This was probably the tune that made it ok for me to like (and eventually love) Led Zeppelin. As a teen bluegrass banjo player whose rock interests didn’t go beyond The Beatles Revolver chronologically, a British folk tune played in a rock context with bad-ass guitar, mandolin, and banjo was incredible.
This arrangement includes the guitar arranged for mandolin, the mandolin part, and a non-note for note (though close) banjo part.
Tablature is available at patreon.com/JimRichter
Working on “Gallows Pole”
The arrangement brings together the guitar part adapted for mandolin, the mandolin part, and a close but not note-for-note banjo part. It’s a chance to explore how the different instrumental parts fit into the same tune.
Before you start: You’ll get more out of the arrangement if you can read tablature, keep a steady pulse, and work through a passage a few notes at a time.
Practice approach
- Listen to Led Zeppelin’s recording and notice the different roles of the guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
- Choose one part and work on a short passage slowly. Keep the rhythm steady before increasing the speed.
- Join two short passages, paying extra attention to the transition. Then compare the same section in another part of the arrangement.
For more Zeppelin on mandolin, try “Going to California” or “Ten Years Gone”. Browse the mandolin lessons page for more blues and rock material.
