The Birth of a New Sound
The 1970s were a transformative time for music, marked by a radical shift away from the soft-rock and folk of the 1960s and towards a harder, grittier sound. This change was characterized by the rise of guitar-driven rock and the emergence of a new generation of axe-wielding heroes who redefined the role of the guitarist.
Among the most influential of these guitar gods were Jimmy Page, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and Jeff Beck, all of whom made significant contributions to the evolution of rock music in the 1970s. Page, of course, is famous for his work with Led Zeppelin, and his innovative use of reverse playback, phasing, and orchestration helped to create a distinctive sonic texture that influenced countless other rock guitarists.
Davy Jones’ Locker: The Death of Pop-Rock
Prior to the 1970s, guitar-driven rock was largely synonymous with the British Invasion of the 1960s and the subsequent rise of flower-powered folk-rock. However, as the 1970s dawned, pop-rock began to lose its commercial relevance, and the guitar began to take center stage.
The passing of George Harrison in 1968 signified the end of an era for melodic pop-rock, paving the way for a new generation of guitar-driven groups to take the reins. Emerging acts like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple filled this void, bringing with them a rougher, more aggressive sound.
The Rise of the Riff
Gone were the days of gentle jangling and strumming; in came the mighty riff, that guttural, percussive element that defined the sound of heavy metal and hard rock. This seismic shift was largely driven by the influential work of guitarists like Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), and Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), each of whom pushed the boundaries of their respective styles.
Page, for one, was instrumental in codifying the “riff” as an essential component of rock music, beginning with the iconic opening bars of “Whole Lotta Love.” Later, Iommi revolutionized the sound of heavy metal with Black Sabbath’s crushing, down-tuned riffs, while Blackmore and Deep Purple conjured the operatic, symphonic, and downright bombastic through their use of dual lead guitar textures.
The Art of Virtuosity
While these acts were busy redefining the sound of rock, other guitar greats were pushing the limits of musical virtuosity. David Bowie, for instance, was always prepared to take risks, from the atmospheric, ambient soundscapes of “Space Oddity” to the staccato, percussive fury of “Jean Genie” and “Rebel Rebel”.
Eric Clapton, once a blues purist with The Yardbirds and Cream, similarly branched out into the psychedelic realm with Blind Faith, later marrying rock and pop sensibilities with his solo work, culminating in the iconic “Layla,” co-written with Duane Allman.
British Invasion Reborn
As the 1970s approached, British rock began to reassert itself, with acts like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned giving new life to the punk movement. Of course, the most significant player in this scene was David Bowie, his chameleon-like career serving as a bridge between the rock revival and the punk explosion.
This revival also saw the emergence of guitarist Nick Drake, whose introspective, ornate playing style seemed light-years removed from the rowdier, more aggressive tendencies that defined the punk era.
Conclusion
In retrospect, the 1970s guitar gods of rock were a product of seismic cultural shifts, technological advancements, and a collective desire to break the bonds of convention. These innovative talents redefined the role of the guitar within rock music, pushing boundaries in terms of tone, technique, and approach.
From the iconic riffs to soaring solos, the guitar became more than just an accompanist – it became the driving force behind countless classic rock anthems, with no fewer than five legends, Jimmy Page, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and Jeff Beck, making indelible marks upon the decade.
FAQs:
Q: Who are some key guitarists from the 1970s you should know?
A: Jimmy Page, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and Jeff Beck stand out as some of the most influential of the era.
Q: How did guitar-driven rock evolve in the 1970s?
A: The rise of rock and the decline of pop-rock paved the way for a harder, grittier sound, with guitar-centric acts like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple leading the charge.
Q: What was the significance of the riff in 1970s rock?
A: Riffs became a defining characteristic of the era, with guitarists pushing the boundaries of tone and texture.
Q: How did virtuosity in 1970s rock manifest itself in terms of guitar playing?
A: By taking risks, experimenting with technique, and pushing the limits of their creative expression, guitarists like Bowie and Clapton helped redefine the sound and look of rock music.
Q: Can one guitarist be credited as the face of 1970s rock?
A: While it’s difficult to identify one guitarist as the sole “face” of 1970s rock, Jimmy Page’s innovative playing, experimentation, and showmanship, set the tone for the decade in many ways.
