How to play Four Sticks by Led Zeppelin

🔶 Tab on my Patreon: / 58658510
📖 Zeppelin Book: geni.us/WIcnLY
Here is my lesson for how to play Four Sticks by Led Zeppelin.
I have been absolutely blown away by the response to the Misty Mountain Hop lesson; thank you for sharing your amazing stories and leaving delicious comments and feedback. I have tackled this incredible song in the same way. I always try my best to capture Page's vibe even if I play things a little differently to the way he does live or in the studio.
There's more celebratory Zeppelin content dropping throughout the month; if you liked the little intro, all I'm gonna say is: Story Time.
♦️ Gear I use: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/spedspe...
🔶 Socials: linktr.ee/spedspedding
#FourSticks #LedZeppelin #JimmyPage #GuitarLessons #LedZeppelinIV #LedZeppelin50
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Song Facts
02:36 - Lesson Part 1
06:33 - Lesson Part 2
10:13 - Lesson Part 3
13:08 - Lesson Part 4
15:39 - Final Thoughts

[@SpedSpedding]

For those of you asking about the 📖 book I’m reading from: 📖 Zeppelin Book: geni.us/WIcnLY It’s an affiliate link and helps support the channel. ❤️

[@alexander_winston]

@Sped Spedding... is there one with just pictures? Words...are...difficult....

[@redrazors6610]

Sales of that book will skyrocket this week. I've ordered mine!

[@SpedSpedding]

@@alexander_winston How about I read it to you?

[@alexander_winston]

@@SpedSpedding haha yes please. Also, I investigated the affiliate link and it appears to be an Amazon UK link. There are a bunch of us in America who would support you if we could (hint hint wink wink). In the meantime I will subscribe to your Patreon….

[@JudgeFredd]

@@alexander_winston Just listen to the music aqnd lyrics

[@ivanarellano3247]

I think I speak for a lot of the Zeppelin community when I say you’re one of the best teachers on KZbin when it comes to Led Zeppelin. Personally you’re my favorite man! Keep on rocking dude 🤟

[@SpedSpedding]

That’s really sweet Ivan, thank you! I’ve been teaching half my life now. Here’s to the next however long! 💪🏻😂

[@sapphicquartz]

I agree, all though im a bassist, whenever i wanna learn the guitar parts for fun i always go here or watch these for comfort

[@alexander_winston]

@Ivan Arellano... you will respect Sped's authorita!

[@iSAAConrad]

Easily the best Zeppelin teacher on KZbin!

[@krtkllr70]

Definitely yes , I've seen tons, and the books over the years, this is tops.

[@thejonathandoan]

Love this song, especially when the open chords start ringing out (and the owls cry out in the night). No one teaches Zeppelin better than Sped.

[@SpedSpedding]

Ah you’re too kind. Thank you for learning with me. 🔥

[@tonyanderton3521]

Four Sticks has always been an underrated Zep song. It's certainly one of my favourites.

[@SpedSpedding]

It’s a magnificent tune Tony! Good choice. 🙌🏻

[@Geotubest]

Page, always brilliant. Nobody plays and composes like him.

[@SpedSpedding]

A true master of his art. 🙏🏻✨

[@user-wu8db6dv2i]

Great tunes and playing SpedSpedding!

[@user-wu8db6dv2i]

Keep up the great playing and info on Zep Sped!

[@hazor777]

Like so many songs from Led Zeppelin , this takes you on this journey, the key breaks kind of string you along, hypnotized, then it slings you back into the crushing verses and that driving opening riff. Such a dynamic song - truly great songwriting.

[@hazor777]

@@franksmith7247 thanks for the tip - I just checked it out . I liked it , probably have to listen to it more times to really get into it , but I have to say the recorded original just has that magic with the overdubs etc. - at least to me

[@michaelkennedy5126]

fantastic lesson ,fun to watch and easy to learn. Subscribed!

[@Zanthxs]

Perfect and clearly explained! Thank You.

[@TheEdshemery]

Excellent lesson Sir! Thanks for sharing.

[@barushky4157]

Good day mate!! Keep up the excellent work love it!

[@tank624]

Hey Mate; Great lesson and a sense of humor-Love it

[@Dogsrule777]

Right on Sped. This is great man! 🤘🏽🖤

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. I’m glad, and so are you. 🙌🏻😏

[@lorettahookano6139]

I love your teaching method & pacing !

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks Loretta, love your comment! ❤️

[@user-zb4ss5ze5s]

I love this song! Great video, as always!

[@SpedSpedding]

Glad you enjoy it! And yeah I love it too, it's broken up beautifully, if you skipped it on for the first time listening you'd never guess it was the same song yet it works so well.

[@peterhall7439]

Love it! Brilliant!!! Thanks Sped!!!

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. 🎉

[@tylercole5218]

You're a great teacher man. You have the perfect speed for explaining songs. I really appreciate your work.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Tyler. Really appreciate that. Been teaching a long time and try to keep the videos as close to a one to one as possible. Glad it suits your style. 💪🏻

[@michaelbryan6552]

Great lesson. Very helpful. I'm going to have to tackle it and take it to rehearsal and suggest it to our band. Always loved this track.

[@SpedSpedding]

It’ll be a really fun one to play together. It’ll send your drummer to the pub and back for sure. 😂

[@shubhamgoel6548]

I’m just glad I’m here before your channel blows up big time. What a treasure you are Sped. Wish i had found you earlier. I’ve been dying to learn Led Zeppelin songs for so many years and you’re killing it with every video. Excellent stuff, wish you the best. Salute!

[@SpedSpedding]

A treasure, that’s lovely. Thanks for the compliment and feedback. I’m glad you get so much from the video enjoy everything else you find. ❤️

[@RingoCalamity]

Great video. Love this song but had always assumed it was trickier than this, looking forward to learning it. Thank you!

[@SpedSpedding]

Time signature wise it pulls you around a bit but the main guitar lines aren’t too complicated. Hopefully this helps you get it down. 🔥

[@para-aramid923]

Beautiful....Total respect. "Thank You"

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome! 🙏🏻

[@danielwhite7380]

Yet another tutorial from you which nails it..... Great song great teacher great humour. Sick tone too Spedmeister. Thanks once again, fabulous tutorial.

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome Daniel! My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@stevepartain864]

Just found your channel and I must say you are now 1 of my favorite teachers. The way you teach is very easy to follow. Thanks for what you do and I have been playing for over 50 years. Good job, you make it fun.

[@SpedSpedding]

Ah wow, thank you so much that’s a huge statement. Making learning fun is exactly what I want to do, enjoy everything else you find. 🎉

[@pauloFCP12]

Great lesson as usual! Still waiting on that "since I've been loving you", there are some lessons out there, but you're lessons to me are on another level, specially when It comes to Page songs. Keep them coming!

[@SpedSpedding]

Loads of people have suggested that. I will do it for sure. Just been experimenting with theory stuff prior to this month. I knew I was gonna make it all about IV so I’ve held off. 🙌🏻

[@James-sj3qj]

You're the man Sped!! More Zeppelin 🤘

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you James! 🙌🏻

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Great content. I'd forgotten this song. Those double stop chords are just genius

[@peterhebert7192]

Brillian song ... well done

[@JonnyReturns]

Love it Sped. Your lessons and how you incorporate theory tidbits is awesome. Not just learning the song but learning the notes and the why. Ending transition was on point too, just sayin.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Johnny! Appreciate your feedback as always. It took my ear so I had to drop it in. Also referencing the thirds in there should simplify things if you know them so linking off to that lesson made sense. ✨🙌🏻

[@tjfulton181]

Thank you for your time sharing this song coupled with your excellent gift of teaching. God bless you.

[@SpedSpedding]

My pleasure TJ! Thanks for the comment.

[@dakotaslim]

Always loved this song, but I have a new appreciation for it after hearing some of the components of the whole. Never can get enough Zep.

[@SpedSpedding]

Glad to shed some light on certain parts, have fun playing it!

[@garyjohnson6096]

This is a great lesson learned parts that I thought I would have never been able to play thanks so much sped keep the LED going.

[@SpedSpedding]

Awesome Gary! Thanks for watching again, glad you’re liking the videos.

[@TommySG1]

I know I've commented on this feed already buddy but I've been going through a bunch of your awesome feeds here the past week or two because I've forgotten a bunch of key elements to these great songs. I'm also finding a crap ton of material I don't even remember learning the first go around too hah, I suppose I've improved some because it's all coming far easier too, certainly struggling a bunch less at the very least. Anyhow, thanks again man, don't ever stop putting these awesome tutorials up, I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way either 👍 Tommy~

[@Busyfingers24]

Subtle nuances are always overlooked. You Sir, are an outstanding teacher/player…indeed🤘

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re getting so much out of the extra little bits. ❤️

[@VG-iq8xq]

Love Four Sticks. Great tutorial. Robert might be my favorite part of this particular song.

[@SpedSpedding]

His vocal is precious, I love this song too. ❤️✨

[@ChefZee1964]

I’ve been playing this song off & on for years… but today, after I found your channel, I realized that the little nuances are so important & effective which took my playing to another level….your explanation and overall production are very much appreciated. Thank you. Oh and your hilarious comment about the G6 chord friend had me rolling. 😂

[@kenschachsieck1357]

Sped, you're a great instructor, keep it up!

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Ken; comments like this keep me going. 💪🏻

[@feliperojo8724]

Sped you're still the Best ! 💪🤓 🇫🇷 is still listening and learning...thanks !

[@SpedSpedding]

Merci! Appreciate you tuning in from across the river. 🍿✨ peace.

[@roderickhager8154]

Sped!!! Many many thxs man. My big brothers would bring these album's home when I was a child and it tore my head off. I could never get it out of my head until I could play it.🤘💪🎸

[@SpedSpedding]

That’s really cool, a few people have mentioned riding in their brothers car and listening to this, or similar to you in listening to it with them at home. Experiences shared are everything, and this sounds like a special one for you and your brothers. Surely a defining moment in your guitar journey? Maybe a deafening one too? 😂 Although we hope not.

[@jbrooks1348]

Wanted to add my thanks to your fantastic site, I've been playing LZ on the guitar for many years, and there's still so much to learn. Also, your tone is ridiculously good!!

[@SpedSpedding]

Glad to help! And thanks you, I have got a cool video coming up about tone. People should really enjoy it.

[@Winterfell1066]

The BEST teacher ever. What a talented person.

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re so kind, thank you! 😍

[@rkphighroller]

Love your content Sped. One of the best youtubers and teachers of Led Zeppelin for real

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Riley, really means a lot that. Big statement. 💪🏻👀

[@rkphighroller]

@@SpedSpedding Absolutely! Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment! I would love to get in contact if you are willing to teach personal lessons as well virtually. I'm at around 3 years now and not making as much progress as I would like.

[@mesoanarchy]

Best book about a rock band ever produced!!!!

[@davidthompson8032]

That intro cracked me up, Sped. Great stuff as always.

[@SpedSpedding]

Haha thanks David! I bought a lottery ticket that night. Not a single number. 😂

[@victorformosa2825]

Proving yet again what a genius Jimmy is, good work Sped, nicely broken down.

[@SpedSpedding]

His musical mind is exceptional, I agree. Thanks! Hope it helped you out.

[@Nick-xh6of]

Tone is great. Stupendous lesson. Easy groove but one of the best of all time ! Thanks man!

[@SpedSpedding]

My pleasure!

[@mr.mitchmichaels6573]

Superbly done.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you! 👌🏻

[@steveleeper8580]

Another excellent breakdown and lesson. Another suggestion (as if you don’t have enough) is Tea For One. That song is quite an undertaking and is a great example of using dynamics while overlaying lead on chords. It’s a long one but at least it’s in standard tuning. I, for one, would really enjoy your take on this challenging song!

[@jimmyk5223]

Thanks for another awesome 👌 lesson!!!

[@SpedSpedding]

My pleasure!

[@bobsebastian9355]

Love playing up and down the neck against the open strings. Throughout the song it leads to other fun playing around and experimenting. I learned a lot! Very fun lesson from a great teacher...... Thanks Sped!

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome Bob; that’s one of my favourite things to do when I learn a new technique, move it all around the neck and experiment with it myself. Have fun!

[@dhultgren1]

Thanks mate! Been wanting to see this one.

[@SpedSpedding]

No problem, hope you enjoy it! 🍿🤘🏻

[@leifcarney1075]

Thank you for this gift!

[@SpedSpedding]

My pleasure!

[@spazeack]

Another great lesson! I don’t know if I ever really noticed that variation to that progression at the end. Very insightful as always! Keep them coming please.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks Paul, yeah the end kinda caught me off guard when playing so I thought I’d chuck in a bit about the hammer and accent changing.

[@spazeack]

@@SpedSpedding thanks for incorporating that for us mere mortals 🙂

[@hitwithanattitude1]

Absolutely one of my favorite Zep tunes...great to play solo acoustic and even better plugged in with our drummer who nails it!

[@SpedSpedding]

Amazing, do they have a similar style to Bonzo?

[@Highways6]

Another awesome zeppelin lesson !! Thanks!!

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome!

[@chrisjude8794]

Brilliant video as always sped, great insight and so well explained. Thanks for sharing. And for anyone reading this who isn’t a patron. Do it now now . I can’t recommend it enough. Brilliant 👍😎

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Chris, my pleasure as always! Appreciate that plug as well. 🔥

[@frankcompagnone8550]

This guy is one of the best. I can't thank you enough sir.

[@SpedSpedding]

Wow, thanks! You’re welcome. 🤌🏻

[@johnl.6930]

Digestible and distinguished!!! Spectacular!✌️❤️

[@SpedSpedding]

Wonderful John! Thank you so much. 🍿🙏🏻

[@hrvojecacic6358]

Great lesson!!! As usual...😃

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you!

[@srwaite7]

A delightful lesson and YT channel. Keep rocking, SS!

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Steve! 🍿✨

[@jrmatute2056]

Excelente consejos para aprender esta gran pieza de Led, gracias..

[@raybaird4672]

Love it man

[@SpedSpedding]

Epic thank you!

[@davedefrancesco6071]

Bloody brilliance my friend from across the pond , just splendid I really think so much of people like you who show the way of the greatest musicians ever to roam this 🌎 ☮️♾️🎵🎶🎼🎶🎵🔥💥🔥🎸✌️👍😎

[@UFOLOVETOLOVE]

Thar a brilliant teacher Sped! and entertaining 😂

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you, means a lot!

[@stevemcgee4767]

Once again ….awesome !

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Steve, appreciate you.

[@Dan-58]

Thanks for the lesson ✌️

[@SpedSpedding]

My pleasure!

[@marions.120]

Awesome job, made me think I need to start playing this again! ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@SpedSpedding]

The record or you personally playing the songs? Either way, cool.

[@ThisOldGuy3]

Cheers from an old bloke in America, thanks for all the great content.🤘😎🎶🎸

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re so welcome! 🇺🇸

[@timporter6112]

Love this guy!

[@SpedSpedding]

Rumour has it he loves you too.

[@skye7690]

I love this guy. Huge Zep fan here.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you! 🙌🏻🔥

[@colincampbell3849]

Sped - love it - 1 zep tune a week please - keep em coming my friend!

[@SpedSpedding]

And at the end of tunes the world will end. 😂

[@adoubleu___]

You make learning fun Sped, thank you!

[@SpedSpedding]

Yes Adam! I love this! 🙌🏻 Thank you , literally what I want this channel to be about.

[@adoubleu___]

@@SpedSpedding it’s working:)

[@tangerinemoon3]

Good morning ! Have been tuning in to your channel on my tv and had to let you know how awesome your channel is ! and.. to be able to play a song such as this, not to mention yet all of the others, I found this one so sexy to play the licks.. & its always been a favorite in my Led Zeppelin memory banks ..its So exciting learning any Zeppelin music ! Although I am just skimming the surface here, I just wanted to thank you for the inspiringly fun guidance in learning the tunes.. (really amazing) as a few years ago I stumbled on the Led Zeppelin Complete Lyric & Chord Songbook (put out by Alfred Music Publishing Co) at a local guitar store and I just stood there in the store, pouring into it thinking.. Ohmygosh, I am holding the holy grail of Zeppelin music composition.. now that said, dial that up sitting down learning from a talented enthusiast as yourself, sharing it all ... mind blowing .. sincerely.. Thank YOU !

[@SpedSpedding]

Morning! Very early morning for me in fact… 00:13 😂 You’re so welcome! Did you buy the book then? Is it working out as a companion along side my lessons? There will probably be some “disagreements” because I do things my own way. But either way I’m glad you’re enjoying the content and learning with me. 🤘🏻😎

[@donruiz5363]

So glad I found your channel!

[@SpedSpedding]

I am glad you did too!

[@pageluvva]

Love ya brother. Killer lesson.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks Larry! Sending love to you too.

[@ora_street_mission_band]

Love it

[@cmel714]

Great lesson havent heard this song in ages learned a new one

[@SpedSpedding]

So cool, hope you have fun playing it. It’s Sunday, turn it up. 🔥

[@jorgesilva5004]

Brilliant class.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Jorge! I’m super happy you enjoyed it.

[@NicoF9]

I like the effort! Great channel!

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks a bunch. 🍿🙌🏻

[@klepetar]

wow..i couldn't figure this one out for a long time..thank you mister spedding..

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome, hope you’re enjoying being able to rip through it now. 🔥

[@ousley421]

Sped, another great Zep tune I can play with 2 1/2 fingers...Subbed for sure. Thanks dude, next trip to Florida and beer is on me.

[@SpedSpedding]

I never forget a free pint! 🙌🏻😂 See you there.

[@alexwillis954]

Sped.. I just found your page days ago.. first vid I saw was misty mountain hop. I wish I would have come across your page sooner. Your videos are great on all counts and I can tell you put a lot of time and work into not only the lesson but the production as well. Thanks for all you do. Ps you could put out a new zeppelin video weekly and nobody would be upset by it 🤣

[@SpedSpedding]

Haha given the stats, you’re not wrong Alex. I just get nervous about copyright and putting myself into a corner. It’s all educational though so I should be fine. Appreciate the love! ❤️

[@bustov75]

Best Led Zeppelin's tutorials on KZbin! With Tabs would be nicer, but not better! great explanations and with the accent in the music and on the how to play! decoding Jimmy Page!!! amazing!!! Thx!!!

[@timetraveler8777]

HI Sped, another song from Led Zeppelin IV!! I already can to play these Led Zeppelin songs , but I watch the videos anyway, Excellent lesson

[@SpedSpedding]

You never know what you might find ey? Haha appreciate you!

[@theduftmeister]

Manalive, I only stumbled upon this channel the other day. How I wish I'd discovered you sooner.! The Led Zep tuition guru :) Thanks Sped

[@SpedSpedding]

So many people are saying the same thing! I’m buzzing that everyone is finding their way over here, better late than never right! KZbin must be putting my videos in the right places. 🙌🏻🔥

[@theduftmeister]

@@SpedSpedding Yes mate, power to you :) well deserved.

[@oldskoolz8509]

A search for a review on the graphtech resomax bridge brought me to your channel. I’m glad it did.

[@SpedSpedding]

Welcome aboard! Glad you liked this lesson and thanks for the wicked comment.

[@-Atmos1]

Four Sticks is Great . Thanks !

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome!

[@istillsuckatguitar]

These Zep videos are great.

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you! 🙌🏻 They like you too.

[@redrazors6610]

Top job Sped

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks so much! On sabbatical for three days now. 😂😂

[@stephenboyd8792]

Brilliant and entertaining mate cheers!

[@SpedSpedding]

Thank you Stephen, try my best to keep it light hearted before diving into the depths of Page's brain! Haha

[@IncendiaDivinus]

YEIHHHHH !!! Thank you !!!!

[@SpedSpedding]

You're welcome!! Hope you have fun with this one.

[@rolandgutierrez2619]

how can we click the like button haven't seen the lesson yet. but your still one off the best instructors. I learned charming man from your video..

[@georgeclark6057]

Hey Sped, Just sending out a hi. 55 yr old in the states. 3.5 yrs into this new hobby called guitar with dreams of becoming a "Rock Star"! But just wanted to say how much I enjoy your lessons and your background content. Keep up the good work. I'll keep practicing and watching. Peace !

[@SpedSpedding]

Amazing George, hope you’re enjoying the journey. You’re welcome for the content and I’m glad it’s helping you improve. Let me know when you book your first tour, I’m coming. 🤘🏻🔥

[@Echidira]

Hight quality content and production! And Led Zeppelin are so close now! 🇮🇹

[@SpedSpedding]

Thanks! Did you catch the film?

[@Echidira]

I mean your video, 🙂top quality!

[@SpedSpedding]

@@Echidira Yes I got that, thank you! I thought you meant they were close because Jimmy attended the premiere of Becoming Led Zeppelin in Venice recently! ✨🍿

[@Echidira]

@@SpedSpedding That’s an other great story, I’ll see it ASAP!

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Brilliant Thanks so much

[@SpedSpedding]

You’re welcome Tony.

[@Steve-yg3mi]

Thanks!

[@SpedSpedding]

Amazing Steve, thanks so much. Glad you liked the lesson. Appreciate you! ❤️👌🏻

[@thepaulmacfarlane]

That wee G bend on the main riff is genius. And essential.

[@SpedSpedding]

😏🙌🏻

[@stringbender11672]

This is great!!! Thank you for this lesson. Awesome attention to detail. Subbed 🔔

[@SpedSpedding]

Welcome to the team! Thanks for hitting that button.

[@andyt5833]

I was listening to Four Sticks with my son today, and had the thought -- "I wonder if Sped has a lesson on this?" Glad you do. Great choices to celebrate the 50 years of IV.

[@SpedSpedding]

I was in the room Andy, I was astral projecting for ideas from subscribers. 😂😂 Enjoy.

[@ulysses7192]

Yes sped yessss! Thank you!!!

[@SpedSpedding]

You're welcome!! The real question is, what takes me longer, the lesson of the thumbnail. 😂

[@ulysses7192]

@@SpedSpedding 😂 must be difficult carrying all those guitars at one time, so the thumbnail?

[@SpedSpedding]

@@ulysses7192 expensive and heavy! 😂👌🏻