Relive 7 Led Zeppelin Basslines

From The Bass Deity

John Paul Jones was always content to blend in with the background during Led Zeppelin’s glory days. He was often overshadowed by his other bandmates but that didn’t mean he was lacking in the talent department. On the contrary, he’s often tagged as Led Zeppelin’s secret weapon since his basslines were an integral part of their music and sound.

In celebration of this rock titan, here are seven of Led Zeppelin’s best basslines.

7. Heartbreaker (Led Zeppelin II)

Led Zeppelin used to open their shows with this number. While it’s mostly notable for Jimmy Page’s guitar solo, the bass is just as unbelievably awesome.

6. The Wanton Song (Physical Graffiti)

It’s one of Robert Plant’s favorite tunes. He called it “so electric, so quick and so fruitful.”

5. Dazed and Confused (Led Zeppelin)

Originally by Jake Holmes, Led Zeppelin gave it a hard rock makeover.

4. Achilles Last Stand (Presence)

Another Led Zeppelin classic, it clocks it an over 10 minutes. Page revealed to Rolling Stone that “the whole of the arrangement” was done in only one evening.

3. Ramble On (Led Zeppelin II)

The lyrics reflect J. R. R. Tolkien’s influence on Robert Plant. It’s also one of their most enduring tracks.

2. The Lemon Song (Led Zeppelin II)

Drawing inspiration from Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor”, it’s so full of sexual references but most fans didn’t really care.

1. The Song Remains The Same (Houses of the Holy)

Page revealed to Guitar World, “It was originally going to be an instrumental – an overture that led into “The Rain Song”. But I guess Robert had different ideas.”