary musicians. Get started today and bring this timeless track to life with your own playing!