Led Zeppelin’s “The Lemon Song”- Guitar Lesson [Guitar Solo and Song Breakdown]
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- In this episode, I share my insights into the incredible 1969 track “The Lemon Song” by Led Zeppelin (and Chester Burnett aka Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor”). This track appears on Led Zeppelin’s second album “Led Zeppelin II” and is one of the finest examples of the band’s improvisation talents. Each member of the band gives one of the greatest studio performances of their career. We’ll focus on the guitar track which is a tall enough order!
Disclosure: That is me playing the up-tempo guitar figure live against a CZcams drums/bass backing track at the introduction to this episode. I did NOT use the actual Led Zeppelin guitar track. I’m playing through a Bogner ‘La Grange’ distortion pedal into my Fender Deluxe Reverb amp (which has been modified).
In this episode: (1) I analyze and demonstrate the memorable, climbing verse guitar figure and corresponding guitar fills while providing comment on the expressiveness of the two-string duet. (2) I reference an homage to Jimi Hendrix found in the E7#9 chord and even challenge you to find a Purple Haze “Easter Egg” in the track! (3) I also demonstrate the use of the briskly strummed 6th intervals at the opening of the up-tempo section (giving attribution to guitarist Hubert Sumlin’s for the original figure). (4) I point out the common use of major and minor 6ths in Jimmy Page’s vocabulary by showing the same figure in the track Heartbreaker. (5) Finally, I give a composer’s insight into the power of a truly fulfilling ending statement. In this case, as it relates to the startling last chord Eb Augmented. (6) I also quote a famous Romanian conductor, Sergui Celibidache, who gave the best definition of what constitutes a proper ending (if you do nothing else, fast forward to that at the end, it’s very thought-provoking!)
Stemming from my 40+ years as a professional artist, I bring a historical and composer’s background to my love of rock music by analyzing and playing some of the most iconic music of all time. At the heart of all my videos is that I’m an enthusiast who has dedicated his entire life to composing and playing music.
Whether you’re a guitar player, musician, songwriter or just a music enthusiast, I’m sure you will find something in these videos to inspire you and help you smile.
Click Here to see my episode on Heartbreaker- • Led Zeppelin’s Heartbr...
If you like what you see, please comment, subscribe and hit the thumbs up button!
Also, give me some ideas for other songs you’d like me to dig into!
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As a lifelong Jimmy Page disciple I find these videos to be super awesome. Thank you.
Me too brother. Jimmy is why I play
@@Mboogie69 Me too! 👍
Zep is truly missed. Won't be another band like them for a long long time.
@@segelnnatur2022 Ever.
@@calken546 you're right ✅️ 🌲🌟🔔
Finally someone whom is giving this incredibly underrated song some attention. LZ II was the first Zeppelin album I owned and heard, and Lemon Song just blew me away, and it still does to this day. I may even dare say it's my favorite song ever, just because of how spontaneous and chaotic it sounds, and it's really emotional and energetic. That framed album behind you is really cool too!
Thank you…and it’s fully autographed btw;) peace, Carl
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Wow, that's incredible! Also, thanks for your great videos, I've been enjoying them a lot.
You’re welcome!!
Lemon Song was what turned me into LZ, in 1972 or 73... I was 13 then, playing guitar (electrified acoustic) and never heard anything so powerful, raw and touching, but most of all - so complete.. So from the first notes I knew: all I´ll want to play - is THIS. My favorite song ever ? you bet ;)
Carl, you a truly a gift to us all. To watch you play and breakdown these Page classics moves me to tears. I’m not trying to be so melodramatic but it’s true.
I just can’t thank you enough!
I've long wanted a Led Zeppelin archivalist. I would love to see Jimmy Page sit down and teach us how to play every song and tell us some pithy story about how the song came about and maybe even wander off into a one hour tangent about all kinds of unrelated stuff. Since that's probably not going to happen, I'm going to tune in to anything you do regarding Led Zeppelin, Carl. Thanks so much for the time and effort you put into these videos.
Wouldn’t that be great! I’d happily moderate that conversation with Jimmy Page. Maybe he’ll surprise us one day!
I agree Jason!!
one issue is Page plays the same song different every time
@@lookmanohands1966 Which is awesome for the live performances. Unless you really like to hear a note perfect replay of the album at every concert. Then I guess not so much.
@@aafjeyakubu5124 isnt it funny how some do and some dont. I do love the recording just the way it is
Pure genius interpretation. Never heard Jimmy broken down like this. Could listen for hours 👏👏👏
So glad you liked! I hope you subscribe!
Love your breakdown of a classic song. One of the things that separated Jimmy Page from his peers was the musical effort put into each part of a song and the multiple flavors and texture he would add to each rendering. Jimmy never relied on simple power chords to advance a song...his offerings were always a blend of various themes, progressions, and riffs, a style completely unheard of at the time and even today. I've commented before and will say again, Page is a master unmatched.
100% agreed! I just did an episode on 10 years gone. Hope to have it out next week. Talk about flavors!!
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic it would be interesting to compare the howlin wolf phrasing vs jimmys....no disrespect to HW, jimmys interpretations are simply visceral....the two sound guitar phrasing seems so naturally appropriate...that is why jimmy is a genius....he thought of it and executed it....the live versions are even more innovative...
I love the breakdown on it . In the 80s I surround myself with great guitar players and most considered Jimmy sloppy and started to get me to believe it also. But thank you for putting a stop to that. Jimmy was great and the ones he hand picked to complete his dream of an ultimate rock band
I’ve got a script for a video I’ll be doing on the “is Jimmy Page sloppy” question. It’s going address like no one else has. You love it. Give he a few weeks. Thanks for watching my vids!!
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic make sure to give me a heads up on that video
Really excellent analysis. Great balance of talking and playing, too.
Thank you sir!!
The guitar work on this song is just incredible, blows my mind every time I hear it. I’m working on learning it now but there’s something about the way Jimmy plays that’s impossible (for me, anyway) to imitate, absolutely masterful. Great video
This was always a life dream to play! Check…
Just discovered this channel. I have now subscribed. I just love when people break down Pages playing and recording brilliance.
Yay! I’m so grateful. Sorry it took so long to see this comment! I really appreciate you!
that last quote is one to remember thanks for your excellent content n keep up the great work. ive been a zeppelin fan for 16 years and never heard a guitarist explain the nuance of jimmy pages playing like you have. thanks very much
WoW I AM So Blessed to
Have You do this on Video. Thank You !!!
"the power of a half a step". Thats a T-shirt right there !
Really enjoying hearing you talk about my favorite band and one of my favorite guitarists. It just makes me humbled and amazed to realize what Jimmy created when he was so VERY young. It's almost supernatural.
Really love these micro studies into Jimmy’s playing plus it improves my playing enjoyment to understand his nuances you so easily convey!
Many thanks.
It’s a such a pleasure to provide the insight! I’m so glad you have ears to hear! Please share!
I’m not a guitarist, but I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of days now. Really fascinating ! .. and your playing is really great. I love the feeling you have!
That means a lot that it “speaks” to you. I really appreciate this comment!!
I am so grateful I stumbled across your channel. Not that I will be able to use what I have learned but I have learned much in a short period of time! Thank you, Carl.
Thank you for commenting. I’m so happy you enjoy the content! Please subscribe and share to help get the word out...Peace!
Dude you are straight up awesome, I love hearing about how Jimmy made his songs, and how complicated these simple riffs really are. Just goes to show that these sounds can really never be recreated, as well as Jimmy’s sheer creativity. Keep these videos up man they are AWESOME
Thank you for your comment and subscription. I know I’ve reached a point in my life to bring a unique take on this material. Your words are valuation and encouraging. I’ll keep on it. Thanks for reaching out. Please share abundantly!! Peace,
Carl B.
I am so glad that I came across your videos sir. You are obviously very talented and have an impeccable taste in music.
All your videos are exceptional. Zeppelin 2 will always be my favorite album of all time, period
Thank you! I hope you’re a subscriber!!
My second fave LZ blues after Since…, your efforts are greatly appreciated by those in your age group and beyond.
Loving these videos man
Brilliant. Carl actually fulfills the promis that Rick Beato makes, "what makes this song great." With much respect to Rick, but Carl's analysis is at another level, the level I am intereseted in. To really pull the song apart and analyse it musically and professionally, and actually communicate what makes this song great.
Thanks Carl. Really love your work.
I recently subscribed to your channel and I really appreciate what you’re doing. A lot of guys can play but not teach. Truly a blessing Carl!
I really appreciate your follow and kind remarks.
I love it when a great performer is a great teacher as well! Bravo Carl! Excellent!
That’s so kind! I appreciate your support.
This song leapt off the vinyl when listening, thnx for the breakdown to practice 🎸the licks & rhythm 🎶 over the years, one of my favorite LZ songs. John Paul's bass really cooks on this song Too , sets that sinister killing floor mood!.
Yes indeed. JPJ put his whole resume in that song!!
I love these led zep videos you make carl and I love the band just as much as you do. Im 21 years old and this might be my favorite studio track of all time!
So grateful you like my video and I’m very excited that a young person admires the unsearchable depth and subtly that lies within a Jimmy Page performance and composition! Good for you! You give me hope for the future!! Peace my young friend. Rock on!!
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Thanks carl! I appreciate the kind words and I will carry their legacy forward. There hasn't been a band that comes close to them since in my humble opinion! I look forward to more videos on zep, this is a shot in the dark but I feel like Hots On For Nowhere would be a fun track to look at its got a great country flair and I find it really fun to play! Or more mainstream SIBLY studio or ICQYB (the royal albert hall version 1970)!
Thanks again Carl, another awesome video. There is a multitude of great musical back and forth going on in this song, love the way you examine the theory and then prove it out on the guitar. I still have all my Zeppelin vinyl through In through the out door. Keep up the great work, one can see how much you put in this work. Although I've always heard most of whats going on is Zeppelin's music, now hear much more and the why and how it works so brilliantly. Thank you.
That’s so wonderful to know!!
Man you nailed the tone and feel....nice job!
So, I stumbled across your CZcams recently and I must say your deep dive into Jimmy’s playing is very impressive. Jimmy was an influence for so many of use who were growing up in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I remember my first exposure to the band, there was a girl who lived few houses down the street, this was late 1969, I was 12 years old. She had boxes of record that she was given by an older cousin, and we would hang out and listen to them. One day digging into the back of one of these boxes I ran across and black and white album that had a blimp going down in flames and the words Led Zeppelin in bright red letters in the upper corner. I said, “hey what’s this?”, so we put it on and, well, the rest was history, it changed everything about music for me for the next decade. I can still vividly remember being blown away by Jimmy’s guitar playing the first time I saw the band at the Winterland in San Francisco. The Lemon Song was on the setlist that night. Anyway, thanks for the deep dive.
Dude, I feel you!!
Thank you so much Carl, you have brought new light to this great track, love your breakdown !!
You’re very welcome. Have you checked out all of the Led Zep II tracks I’ve posted? Let me know what you think and please like, share and subscribe. Thank you!!
Excellent analysis
Hi Carl, just came across your channel and I can honestly say I've never known anyone who has come close to Jimmy's playing and sound like you do this is truly amazing I'm 55 years old and was brought up on Zep through older family members I was to young to see Zeppelin live but I did get to see page and Plant live twice in Glasgow, Scotland and Sheffield, England. All the best Carl from Durham 🇬🇧
Greetings to you and Durham. Thanks for commenting! I’m so glad you enjoy my channel!!
Great analysis professor. My take on that closing chord. Augmented chords repeat every maj 3rd interval so what you interpret as a modulation down a half step to Eb, I see it as a Baug...which naturally resolves to E. Both interpretations leave us begging for that resolution so...mission accomplished, Mr Page!
Great guitar lesson and side notes... loved it. Please do more of the Led Zep stuff because this is gold!!! Thank you Sir!
Thanks for the encouragement…
I love that you love zep!!! and teaching us fellow zep lovers
It’s a kinship!
Man…I don’t even play the guitar. This is amazing.
Music is universal! It speaks to everyone.
How's that working for you now 😉
Incredible analysis! I've always interpreted the Baug to be really just a V chord-B with a sharp 5, in first inversion. There's a classic case of enharmonic equivalents- thinking of it as Eb makes it super-weird given we are in E but when you analyze it as D#, again the 3rd of a B or B7 then it's just the leading tone! Cheers Carl!
Thanks Carl. Very overlooked classic Zep tune. Love your run-through 👍
Thank you very much!
Superb analysis and playing of the song...and the guitar tone is spot on.
Thank you kind sir!
Always great playing and theoretical break-down Carl! The Rain Song. I'm waiting for your take on The Rain Song. Thanks!
:)
I love this. Thank you!
Great explanation and so very helpful to my understanding of what I have always considered to be one of the greatest rock interpretations ever written! Thanks!
Very welcome.
I can watch this guy all day. He's a really good player. Sounds amazing. 😎
That means so much to me!
Enjoyed this video, thx. One of Zeps absolute best tunes. Sounds like there's another person who recognizes the greatness of Zep. 👍
Zeppelin is so immense that it will take 100 more years for history to fully see the vastness of their genius.
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic exactly, there's just no other band that exudes as much and as many tunes ( including their variety of song feelings or song mood-energy ) the basic core essence of authentic rock/ blues as Zeppelin does. It'll take at least 100 years for another band to match them. Sure, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Rod Stewart and AC/DC have a couple great tunes but nothing like Zeppelin. Hendrix isn't my taste/style, although many are so enamored by him. Hendrix sound just doesn't cut it. I'll take Jeff Beck instead. After Zeppelin i guess I'd place David Bowie and Jethro Tull. Music has changed since and the pop stuff nowadays is a completely different. Not saying all of it sucks. It's just not your basic simple four piece core rock band of electric bass/keyboards, guitar, drums and a dedicated vocalist. Interesting how so many love the Stairway to Heaven tune, yet for me as Zeppelin person, it's definitely not my favorite Zep tune. I mean we gotta wait until the very end of the tune to hear some serious jamming.
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Hey Karl, do a bit on HOT DOG. It's absolutely beautiful 😍 🤩 👌🏻 ❤️ 🌲🌟🎶✝️
Excellent breakdown and analysis of what Page is doing on the tunes.
The Bass and Drums alone…Legendary
A masterpiece between masterpeaces
This is a nice little guitar lesson!
I've only written about 70 or 80 songs in my life over the course of 40 years now. Of those, I'm happy with a handful of songs, but none of them have an ending that I'm happy with. Ending a song is by far the most challenging part for me. You've given me lots to consider in this video.
That’s wonderful! Thank you!
Carl, I love how your passion for music comes out in these videos. I have heard it said that when viewing a painting one should not look at the brush, but your analysis of these songs goes beyond that, into the realms of psychology, physiology, philosophy, history, and more. I can barely play the radio, but thanks to you I am becoming a better listener and musical esthetic.
Wow! That’s so kind Peter. I’m really touched. I learn more from you than I could ever give back!
Peace and Love,
Carl
Seeing you play this with such passion and a very similar tone gives me an even greater appreciation for Page as a player and you have a new subscriber my friend. You are amazing at what you do. Keep em' coming from Zep
Thank you!!!!
Likewise, what an amazing piece of music. You’re very talented to duplicate and explain it so well! New subscriber
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it!!
and another thing...the quality of your channel deserves at the least 50k subscribers.....YES.....!!
Please recommend. I definitely need to get to 50K to self fund it!
Another fantastic video, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. Please share so we can spread the word!
I love the history of the songs and the band your a great teacher and would say that with a lot of admiration
Thank you!!
Loved this video....I subscribed the minute it ended...it fulfilled the promise....
Aw! Love this!
If you don’t like Led Zeppelin’s music, you’re not a friend of mine lol. Love your videos. Thanks
Caio Carl, You have It Down !!!
Love the pics of J.P.
Excellent video, my favorite is led zeppelin!! So thx
Nice job. Great insight.
Hi Carl, new to your channel and I enjoy the way you interweave commentary and lesson content together.
Great videos mate, there first two albums are the greatest back to back debut albums bar none, total game changers the birth of heavy rock even all these years later people have played louder but never heavier still unequaled
So true brother!!
Another great video! Can’t wait to break out my Les Paul and play around with this song!
Thank you Tyler! I’m glad it’s inspiring more playing!
Very cool........you've also got the right body language that goes with the playing. Nice.
Your tone is perfect. 👍
Led Zeppelin is my all time favorite classic rock band! I am not professional guitarist by any means, but I purchased a Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar just last week. I honestly bought it as a tribute to Jimmy Page specifically, and to add it to my collection of Rock & Roll memorabilia. Great video!
That’s true fandom! Awesome!!!
Love your video’s!
Love you!
So many Zeppelin songs I learned back in the 70's and 80's Black Dog, Stairway, Over The Hills and Far Away, Rain Song, of course Whole Lotta Love, and Bring It On Home, and other
easier parts, but the lead parts were always a bit much to get just right, You have nailed these parts, I can't wait to see you do the breakdowns of the songs I have mentioned, and more.
I’ll give some of those a go!! I find that pulling it all together...the rhythms, chordal textures, the changes/dynamics and the solos of any one of Led Zeppelin’s pieces, as a whole, on guitar, is complex multi variable equation and so difficult to do it flawlessly. Trying to do it as a band and nailing the vibe is even harder! Thank you so much for commenting.
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic that is why we are still talking about Led- Zeppelin , like 42 years after the Bonham's untimely death. The day he died my brother called me from work and told me about it. He said next time you hear a Zeppelin song listen to the drums. So I did and even still do it today. Every member was 2nd to none. And I don't think Zeppelin would have been so popular if anyone of them weren't in the band. But Bonham was just beyond great. He was the definition of a rock drummer. Thank you Carl for your time in these videos. I'm sure it takes days weeks or even Years to break down anyone of their songs. And you do a great job
This and in my time of dying are my all time faves. JPJ is showing off with the bass line too. The whole damn band are really indescribable.
Agreed!
Fantastic Carl
Way to be, Carl. I look forward to checking out your other analyses.
Wow this is great, you make it easy to pick up. I will be checking out your channel for more lessons. Thank you very much.
Thank you!!!!!
The most insightful Led Zeppelin/ Jimmy Page videos I have had the pleasure to watch. Thank you
Thank you for the generous comment! I appreciate it. I put my soul into it!
@@CarlBaldassarreMusic it is quite obvious. I have played guitar for 30 years. I have “ learned” some of Pages riffs over the years but you actually know how to play them. I have learned a lot just watching you play and describe the logic and movements involved. Surprisingly , I really enjoyed realizing that I don’t know much about playing guitar :)
Your love for the music is clearly evident. Thank you for such heartfelt delivery. It means a lot. Could you breakdown The Song Remains The Same from Houses of the Holy next?
Thank you Vincent for acknowledging my passion. It’s real. I’ve got those tracks on the list!
Great video. Bravissimo.
Gracie!!
My brother I love these videos!
Brother! That’s so kind. Btw...your new track “Liberty” is truly original.
Love,
Carl
Up tempo part is from the original song killing floor with Hubert Sumlin on guitar with Howlin Wolf. Great video, thanks for sharing
I’m a bassist, and it was thrilling way back on high school to get this bass line under my fingers. It took a whole week of March Break to do it, but I did it (probably lifted the needle on the record hundreds of times!). I love the Page focus, but I can’t not point out that JB and JPJ’s influences were a strong strain of jazz, Motown and funk, and this why the copiers that came after never got close.
Great job. I hope you eventually get to the compositional masterpiece, Achilles Last Stand. That one would take a while, though.
Oof!!! That would be an awesome one. And I know you know what you’re talking about when you say that would be difficult! I’ll give it a go down the road one day if I can get this channel big enough! Love that track. Composition and texturally divine. Peace, Carl
Again, another good analysis of Page's playing with some very accurate sound.
Thank you!
Absolutely brilliant thank you 🙏
Thank you soooo much!
That is one dirty sounding guitar. I love it!
just discovered your channel & instantly subscribed. I'm a life long Gibson Les Paul disciple & a big Page fan. Love your tone, very good. and outstanding playing.
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for this. Listening to live zeppelin and I’ve heard a lot of Hendrix.
Good job! Thank you!
Tremendous job
Thank you!
Jimmy Page was and still is a massive influence on my musical journey through the years.I heard him first in 1969 on album and saw Zeppelin in 1970 at the Bath Festival.Your videos have brought a new depth if information regards Jimmy's playing and as a result my guitar playing has improved greatly!Thankyou for your videos which are a joy to listen to and learn from.
Wow! The Bath Festival! That must have been overwhelming! I’m so glad you’re digging my videos!
There second album is beyond words, then looking behind you there first album is beyond reasoning.. then 4 ... then houses of the holy omg ..well done story here Thanks::::
That was awesome.
i watched thisvideo yesterday, and i'm sure to have commented...but can't see it today.....:-D so let me say sir....i love your approach to talk through the songs and music of Led Zep.....and you absolutely nail it....thats what i've said and thought from the beginning.....More please.....:-)
Thank you for your kind words!!! And avid support!
Another Gem
Thank you so much for the encouragement!!
Excellent
Bravo! love this song. I always thought that chord was a nod to "Foxy Lady" I love the Smokestack Lightning version he plays on a bootleg. Cheers!
Really nice video. Loved your content!
Thank you so much. Please share. I’d love to get to 1,000 subscribers!
Great job brother Carl!
Thanks Nick!! I appreciate that!
You sir are a guitar master.
That’s so kind!
When the other greatest rock guitarist of all time puts an homage to the other, other greatest rock guitarist of all time, in one of the greatest rock guitar riffs of all time, get ready for one of the greatest moments of rock guitar
My dude. This man actually used “verboten”. I’ll never forget being four and hearing whole lotta love and I thought a witch was in the van as it panned. You’d have dug my pop haha. Keep killin it Mr Carl.
Ha ha!
Great video. I’m subscribed 👍
Bonham's exquisite drum work here is so underrated and really really some of his best ever! Problem is Jones just steals the show with the perfect bass sound, playing and jamming! And yes Page is totally amazing as is Plant!
Couldn't agree more!
It was my girlfriend & I's favorite song as a couple of lovers, & the lyrics were part of it. We graduated in 1971, so Led Zeppelin was in our lives from their first album on. I still think about her & the song. She is now deceased, RIP my first Love, we'll listen to it again together some day,....and the fun stuff we did to it ! I have a Les Paul Gibson Classic 1960 reissue in aged cherry burst with exposed pickups that looks just like what your playing. Wish I knew what you are playing, looks exactly like mine. Eric Clapton is still my favorite guitar player, singer, song writer, especially guitar picker.
I’m actually tackling my first Clapton track “mainline Florida” on my upcoming 1974 best riffs. Keep your eye on my channel. I’ll be recording it tomorrow and I’ll give you a thought as I play it!