Solo Tone

Black Dog

Led Zeppelin

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Sunburst (likely 1959, possibly 1958 or 1960, but most sources say '59)

AmpNo amp used; guitar recorded direct into Helios console preamp, then through two Urei 1176LN compressors in series

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1971. For the solo (and all guitar parts), Jimmy Page plugged his Les Paul directly into the Helios console, driving the preamp and two 1176LN compressors for distortion. No amp or traditional pedals were used. Triple-tracked. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and bitingtight, compressed attacksaturated, harmonically richfull-frequency direct-in sounddry with no ambiencebright and articulateslightly nasal midrangefast transient responsesinging sustainno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced technique due to its fast pentatonic licks, syncopated timing, and the need for precise articulation to match the tight, aggressive tone. Triple-tracking in the studio adds to the challenge.

Sources

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (Remaster) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Black Dog Tone | Guitar Forum - The Gear Page Direct Recording Tips for Guitarists: No Amp Modelers - Premier Guitar How to get black dog guitar tone? - Reddit

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