We all have guitar heroes. Musicians who inspire us to pick up the instrument, crank up the volume, and air guitar until our fingers cramp. But what do these guitar gods themselves think of their peers?
Recently, a curious video surfaced online featuring none other than Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist behind Led Zeppelin. In the clip dated November 2016, Page listens to a series of short guitar excerpts and delivers his verdict, grading each one out of 10.
While the video cuts short, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Page’s musical mind, letting us hear his thoughts on the playing styles of greats like Muddy Waters and even a surprise Yardbirds connection.
“Rollin’ Stone” by Muddy Waters
The video wasted no time throwing down a heavyweight for Page’s critique. The opening riff of Muddy Waters’ electrifying “Rollin’ Stone” crackled through the speakers. Released in 1950, this stripped-down blues scorcher is a cornerstone of Chicago blues.
Muddy’s vocals growl with raw emotion over a hypnotic groove laid down by his own electric guitar. The song’s influence stretches far and wide, inspiring countless artists including the band who famously adopted its title, The Rolling Stones.
With a quick “ten” and a nod to “who it is,” Page instantly revealed his deep respect for Muddy Waters’ pioneering impact and the song’s enduring power.
“Smile on Me” by The Yardbirds (Jimmy Page on guitar)
The unexpected twist came with the second clip. Instead of another blues legend, the grainy speakers delivered a familiar riff – Jimmy Page’s own handiwork from The Yardbirds’ psychedelic masterpiece, “Smile on Me”.
Released in 1967, this track showcased a pivotal shift in the band’s sound, incorporating Eastern influences and distorted guitars that hinted at the sonic explorations Page would later unleash with Led Zeppelin.
A sly grin spread across Page’s face as he declared an “eleven” for the clip, a playful jab at the subjective nature of his grading system. This lighthearted moment offered a glimpse into Page’s self-awareness and his continued appreciation for his early work with The Yardbirds, a band that proved to be a breeding ground for the musical titan he would become.
“Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan (Elliott Randall on guitar)
The final test for Page’s ears arrived with the smooth sounds of Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ in the Years”. Released in 1972, this jazz-rock masterpiece isn’t necessarily known for its blistering guitar solos.
However, the featured player, Elliott Randall, takes center stage midway through the song with a short but scorching display of technical proficiency and melodic invention. Page, clearly enjoying the unexpected turn, acknowledged his familiarity with the song (“Oh, I know a bit”) before diving into his appreciation.
His final verdict, a playful “twelve”, went beyond mere technical prowess. It seemed Page recognized the tasteful execution and the way Randall’s solo perfectly complemented the song’s sophisticated vibe.