The Lick That Changed Everything - It’s Easy if you Know the Secret

[@jaypickett3552]

I was 11 years old when this album came out. My sister put it on and handed me her headphones. “You gotta hear this!” Good Times Bad Times at high volume at least 20 times. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The drums were just so... HUGE! Bonham’s heavy kick drum and the triplets....Page’s guitar playing was electrifying. What a great time to be alive. So much great music. It was overwhelming. 50 years later modern music is UNDERwhelming.

[@MarkZabel]

Aw man I hear you on GTBT. LZ 1 and 2 still do it for me.

[@jaypickett3552]

@@MarkZabel Great video, Mark!

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

@@MarkZabel great "play along" albums

[@MarkZabel]

@D0PEF1END Thanks for your comment. Yes there's good stuff out there today. A lot of it! I think even more than the reason you suggest is that it's just not socially relevant. Compared to pop music very few people listen to it, whereas Led Zeppelin I lwas a number one album as was LZ ii. What you point out is also true, and a key to why it's difficult to find good stuff. But it's important we do find some of it and support it.

[@misterschubert3242]

You're generous in referring to it as "music."

[@ryanu3708]

My rock music of the 70s through 90's is one of the few things I have left to put me in a happy place.

[@MarkZabel]

Keep that place brother!!

[@truthstillmatters59]

I had heard Stairway to Heaven when I was about 11 years old play on the radio. In those days I didn't buy albums but 45s. My musical taste were songs from the likes of The Partridge Family and Tony Orlando. Stairway to Heaven was only available on an album so I spent my hard earned cash and bought it. When the needle hit the vinyl and Black Dog burst from my speaker my life and musical taste changed forever. Plant screaming Hey Hey Mama the way you move answered by Page's amazing riff... was like a hammer hitting me on the head. It changed everything for me so I fully understand why you say this lick changed everything for you.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes!! That's exactly it! You totally get it. "Black Dog" would have done it for me too.

[@1dswylde]

Dude our story is almost identical!

[@fongy200]

Great stuff because that was the same for me. That's when i picked up my Dads Guitar. 40 years later and i can play Black Dog just like i heard it as a kid and with a whole collection of my own Guitars . So glad i didn't quit.

[@MarkZabel]

@@fongy200 That's the ticket!

[@brucemurdoch6713]

You're absolutely right about this lick, once you get it under your fingers it just fly's, great picking pattern!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Bruce!

[@brucemurdoch6713]

@@MarkZabel your a good teacher and a great player, thx

[@SEKreiver]

My SAME experience. That outro ROCKED me. Apparently, Richie Sambora had a similar reaction from HIS comments in the past. That when I knew for sure that Richie was good people.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome. Never heard that about Sambora - cool!

[@fillipoenzagi2731]

Thank you for the time you took in the production value. The overlay of the tab is a great touch. 👍🏼

[@MarkZabel]

Glad it was helpful! I'll do it more often in the future!

[@scottlanin]

I like how you break this pentatonic riff down and also how you show it's use in the ZZ Top song. Page is my favorite.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Scott! Page was really great!

[@Danny11230]

Thank you for the breakdown. I've been trying to nail that very pentatonic line for some months now, on my own that is. Turned out that just using my ears I couldn't quiet get it right, let alone the picking combo. At last the KZbin algorithm gods blessed me (and also the fact that you made this video in the first place).

[@MarkZabel]

You're very welcome Danny! Thanks for watching!!

[@MarkZabel]

All tabs and backing tracks are available to members here: mark-z-guitar-school.teachable.com/p/member-level2-bar-band A sample of FREE tabs is here: tinyurl.com/ybpzjuwm Find All of my courses here: mark-z-guitar-school.teachable.com Sign up as a Rockstar Member (ALL courses, tabs, and backing tracks): mark-z-guitar-school.teachable.com/p/mark-z-guitar-members-rockstar

[@toncuz8291]

The same exact descending lick that caught you, was the same exact lick that made me want to learn to play the guitar. It gave one the sense of infinity.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Great video Page came up with riff after riff lick after lick probably till in through the out door.

[@MarkZabel]

@@toncuz8291 I know what you mean!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Best show I have ever seen. 1981 Owensboro Ky. By far, and I've seen them all. Thank you very much, as nerve damage limits my chording, so I tend to lead on blues tracks.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@dashriprock5720]

Rolling Stone never mentions JPJ's bass playing in the song. The bass and drums is what makes that song.

[@MarkZabel]

JPJ was (is) a great musician! Personally, I'd say the bass, drums, guitar, and vocal performances make the song. JPJ was just not a star in Zep ... he's the great musician who held it all together, but never took center stage. It's predictable Rolling Stone wouldn't mention it. Sad, but predictable. As for the bass in GTBT, JPJ said it was the most difficult riff he did in Zep.

[@claudaniella]

@@MarkZabel Interesting. JPJ’s bass is such a great complement to what Page is doing. I actually find that riff on bass easier to execute than the 16th-note full octave scale runs on the Immigrant Song

[@tedwojtasik8781]

@@MarkZabel Think GTBT is tough on bass, try The Song Remains the Same or especially In My Time of Dying. For live stuff the jazz patterns JPJ & Bonzo are laying down after the Bringer of Mars section toward the end of D&C live is just insane!

[@MarkZabel]

@@tedwojtasik8781 it's just what John Paul Jones said.

[@andylucas1175]

Thank you for a clear and concise demonstration, presented by a guy I've never seen before, who is obviously a quality guitar player: I shall return and view other videos by Mr Zabel.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much Andy!!

[@philm.6113]

Mark has many instructional videos and a members site for more detailed/personal lessons. Like you, I happened to find him amongst the many that offer lessons. Mr. Zabel has a unique quality that makes him stand out.

[@MarkZabel]

@@philm.6113 Thanks Phil!

[@guncreep9905]

1:45 is not what you show on 2:38

[@sixslinger9951]

I like this kind of riff both ascending and descending. Haven't played it for awhile so was a bit rusty with it but it took bout 10 min to get it back to speed . amazing thing about muscle memory! thanks for the lesson.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! I find ascending more difficult, but doable and very, very useful!

[@davegibson4157]

Mark Zabel is AWESOME and that's just a fact of life!

[@MarkZabel]

Ha ha! Thanks a ton!

[@57RickH]

A super down-to-earth guy giving these lessons is what comes through on these videos and that’s what makes the videos so easy to hang out with and want to learn 👍🏻🎸

[@MarkZabel]

@@57RickH thanks so much Rick. That really means a lot to me. You guys are really making my day!

[@Joel_Powell]

Great job showing the efficiency by the combination of the right upstroke/downstroke/combination. It's amazing how doing that in an efficient way both unlocks speed and makes it feel more natural and repeatable. I spend time with licks doing this very thing - even jazz passages. We are prone to always start on downstrokes for example - and that's not always the best way. First time I came across your channel and it's a great first experience - thank you Mark.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Joel! Welcome!!

[@RebelTheUncanny1]

Zabel becomes a reliable old friend.

[@MarkZabel]

@@RebelTheUncanny1 Thanks for the endorsement!! Much appreciated!

[@colinspowart]

Thank you. This is a beaut! I am practising this now. So many players use the triplet note descending thing. The pulloff trick is good. I stumbled on this late one night 🌙 and just had to remind it. Now I am off and running.

[@MarkZabel]

Sure thing brother! Glad you like it and glad to help!

[@usmana5578]

U rock!.... the pause and depict thing that u do works.... great style of conveying info

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rweawake]

Thanks man. The up on nut and down on bridge really smoothed it out and speed it up. Awesome lesson.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad it helped. Rock on!

[@ZPX945]

Hey Mark : Thanks for teaching this run. I'm with you; this captivated me fro the first time I heard it and now I can learn it! :-)

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Glad to help!

[@epiphone278]

Mark, Thank You!!! I’ve been looking for an explanation for this lick for quite a while!! This is awesome, Thank You!!!

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for listening and for the kind feedback.

[@epiphone278]

Hey Mark one more thing and I’ll stop bugging ya lol. So I’ve been playing this all night and feel like I’m making good progress but here’s something I’ve noticed I keep unconsciously doing but it seems to work and I’m consistent with it. I’ve inadvertently reversed the up and down strokes so I’m playing down strokes on the Nut notes and upstrokes on the bridge notes, it seems to be working. I’ve tried to reverse it but find myself unconsciously reverting back. Do you think that’s an issue?

[@MarkZabel]

@@epiphone278 I don't think it's an issue. The only thing I can think of is that your pull-offs aren't going to be as strong if you're using an up-stroke on them. However you're making it work!

[@epiphone278]

@@MarkZabel Thanks Mark, I’ll watch for that and try to adjust if it looks like a problem! Again man, Thanks for the lick and all the help!!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Whoa! You have my '78 tele! I got it because of keef. Led Zep 1 is by far my favorite. All done with a tele.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, Led Zep I is all Tele.

[@StratsRUs]

I tire of people dragging down Page's downs. Just remember that his legacy in the music itself is all that will remain.I never tire of his wondrous playing.Thank you

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. You get it! There are reasons why LZ knocked The Beatles out of #1 and were the biggest band through the mid-70s. One of the biggest reasons was Page's aggressive style and attitude on the guitar - including his fearless approach.

[@tonya4157]

It's simple, Page is one of the best there's ever been and f**k anyone that says otherwise. Besides, most of "those people" weren't around when it all happened so WTH do they know anyway?

[@markiannuccilli9577]

I hear you man he’s a legend in all ways you are correct

[@johng2880]

His legacy is unassailable, as a player, composer, and orchestrater of possibly the richest library of pentatonic bad-assness. There are tons of great players. How many can create songs that will live as long as the Zep catalogue will? EVERY time I meet a guitarist who feels the need to bash on Page, they turn out to be douchebags. Without Fail.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@MarkZabel The Beatles broke up in 1970, so what are you talking about?

[@donnasmith6287]

Heard Good Times Bad Times on the radio in 68 Got to see them live in 73 in Atlanta They released white doves from behind Bonham at the end of Stairway to Heaven Later driving away from the stadium, the doves were still circling the stadium lights.......epic!

[@MarkZabel]

Very cool!

[@CC-te5zf]

Thank you for making the picking so easy to understand!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@xavierortiz2690]

I would have given anything to have this lesson 40yrs ago,keep up the good work!

[@MarkZabel]

So glad I could help! Thanks for watching and for the kind comment!

[@xavierortiz2690]

@@MarkZabel ur welcome

[@NickNicometi]

Very helpful slowing pace and the freeze-frame of the scale, after shredding the solo. Nice job, Mark. Thanks.🤘😃🎸

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Nicky!

[@claudaniella]

First “speed lick” I tried to nail down. I have it smooth and clean but I alternate pick every note. Which is demanding. I will try this technique. Seems like a great way to execute a lot of ideas.

[@MarkZabel]

Same with me! Alternate picking it is a fine thing to practice, but yes, it's more difficult to execute smoothly IMHO. Ascending is a different story for me ... I still alternate pick it. Incidentally, you might also try this lick in Minor Pent Position 5. That way the first note is a down stroke, which many people like to do.

[@2011littlejohn1]

Cool lick it sounds like an adaption of a standard turn around descending pentatonic lick mixed with ascending parts - like you go back up to one of the descending notes and then continue going down. Turning the expected into the unexpected.

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, it's a standard 3 note pattern lick in triplet timing. I doubt Page was the first to play it, but he was super-aggressive - especially for his time. He plays the same lick ascending in the main solo, but IMHO it doesn't have the same impact.

[@gusdogbrownlab435]

Great lick...Great tip...thanks Mark

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'll keep it up!

[@alexanderm8061]

Excellent lesson. Thanks so much for posting !

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@whandsy2689]

Loving the guitar artwork on the wall behind.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I bought it from a local artist in Central NY. I like it too!

[@lanatrzczka]

That Squier looks and sounds great!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@adambaker29]

Great video. I’ve loved that song for over 45 years…

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Hard not to dig that song!

[@kenster007]

Thanks so much, it makes sense and I will give it a try.

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome! Best of luck working on it!!

[@indiegemsthatjam3986]

That painting on your wall is as cool as your playing ... nice tips

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you so much 😀 Yes, I like it too!

[@hrstrat57]

Page was king of the licks coupled with crazy good tone just a monster studio player.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, I agree, but ... he was darn good live too. Great showman and great player live IMHO! (But definitely the top of the top in the studio.)

[@truthstillmatters59]

@@MarkZabel I was lucky enough to see them live in 1977 in Seattle when I was 17. The Kingdome was horrible for sound and it was during Page's heroin habit but despite that it was the best concert I had ever seen and I've been to over a hundred.

[@MarkZabel]

@@truthstillmatters59 Wow! I regret that i had tickets when Bonham died and the shows were obviously cancelled. Would've been one of my best too for sure!

[@fongy200]

@@MarkZabel He's also a load of rubbish live too, i've seen Page twice live and he was crap both times. If only his live playing was the same when he used the Dragon Tele, he was on form live using that instrument. For example the Danish radio broadcast which can be viewed on youtube was one of his best live performances in my opinion. Folks will say 'The drugs took him over' This may be the case and not really an excuse but there are more bad live appearances than good ones. I am a Led Zepplin fan and in my opinion he was better in the studio.

[@latentsea]

C Fong , Great story bro

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant thank you

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

That LaGrange lick once got me a gig with a band. Dude heard it from across the store and came over with…”First, you need that guitar. Second, wanna be in a band?” Guitar was a $3k LP Modern…so sticking with my Teles and SG for now. 😊

[@MarkZabel]

Great story. Good call on the SG and Tele. Definitely sufficient ... and you got the gig anyway!

[@tbone2451]

Another great lesson Mark !!

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobbydazzler8684]

Great stuff, Mark! Page plays the same lick in the opposite direction in the main solo. Putting the two together makes for a nice picking exercise/warm-up.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Bobby! Yep, he plays it ascending in the main solo. But this was the version that perked up my ears!

[@georgebressler8893]

Thank you Sir. You are awesome.

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@bubba-rh3hz]

Great job Mark and thank you.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ClassofEighty2]

Tele sounds great. I feel like I'm on a collision course with a Tele. The older I get, the closer I get to it. Thanks for breaking down this lick. I bought this record in 79 when I was 14/15 really got burned into my DNA thank goodness.

[@MarkZabel]

Burned it in ... that's the right description for me too!

[@TheBoomtown4]

Put a .047 capacitor in it when you get it and roll the volume and tone down just a hair to 9. Finally got to really appreciating my Tele once I did that.

[@spiceybadger]

Love that picture on the wall behind you!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. It's by a local artist in Central NY.

[@jmata4237]

Thanks, I will start practicing with that technique in my playing. Awsome stuff!🎸

[@MarkZabel]

Rock on!

[@petestern3639]

Love your lessons mark

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Pete!

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Speaking of that nut I have an 86 model Les Paul custom and it took me 3 tries to finally almost got it right

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

nice classic vibe tele,just grabbed one used from a co worker..its mint and butterscotch

[@MarkZabel]

They're nice, fun guitars!

[@simonverkerk8392]

Mark love that guitar painting behind you!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Simon! It's a piece from Brian Auge, an artist in Central NY. Enamel on aluminum. Glad you noticed.

[@jimcrowell5093]

Rounding 70 now in my late teens learning to pick theory the string positon and timing it got me through all those old classic's your tutelage is spot on wrecked atleast 3 albums of each artist lifting the tone arm learning the licks 😆 until ear training really took over

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks and best of luck!

[@glenncalver886]

Thanks Mark, I know what I'll be doing all weekend now

[@MarkZabel]

You bet! Time well-spent!!

[@marcelpacheco7878]

Great tone by the way

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@tmorril]

Are you familiar with the song "We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet" by the Blues Magoos? They used the same lick except ascending instead of descending at a slower tempo. That's the first time I ever heard the pentatonic scale played in triplets until I heard it in "Good Times Bad Times." Great lesson!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Timothy! Yes, I heard it only recently though. Ascending is IMHO more difficult. But yes, hearing that triplet feel is the key. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@caravaggio1571]

Awesome lesson!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! 😃

[@nachomarx8890]

Great job! Love the freeze-frames.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you! 😊 Glad you liked the freeze-frames!

[@bennettmichaels4309]

JUST found you...checked a few vids out...then subscribed...simple explanations...very nice...thanks man...Cheers

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@theguitarvirtuosoforgod1152]

I actually read where Jimmy said that he did most of his recording with Fender guitars mainly his painted Telecaster. The dazed and confused tele but he mainly used his Les Paul on stage. That makes sense because Fenders are easier to mix and record with.

[@MarkZabel]

Interesting. All of LZ I is with a Tele (except maybe the solo on "How Many More Times") and all of LZ II is with a Les Paul as far as I know. Maybe he's counting his early days before Zep as well. I know on Stairway to Heaven he used a Tele and probably some others, but I'm not sure it was most common. I mean, definitely he used other guitars, like Danelectro, for certain songs as well. Could you share the link where he said that? I'd love to read the interview! Thanks!

[@theguitarvirtuosoforgod1152]

@@MarkZabel I’ll see if I can dig something up. I remember reading it in an issue of Guitar World in the late 90’s I believe. I remember also that he recorded the solo for stairway with a tele which he borrowed from his good friend Jeff Beck. :)

[@theguitarvirtuosoforgod1152]

I just did a little research and it appears you are right. Most sources agree that he used a tele on all of the first album and then on a song here and there after including the stairway solo.

[@MarkZabel]

@@theguitarvirtuosoforgod1152 Okay, thanks. I'll see if I can find the article. I'm always interested in those things. Appreciate the comment!

[@nateiverson8681]

This is awesome! Thank you! :D

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you like it!

[@Guitarmickey23]

Yeah, back in the day, I remember hearing that lick and thinking that it was so like the lick on the Blues Magoo's "Ain't Got Nothing Yet", released in 1966 thought it didn't really chart till early '67.

[@MarkZabel]

Interesting. The one in Good Times Bad Times is descending and much more aggressive. IMHO it has a totally different vibe. Page may have been influenced by "We Ain't Got Nothing Yet" or got it somewhere else. It would be interesting to know the full history of the "pentatonic triplet licks". There are plenty of them and plenty of variations for sure. Did they even originate on guitar? Food for thought.

[@nbenning25]

Thanks for the Rick Emmett plug as well! Great video!

[@MarkZabel]

You bet! Rik was/is a great player. He paid homage to Jimmy more than a few times. His ascending triplet line in Lay It On The Line is actually a good bit tougher and has that amazing end to it!

[@johnsee7269]

Seems like number one was straight down the pentatonic... Best thing from LZ for me was learning the "lead back into the song on Whole Lotta love". Took me over a month to learn the double step bend with vibrato at the end on the first lead in LaGrange? LaGrange lead 1 was another straight down the pentatonic. But that double step bend with vibrato to start the first lead is brutal. Use it constantly now! Rock on!

[@MarkZabel]

Rock on! It's a 3-note pentatonic pattern lick for sure, but ... 1. Triplet rhythm in 4/4 2. Getting the picking pattern is like riding a bike. Easy to play with high speed once down 3. Inspired me to learn lots of other licks and create my own. Whole Lotta Love is another Zep solo that blew me away. Check this video! Jimmy’s Supercharged BB King Lick: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWOmgWytpKaYmrc

[@johnsee7269]

@@MarkZabel Thanks so much! Before I learned it I thought hell, if I get that down I'll just throw my guitar away; I've done it; next thing now! LOL Then I heard the lead on We Are the Champions (a bit later...). Again, when I can play that I'll throw it away; I've done it. I could go on all day... Thanks for what you do! Rock on! 🤘

[@MarkZabel]

@@johnsee7269 Ha ha! Keep rocking!

[@fredfloyd68]

Pagey is a full blown master...He goes waaaay back to the yardbirds and they were excellent..His studio stuff ...incredible...then the Zepellin.Ahhhh.

[@MarkZabel]

Probably my all-around biggest rock influence. People who give him shade for being sloppy ... I'm not sure they understand rock. LOL!

[@Indygranite]

Good video and you're right that is a cool lick

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!!

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

Good stuff Bro!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Appreciate it!!

[@georgemuff5482]

Thanks so much for this. I have always struggled with this riff. When I was originally taught this run early in my playing I was told by my instructor it was an alternate picked run and every note must be picked. Probably his way of encouraging me to build picking speed. It seemed to have the alternate affect on my and just causes me to blow it every time. I will try to re-learn the lick using your method with hopefully better success.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks George! Yes, it certainly can be done with alternate picking, but it's definitely more difficult. I also find (as you seem to indicate) that people have a difficult time not only getting up to speed but playing it smoothly. Of course there's merit to doing it using strict alternate picking, but if it sounds good it *IS* good. If this were a Doc Watson lick we would be having a different conversation! Thanks for watching and for the kind feedback!

[@MrCarlos1335]

GOOD JOB, WELL DONE

[@robertthomas906]

Good job Mr Zabel, you`re also playing a period correct guitar from Led Zep 1. Page used a telecaster for first album and by led zep 2 he changed over to a Les Paul.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Robert! You got it. The Tele (actually a Squier CV!) was chosen on purpose! :) I don't always do that, but thought it made sense for this video.

[@victorformosa2825]

Led Zep vol 1 and 2 were great albums not just for the brilliant songs and solos but also they were raw.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, exactly. That raw production was great. I know many people like Page's move to more complex songs later, but I think LZ II is the pinnacle. (and LZ I was just about there ... he needed the Les Paul to perfect it). Both LZ 1 and 2 are what pure rock is like!

[@victorformosa2825]

@@MarkZabel Having listened to both albums through headphones I heard a number of flaws which adds to it in my opinion, sometimes wondered if it was down to finances not allowing them enough time in the studio to make the albums refined like the others, however, for me it's what makes Vol 1 and 2 unique.

[@stephengreen9663]

I am yet to put this to practice but I have hope. Seams im gonna spend some time to speed it up but thanks for the leg up. You spent more time getting us their than showing how fast you can play it. Must of taken days to perfect. Thanks 😅

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure.

[@stephantubeman]

Nice one. Really helps. thx :)

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@James333-n2q]

Now then , that’s what I call an explanation! Straight forward and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@MarkZabel]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@benjaminchartier6458]

Another good variant of this lick is Angus young on the outro solo for"Back in Black"

[@MarkZabel]

Yes indeed!

[@bass3966]

Cheers mate

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks and best to you as well!

[@kojam1]

Too true! That song messed me up as a kid! Could not believe what I was hearing!!!

[@MarkZabel]

I know, right? Awesome song!

[@kojam1]

THE BOMBASTIC POWER!

[@paulshepherd9528]

Johnny Winter used this quite a bit as well, around the same time, as I recall... it was 'the thing', as it were. :)

[@davidgleaves5175]

Angus Young also played almost the same lick in the outro solo of Back in Black.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, dozens of examples. That's a great one. Very similar in context too.

[@awittypilot8961]

Yep..same licks hit me the same way Mark. There is another tune that really caught me...Zep Rock n roll. Analyze the lick...NO one plays it right. You can make it sound close with a boogie woogie cadence but if you listen close it does not start with the standard boogie woogie "A" toggling the standard toggle. It starts on the high toggle note and if you get that down and play it through it comes to you and then DOES sound right. The band I'm in has some real talent but they only want to play really simple stuff. We're good enough to rock with a little higher degree of difficulty but we know more than 130 tunes (have to use music...if you've never messed with OnSong you should look at it....couldn't be without it now) and just keeping up with what we know is hard enough. The band is 21 years old and I've been with them for 2. They all say I've breathed a new life into the band because I strive to play stuff as right as I can. And I have gotten them to do some stuff they left out of the standard list (they never had a birthday song and I got them to play Beatles Happy Birthday and I play it note for note) like Never been and reason (a really simple tune that people think is really hard) and they butchered Collective Soul "Shine" and I figured out it's a tone down and drop D (Cm# in standard tune but you can't get the low notes unless you tune down and half note). I literally make that song for the band and it's a lot of fun. Our following has doubled since I started with them and we're getting a hell of a lot more private gigs (weddings and such). I know...windy...hehe Try Zep Rock n roll and listen close...I'll bet you pick it up right away. If you start it out right and play the same cadence it's a huge difference. Thanks for all your help...made me a better player by leaps and bounds

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks buddy! A lot to take in there!! I'll give Rock n Roll a careful listen. Heck, I'll give it a listen again even if I never play it ... but I'm gonna play it too! :)

[@awittypilot8961]

@@MarkZabel Check out...the one note everyone leaves out is the C slightly stretched up in between the boogie and directly after the lick if you know what I mean. The rhythm of the boogie is slightly different too but you'll pick right up on that if you slow it down....I know..cheating but so? hehe I just picked it up and haven't played it in a while but once it gets in your head you can't make it go away. It changes the entire dynamics of the tune. I KNOW you'll nail it right away. It seems no one has the ear to hear it but once you play it right once you'll go...HEEEEY!!! Never caught that ...until now...hehe Rock on brother....We've been gigging and have a halloween gig... I'm going as Petty....can't wait! hehe

[@MarkZabel]

@@awittypilot8961 Have fun with the Halloween gig Tom!!! 😀

[@awittypilot8961]

@@MarkZabel Bob...hehe life's a garden baby....dig it

[@MarkZabel]

@@awittypilot8961 meant "Tom" as in "Tom Petty". Hence the smiley. 😉

[@kevinmacdonald6268]

I love what Jimmy has done in the studio. Unfortunately I have to mention that in the later years when he was playing live, he struggled.

[@MarkZabel]

I hear you. Lots of players struggle over time. It's not only biology, it's psychology - why continue to practice and learn when you're already set for life and held in high regard. In Page's case he also had some bad substance abuse issues. I'm sure that didn't help.

[@markiannuccilli9577]

I have always felt the same way Kevin.Page’s playing in the studio was amazing but after a certain point in his career he was never really able to execute his ideas in a live setting.Always fabulous on record though!If you listen to early live recordings,say from 69-72 or so he sounds killer live,but rarely after that.

[@titi64230]

Same me too. Page studio guitar playing was perfect , but i never heard the same live. He is the only case in the family of best blues rock players , other plays better live . But the good point is that he was the king of studio players , and when you put a led zeppelin album in your car , it s sound perfect 50 years latter.

[@bryanfalcho6293]

Page played well live through the 70s, as he got older like when I saw Plant and Page twice and Page and the Black Crowes he still cld pull off some serious guitar work but he had gotten older and if U really concentrated U cld tell he lost some dexterity like any one his age. He cld still amaze U and also with plant he played Alot of beautiful acoustic rearrangements and note for note of the original material ! This shows he has always been growing musicly and forging his material ahead. Really feel People are hard on Page to be perfect, because this music was made late 69 thru 79/80...this wasn't yesterday, this is the curse of making timeless music, everyone expects U and Ur playing not to age.....Page is still better than any new guitarist out there, and that's saying ALOT

[@klaatubaradanikito1950]

Awesome Tele- tone! 🥰

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I'm trying for that edgy, gritty Led Zep I sound. The trick for me is not to use much gain. Page played much cleaner than I used to think he played.

[@alfalders3020]

Wwwe all need to get together with some maple necked Fender Tele’s and Strats. Some Babkas. And awaaayyyyy we go. Wow. What a wish. Love your work, brother.

[@MarkZabel]

LOL! You know it. Thanks so much for the support! Would love to take you up on it some day ... especially on the babkas!

[@stonemedicine]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you liked it!

[@gregorydickman940]

FYI. Page used a different pattern for that lick. It is 12 pull off to 10 to start. Rest of lick is 12/10, then 12/9, 12/9, etc I think it's the 5th shape of the E minor pentatonic. You can see it in Led Zeppelin Live at the O2

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm sure he could play that in any pentatonic pattern and probably did. I did it that way in this older video, but I think more players can more easily relate it to the standard "blues box" position. Here's the video where I show it in shape 5: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onLUiqGEq8h8aLc

[@gregorydickman940]

@@MarkZabel Perfect! That lick truly is iconic. Really historical.

[@MarkZabel]

@@gregorydickman940 Yeah, no doubt!

[@azizaziz7007]

Mark - awesome lesson. you need to have more of Hendrix in the private lessons. btw, there is typo in the tab for this riff.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Aziz! Two questions: 1. Do you mean Page? This is Page. 2. Where is the typo in the tab?

[@MarkZabel]

Hey Aziz! Sorry I haven't answered your questions fully on Teachable. I'll be back from vacation tomorrow evening and I'll have a look then.

[@whitex4652]

Right. I too bought Led Zeppelin 1& 2 together. Month after month my vinyl player was occupied... 😛

[@MarkZabel]

Man, you so understand!

[@sam-ww1wk]

Shit, not too mention JPJ's smooth, rolling, and powerful bass. Best in the business.

[@808hal5]

I never thought of the picking pattern that way. Thanks eh.

[@MarkZabel]

You bet!

[@babyyoda4012]

Incredible! You da Man! Thanks.Yah, "Petey" woz Bad A$$ .I learned more from this than all the years I've been fumbling to play! CHEERS!

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@stevescontriano860]

Thanks

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

A little later on it's ironic your video about Joe Walsh and Don Felder . Joe found Jimmy the 59 model that's priceless today

[@MarkZabel]

Coincidental I would say. Yes, Joe gave sold Jimmy that Les Paul. That was LZ II onward, not LZ I.

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Thanks Mark ! Couldn't have picked a better lick or song!! One I can actually play!! Love Kris IL 🎸🐉💥⚡

[@MarkZabel]

Woohoo!! 😀

[@ernestschultz5065]

man this guy can play!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@tvs3497]

No wonder I could never play that lick. It has a method to it. Thanks, pro, I'll work on it.

[@MarkZabel]

You got this! Thanks for watching.

[@Baci302]

That Squier CV Tele sounds awesome. Did you make any mods to it?

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. It's 100% stock. The only thing I've "modded" is to string through the bridge, not the body of the guitar.

[@Baci302]

@@MarkZabel Very nice! How do you like the feel of the neck? Does is stay in tune ok?

[@ahchv]

I also love you play this on a Squier!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@peteytwofinger]

you sound really good pal! as i lost my two fret fingertops when i was a kid , jimmy page was a guitar player that just infuriated me . i leaned more towards david gilmour . ha ha ha .

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you! Nothing wrong with learning from Gilmour. One of the greats!!

[@rogercoles3973]

If I remember correctly, this lick is also in Aerosmith's Train kept a rollin

[@MarkZabel]

Yep. All over that one!

[@arsbadmojo]

I had no idea Glenn Beck played guitar so well.

[@MarkZabel]

LOL!

[@JohnA000]

Mark your a monster! How old are you and how old were you when you started playing.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks John! I'm 55. I started at about 8 (Mel Bay books and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Stopped playing at about 20 and picked it up again around 10 or 12 years ago.

[@JohnA000]

@@MarkZabel Mine was Alfred method at 10. Well I stopped playing in bands 25 years ago and kept playing some but lost a lot of skill. I'm trying to regain it. It is hard getting it back.

[@MarkZabel]

@@JohnA000 It is difficult. But I found taking a fresh look at 45 or so made a big difference. I see a lot more now and get much more enjoyment out of it. Funny how that is. Best of luck in your journey. Hope it's an enjoyable one!

[@joycegrove5602]

Great lesson, thank you! I have been trying this out - a few minutes here & there over the last 3 days, I think I can now do it without thinking (although I am no way as fast as your playing speed!!).

[@MarkZabel]

Fantastic! Speed isn't important at first. It'll happen. Thanks for watching!

[@tomweiver2285]

Thanks so much - love the sound - any suggestion on a pedal?

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Tom. I'm not really a pedal guy, so I'd say most OD pedals would do. Just make sure you don't overdo the gain. Jimmy played with very little OD in his sound, especially on that first album. I think I used a Joyo Vintage OD pedal on this.