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Tony’s Acoustic Challenge – The New Way to Learn Guitar Family Forums Play for Us! When The Levee Breaks (Memphis Minnie to Led Zeppelin)

  • When The Levee Breaks (Memphis Minnie to Led Zeppelin)

    Posted by Philb on January 26, 2026 at 12:43 pm

    The original recordings in the 1920’s were finger picking, country blues style, that is beyond my level. Muireann Bradley does a fantastic version of it, and has great vocals for it. It was popularized by LZ with a hard rock/blues style. This is based on that style. I took some ideas from different places on an acoustic version, and put this together. I thought about recording it several times more to avoid my imperfections, but thought, I would only mess up in some new way.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QlofQQY824

    Philb replied 1 month, 1 week ago 9 Members · 13 Replies
  • 13 Replies
  • petelanger

    Member
    January 26, 2026 at 5:04 pm

    What a blast @Philb , epic Led Zep song. I was a few weeks away from seeing Bonzo, Plant, Page and Jones (for the first time) in Montreal in October of 1980 when the unthinkable happened and John Bonham died. Tour cancelled! The Levee is one of my all time favorites, such an epic recording with those crashing drums through the stairwell! The crazy stuff bands did on those days to get effects.

    Nice job trying to get that rhythm there with those quick emphatic up down strokes, Bonzo style!

  • Philb

    Member
    January 28, 2026 at 11:56 am

    @petelanger Glad you enjoyed it. It does bring back memories of youthful days and the music that filled our lives. I should have had this down better before recording it, especially the harmonica part; but I winged it. Oh well!

  • MattTX_24

    Member
    January 28, 2026 at 1:52 pm

    Well done!!!

  • Philb

    Member
    January 29, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    MattTX_24 Thank you, very kind.

  • Braden

    Member
    February 6, 2026 at 6:25 pm

    Phil that was great! ….you nailed it brother! Such a good tune….the harpoon was awesome and great job on the guitar…hard to play both at the same time. Very inspiring, just loved it, thanks for posting and keep on rockin!

  • albert_d

    Member
    February 7, 2026 at 1:31 pm

    Well look at you! Having lots of fun mixing several different techniques together to make an old rock song work on that acoustic. And even got the harmonica involved. That was a very entertaining post. Thanks.

  • DennisW

    Member
    February 8, 2026 at 12:43 am

    There you are, playing the guitar AND harmonica AND singing at the same time! What a tough act to follow! Just kidding! Great job. You have obviously worked hard and it shows.

  • Philb

    Member
    February 9, 2026 at 6:51 pm

    @Braden @albert_d @DennisW

    Thank you all for listening and the kind words.

  • JTSchrock

    Member
    February 10, 2026 at 8:58 am

    Very Cool, fun tune! Love the harmonica! Thanks, Phil!

    Looks like you’ve got me trying a new instrument!

  • DiscostewLA

    Member
    February 10, 2026 at 9:19 am

    Great job Phil! Love the harmonica – putting all that together is no joke. Nice work – great to see (and hear) you!

  • Philb

    Member
    February 10, 2026 at 4:03 pm

    @JTSchrock @DiscostewLA

    Thanks for listening, and the gracious words. It’s been awhile DiscostewLA. I hope you are well.
    I should have had this down better (especially the harmonica), as I hurried it at the end on a spur of the moment whim. LOL
    A fun one!

  • jorgemac

    Member
    February 13, 2026 at 10:14 am

    What a great job, love it. Thanks for the Share.

  • Philb

    Member
    February 15, 2026 at 9:26 pm

    @jorgemac Thank you!

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