Led Zeppelin - What Is And What Should Never Be - Solo - Guitar Lesson

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Led Zeppelin - What Is And What Should Never Be - Solo - Guitar Lesson

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Led Zeppelin Rock A minor
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What Is And What Should Never Be - Solo


"What Is And What Should Never Be" is a track by Led Zeppelin from their second studio album, Led Zeppelin II, released in October 1969 via Atlantic Records. The song contrasts soft, melodic verses with explosive, dynamic passages, and its solo section showcases Jimmy Page's expressive phrasing and control of dynamics. For electric guitarists, learning this solo offers insight into Page's ability to build tension and release through restrained yet impactful note choices.

  • Jimmy Page produced Led Zeppelin II, giving him full creative control over the guitar tones and arrangements heard throughout the record.
  • The solo demonstrates Page's dynamic range, shifting from delicate picking to aggressive bends within a compact musical space.
  • Led Zeppelin II was recorded across multiple studios in the UK and North America during early to mid 1969.
Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Jimmy Page's 1958 Telecaster (gifted by Jeff Beck) delivered the bright, spanky single-coil attack that defined Led Zeppelin I's raw, bluesy edge. Its snappy treble cut through the mix on early tracks before Page switched to the warmer Les Paul for the band's heavier sound.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Page's 1959 Les Paul Standard with PAF humbuckers became the sonic backbone of Led Zeppelin from 1969 onward, its warm mahogany body and dynamic unpotted pickups creating the sustain-rich, touch-sensitive tone heard on 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'Black Dog.'

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

While Page primarily used the Les Paul Standard, a Custom's thicker body and tonal characteristics would complement his dynamic playing style, offering similar warmth with potentially enhanced bottom-end punch for Zeppelin's heavier arrangements.

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)
Amp

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)

The Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi was Page's primary amplifier from Led Zeppelin II onward, cranked past 7 for natural power-tube saturation and natural breakup that responded dynamically to his pick attack and volume knob control.

Vox AC30
Amp

Vox AC30

Page deployed the Vox AC30 in the studio for cleaner, chiming tones and layering textures that added dimension to Led Zeppelin's arrangements, offering a vintage British tone that complemented the Marshall's aggression.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Page's Vox Cry Baby wah became iconic on 'Dazed and Confused,' its expressive sweep adding vocal-like character to his lead work throughout Led Zeppelin's catalog, integral to the band's psychedelic and blues-rock textures.