“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin isn’t just a song; it’s a monument in rock history. And at the heart of this legendary track is Jimmy Page’s wild, innovative guitar solo. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play this iconic solo, you’re in the right place. This lesson will break down the “Whole Lotta Love” guitar solo step-by-step, making it accessible for intermediate guitar players ready to push their boundaries. We’ll dive into the techniques that make this solo so unique, from its bluesy bends to its dynamic feel. Get ready to explore the guitar tab for Whole Lotta Love solo and add a true rock classic to your repertoire.
Guitarist demonstrating techniques for Whole Lotta Love solo
Breaking Down the Solo: Licks 1 & 2 – Foundations of the Fury
To conquer this solo, we’ll divide it into manageable sections. Let’s start with the first half, focusing on the initial licks that establish the solo’s blues-rock foundation.
Lick 1: Classic Blues Bend Opener
The solo kicks off with a quintessential blues lick in the E minor pentatonic scale, specifically pattern 4. Start by bending the 14th fret on the 3rd string a whole step. While holding that bend, barre your 1st finger across the 12th fret of the 1st and 2nd strings. Now, pick the 3rd string (already bent), then the 2nd string, and finally the 1st string. This creates a cascading, bluesy opening phrase.
Next, execute a pull-off on the 2nd string, moving from the 15th fret to the 12th fret. A pull-off is when you pluck a string with your fretting hand finger as you lift it off the fret, creating a smooth transition to a lower note. Think of it as a hammer-on in reverse.
Following the pull-off, shift to the 3rd string and play the 15th, 14th, and 12th frets in descending order, using pull-offs between each note. This means you only pick the 15th fret and then pull-off to the 14th and then to the 12th. Finish this lick by returning to the 3rd string, playing the 14th fret, then the 12th fret, and finally hammer-on from the 12th fret to the 14th fret, bending the 14th fret up a whole step as you hammer. A hammer-on is when you bring a fretting finger down sharply onto the fretboard to sound a note, without picking.
Lick 2: Slides and Dynamic Pull-offs
Lick two introduces slides and more intricate pull-off patterns. Begin with a slide on the 3rd string, moving from the 2nd fret to the 4th fret. A slide is when you fret a note and then slide your finger along the string to another fret without lifting.
After the slide, drop down to the 2nd string, 3rd fret, and pick that note with your middle finger. Then, on the 3rd string, perform a series of pull-offs: from the 4th fret to the 2nd fret, and then to the open string, creating a descending melodic line.
Next, another pull-off on the 3rd string from the 2nd fret to the open 3rd string. Here comes a slightly trickier variation: pull-off from the 2nd fret 3rd string to the open 3rd string again. Then, execute a hammer-on pull-off on the same string. This involves picking the open 3rd string, hammering-on to the 2nd fret, and immediately pulling-off back to the open 3rd string – a quick, dynamic movement.
Finally, move to the 4th string and perform a pull-off from the 2nd fret to the open string, twice. Repeat this same pull-off pattern on the 5th string, but only once. These pull-offs across different strings add rhythmic and textural variation to the solo.
Conquering the Solo: Licks 3, 4, & 5 – Taking it to the Next Level
Now, let’s tackle the second half of the solo, where the intensity and wildness truly escalate.
Lick 3: Variation on the Blues Theme
Lick three echoes the feel of the first lick but with a twist in the ending. It starts identically to lick one, with the blues bend and barre. Remember to check your bends for accuracy: a whole step bend raises the pitch by two frets. Practice bending to the correct pitch by comparing it to fretting the target note two frets higher.
Bend the 14th fret of the 3rd string a whole step, barre the 12th fret, and pick the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. Here’s the change: instead of a pull-off on the 2nd string, bend the 2nd string at the 15th fret upwards twice in succession (bend up, release slightly, bend up again). Then, place your pinky on the 1st string, 15th fret, and pick it once. Conclude this lick with another whole step bend on the 2nd string, 15th fret, bending upwards only once.
Lick 4: The Infamous Two and a Half Step Bend
This lick is arguably the most iconic and challenging part of the solo, featuring a massive two and a half step bend! Pick the 17th fret of the 2nd string. Then, bend the 20th fret of the 2nd string up a staggering two and a half steps. This is a very wide, expressive bend, often described as “spacey” or “trippy.” Bend upwards and then slowly release downwards, controlling the pitch throughout.
After the bend, return to the 17th fret of the 2nd string. Then, move to the 18th fret of the 3rd string, fretting with your middle finger while your pointer finger remains on the 17th fret of the 2nd string. Finish with a pull-off on the 2nd string, from the 20th fret to the 17th fret, using your pinky and pointer finger.
Lick 5: Chromatic Run and Vibrato Finish
The final lick brings the solo to a dramatic close. Start by picking the 17th fret of the 2nd string. Then, perform a whole step bend on the 19th fret of the 1st string. Next, descend chromatically from the 19th fret to the 17th fret on the 1st string, picking each fret individually: 19th, 18th, 17th.
Return to the 2nd string and perform a pull-off from the 20th fret to the 17th fret, twice. For the very last phrase, go back to the 17th fret of the 2nd string. Pick the 19th fret on the same string, pick it again, and bend it a full step, twice in a row. For the third bend, bend it one and a half steps. Finally, pick the 19th fret on the 1st string and end the entire solo by landing back on the 17th fret of the 2nd string, applying generous vibrato to sustain the note and create a powerful finish.
Recap: Unleash Your Inner Jimmy Page
Learning the “Whole Lotta Love” solo is a rewarding challenge. By breaking it down into these sections and focusing on each lick individually, you can master the techniques and capture the raw energy of Jimmy Page’s playing. Pay close attention to the bends, pull-offs, and slides, and most importantly, strive for feel and attitude. With practice and dedication, you’ll be nailing this iconic solo and adding a true rock anthem to your guitar skills. Remember to explore Guitar Tab Whole Lotta Love resources online to visualize these licks and solidify your understanding. Now go practice and make your guitar sing!
