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Jimmy Page Tuning Guide — Tunings Explained

Jimmy Page caricature

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his innovative approach to guitar playing. One of the key aspects of his distinctive sound is his use of various guitar tunings. Page’s experimentation with alternate tunings has allowed him to create unique chord voicings, intricate riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes that have become integral to Led Zeppelin’s music. In this Jimmy Page tuning guide, we explore the different guitar tunings Jimmy Page has used throughout his illustrious career.

Songs By Different Tunings Used by Jimmy Page

DADGAD Tuning

  • White Summer/Black Mountain Side: DADGAD
  • Kashmir: DADGAD
  • Midnight Moonlight: DADGAD
  • No Quarter (Unledded Album): DADGAD

Standard Tuning

  • Moby Dick: DADGBE
  • Ten Years Gone: DADGBE

Open G Tuning

  • That’s The Way: DGDGBD
  • Bron-Y-Aur Stomp: DGDGBD
  • Dancing Days (live): DGDGBD
  • In My Time Of Dying (live): DGDGBD
  • Travelling Riverside Blues: DGDGBD
  • Black Country Woman: DGDGBD
  • Going to California: DADGBD

Open A Tuning

  • In My Time Of Dying (studio): EAEAC#E
  • City Don’t Cry: EAEAC#E

Open C Tuning

  • Friends: CACGCE
  • Bron-Yr-Aur: CACGCE
  • Poor Tom: CACGCE

Open F Tuning

  • Jennings Farm Blues: EFCFAE

Double Neck Tunings

  • Wonderful One
    • 6 string: F#F#C#F#C#F# (GGDGDG)
    • 12 string: Standard tuning capo 1

Alternate and Unique Tunings

  • Hat’s Off: CGCGCE (or CGCEGC)
  • Rain Song (studio): DGCGCD
  • Rain Song (live): EADADE
  • Wah Wah: AEAEEA
  • When the Levee Breaks: CFCFAC (open G, down a tone)

The Inspiration Behind All the Tunings by Jimmy Page

The inspiration behind these tunings often comes from a blend of traditional folk influences and experimental creativity. Let’s delve into the origins and inspirations behind some of these unique tunings.

I found the following information on Reddit, here’s the source of the original discussion on tunings that Page used.

A-A-A-E-G-C# Tuning

This tuning appears to be an original creation by Jimmy Page. It’s a variation of open A tuning, likely developed through his experimentation and creative process.

D-A-D-G-A-D Tuning

This tuning gained popularity in British coffee house folk music, thanks to its creator Davey Graham, who picked it up during his travels in Morocco. Jimmy Page adopted this tuning, adding his own flair to create iconic tracks like “Kashmir.”

C-A-C-G-C-E Tuning

Inspired by John Fahey, an acoustic folk musician whom Page admired, this tuning was Fahey’s interpretation of Mississippi John Hurt’s different open tuning style. Page’s use of C-A-C-G-C-E is a nod to Fahey’s influence.

D-A-D-G-B-D Tuning

Known as Double Drop D tuning, this configuration gained traction through The Doors’ “The End” and Neil Young’s folk music. Page’s adaptation of this tuning added a unique dimension to Led Zeppelin’s repertoire.

C-G-C-E-G-C Tuning

Another open C tuning, this one was influenced by Roy Harper. Harper’s experimental approach to tunings resonated with Page, who incorporated it into his own playing style.

E-A-E-A-C#-E Tuning

This is a standard open A tuning. By tuning the guitar to an open A chord, musicians can play the chord without fretting. This simple yet effective tuning allowed Page to create resonant, powerful sounds.

D-A-D-G-B-E Tuning

Also known as Drop D tuning, this bluesy configuration was popularized by Mississippi John Hurt, later adopted by The Beatles, and subsequently by Page. In the ’80s and ’90s, bands like Soundgarden revived this tuning, paying homage to Page’s influence.

D-G-C-G-C-D Tuning

This tuning came from Martin Carthy, a highly influential English folk musician. Page likely picked it up around the time of recording “The Rain Song,” adding another layer to his diverse tuning repertoire.

D-G-D-G-B-D Tuning

Known as open G tuning, this configuration is akin to banjo tuning with an added D. Charley Patton, the father of Delta blues, used this tuning, which Page incorporated into his own playing.

Conclusion

Jimmy Page’s innovative approach to guitar tunings has been a cornerstone of Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking sound. By exploring and adopting various tunings, Page unlocked a world of sonic possibilities that contributed to the band’s unique and enduring music. From the exotic sounds of DADGAD and the folk-inspired CACGCE to the bluesy depths of open G and the experimental open A variations, each tuning added a new dimension to Page’s guitar work. 

His willingness to experiment and draw inspiration from diverse musical traditions has left an indelible mark on rock history. Whether you are a guitarist seeking to expand your repertoire or a music enthusiast eager to understand the magic behind the music, delving into the tunings of Jimmy Page offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and innovation of one of rock’s greatest guitarists.

If you’re looking for a quick way to change your tuning, check out my ultimate guitar tuner guide.