From Led Zeppelin’s second album onward, Jimmy Page primarily wielded a Gibson Les Paul Standard, famously acquired from Joe Walsh, paired with thunderous Marshall amplifiers to craft the searing tones that became his signature. While the Les Paul defined much of his electric work, Page’s studio arsenal was far more eclectic and nuanced.
For acoustic passages on Led Zeppelin III and IV, Page turned to the Harmony Sovereign H-1260, a modest-looking guitar that delivered warm, resonant textures. He also brought it onstage in the early ’70s, proving that simplicity could yield profound sonic depth. Before fully embracing the Les Paul, Page relied heavily on a Fender Telecaster—a treasured gift from Jeff Beck—used for the searing solo on “Stairway to Heaven” and many earlier recordings, including much of Led Zeppelin I.
Page’s versatility extended further with the Danelectro 3021, a quirky, budget-friendly guitar he tuned to DADGAD for hypnotic live performances of songs like “Kashmir” and “White Summer.” Each guitar choice reflected Page’s meticulous attention to tone and atmosphere, often tailored to specific tunings and effects.
One of Page’s most iconic innovations was his use of a cello bow on electric guitar, a technique inspired by session violinist David McCallum Sr. and made famous in songs like “Dazed and Confused” and “How Many More Times.” Initially performed on his Telecaster and later on his Les Paul, these eerie, bowed solos became staples of Led Zeppelin’s live shows—transforming concerts into near-mystical experiences.
This blend of traditional blues, Eastern-inspired tunings, sonic experimentation, and dramatic stagecraft positioned Jimmy Page not just as a guitarist, but as a sonic architect—forever reshaping the landscape of rock music.
