Jimmy Page never set out to become a guitar legend. From his very first session, his goal was simple: serve the song. He’d occasionally show off his skills with tasteful lead breaks, but it was always about what the song needed when the tape started rolling. Despite his ability to create magic with an electric guitar, Page has pointed to one Led Zeppelin track as an example where his worst tendencies came through.
By the time Led Zeppelin was underway, Page was already confident in crafting some of the most primal rock sounds ever. After The Yardbirds faded away, he developed hard rock riffs that blended blues and darkness, like on the iconic ‘Whole Lotta Love.’
But Page wasn’t just about raw power; he was open to experimenting. By Led Zeppelin III, he was mixing folk influences with complex harmonies, as heard in songs like ‘That’s the Way’ and ‘Friends.’
When Zeppelin released their untitled fourth album, their sound had become finely tuned. Page laid down the foundation for ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ while the album also featured gems like ‘The Battle of Evermore.’
This track was unique—featuring the only guest vocalist ever on a Zeppelin record. Robert Plant and Sandy Denny played different characters in this mystical tale, with Page supporting them on acoustic guitar and mandolin. Though he grew fond of the song, Page never felt confident with fingerpicking on Zeppelin’s tracks.
Reflecting on his technique, Page said, “That’s fingerpicking again, going back to studio days and developing a certain amount of technique. At least enough to be adapted and used. My fingerpicking is sort of a cross between Pete Seeger, Earl Scruggs, and total incompetence.”
While Page might have been modest, his fingerpicking was far from incompetent. His slight imperfections add character, making the track feel like a fleeting story told amidst the epic narrative.
This rough-around-the-edges style was part of Page’s electric guitar playing too. Although the solo in ‘Heartbreaker’ is legendary, it’s also famously a bit sloppy, adding a raw, anarchic energy to his playing.
For all his technical mastery, ‘The Battle of Evermore’ showcases Page’s embrace of rock’s chaotic side. Great songs aren’t about perfection; they’re about the spirit and mojo behind them. And that’s where Page’s true genius lies.
