Jimmy Page used a variety of guitars and distinctive techniques in both studio recordings and live performances with Led Zeppelin. From the band’s second album (Led Zeppelin II) onwards, Page frequently played a Gibson Les Paul, which he purchased from Joe Walsh, paired with Marshall amplification. For studio recordings on Led Zeppelin III and Led Zeppelin IV, he used a Harmony Sovereign H-1260 acoustic guitar, which he also played on stage between March 5, 1971, and June 28, 1972. During the recording sessions for Led Zeppelin’s debut album and for the iconic guitar solo on “Stairway to Heaven”, Page used a Fender Telecaster, a gift from Jeff Beck. He also often played a Danelectro 3021, tuned to DADGAD, most notably for live performances of “Kashmir”.

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his innovative use of a diverse array of guitars and techniques that contributed to the band’s iconic sound. From their second album onward, Page became particularly associated with the Gibson Les Paul, an instrument he obtained from fellow guitarist Joe Walsh. Known for its thick, warm tone, the Les Paul complemented Page’s heavy riffs and emotive solos, and he often paired it with powerful Marshall amplifiers to achieve a massive sound both in the studio and during live performances.

On their third album, *Led Zeppelin III*, and the critically acclaimed *Led Zeppelin IV*, Page shifted gears by incorporating an acoustic guitar into his repertoire. He frequently used the Harmony Sovereign H-1260, an instrument that allowed him to explore a different sonic landscape. This acoustic guitar was also a staple in his live performances during a key period between March 5, 1971, and June 28, 1972. The Sovereign’s resonant sound was perfect for the band’s evolving musical style, adding depth and texture to songs that blended hard rock with folk influences.

One of the most notable pieces of equipment in Page’s arsenal was a Fender Telecaster, which he received as a gift from fellow guitar legend Jeff Beck. The Telecaster played a crucial role in the recording sessions for Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album and became the main guitar for the unforgettable guitar solo in “Stairway to Heaven.” Its bright, cutting tone contrasted beautifully with the more substantial sound of the Les Paul, allowing Page to layer textures in a way that became a defining hallmark of Led Zeppelin’s music.

Additionally, Page often brought the unique Danelectro 3021 into the mix, particularly using it in a DADGAD tuning—an open tuning that inspired an ethereal quality in his playing. This guitar was especially prominent during live performances of “Kashmir,” enhancing the song’s Middle-Eastern inspired motifs with its jangly, bell-like sound.

Through his strategic use of different guitars and tunings, Jimmy Page not only defined his own style but also shaped the sound of rock music in the 1970s. His versatility and experimentation with various instruments ensured that Led Zeppelin’s music remained fresh and innovative, securing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Whether on electric or acoustic, Page’s mastery of the guitar is evident in every note he played, making him an enduring influence on generations of musicians and fans alike.