"What Is and What Should Never Be" by Led Zeppelin - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Led Zeppelin’s “What Is and What Should Never Be” is an iconic track that highlights Jimmy Page’s innovative and dynamic guitar style. From its dreamy verses to its explosive choruses, the song is a masterclass in blending melodic subtleties with powerful rock energy. This lesson will cover essential techniques used in the track, including power chords, slides, string bending, and barre chords, allowing you to replicate its unique feel while improving your guitar skills. This song lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of many rock classics, and “What Is and What Should Never Be” is no exception. These simplified chord shapes are integral to the song’s heavier sections, providing a punchy and resonant rhythm that drives the track’s energy.

Mastering power chords enhances your rhythm guitar skills and helps you develop a strong sense of timing. These chords are also foundational for playing rock and blues genres, offering versatility in your playing and making it easier to transition between songs.

Slides

Slides add a smooth, fluid motion between notes, creating a seamless and expressive sound that is evident throughout the track. In “What Is and What Should Never Be,” slides are used to connect phrases and add texture to the melodic lines.

Practicing slides improves your fretboard navigation and finger control. It also helps you add emotion and dynamics to your playing, making your guitar work more expressive and engaging.

String Bending

String bending is one of the most emotive techniques in a guitarist’s arsenal, and it plays a pivotal role in this song’s lead sections. Bending the string to reach a higher pitch mimics the human voice, a hallmark of Jimmy Page’s expressive guitar style.

Learning string bending enhances your ability to convey emotion in your solos. It also develops finger strength and control, allowing you to hit target pitches accurately and add vibrato for a more dynamic effect.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are another essential element of “What Is and What Should Never Be.” These chords provide versatility, allowing you to play different shapes and voicings across the fretboard. In this track, barre chords are used to create lush harmonies and full-bodied tones.

Mastering barre chords expands your ability to play across different keys and positions. They are fundamental for rhythm playing and provide a foundation for more advanced chordal techniques, making them a must-know skill for any guitarist.

About Jimmy Page and His Influence

Jimmy Page’s guitar work on “What Is and What Should Never Be” exemplifies his mastery of dynamics, melody, and innovation. As one of rock’s most iconic guitarists, Page seamlessly blended blues, rock, and folk influences to create a sound that defined Led Zeppelin’s legacy. His use of effects, alternate tunings, and innovative recording techniques helped shape modern guitar playing.

Studying this track not only gives you insight into Page’s creative genius but also teaches you how to incorporate a wide range of techniques into your own playing. By learning “What Is and What Should Never Be,” you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Page’s ability to balance subtlety with power, inspiring your guitar journey.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Barre Chords

Our “What Is and What Should Never Be” guitar lesson breaks down these essential techniques, helping you capture the song’s dynamic essence while honing your skills. Whether you’re a Led Zeppelin fan or looking to enhance your guitar technique, this lesson offers a comprehensive guide to one of Jimmy Page’s standout performances. Dive in and bring the magic of this timeless track to life!