Why Stairway to Heaven and Another Brick in the Wall are Challenging to Play: An Analysis
Have you ever pondered over which guitar track from Led Zeppelin's iconic "Stairway to Heaven" is more challenging to play compared to Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)? While both songs present unique sets of difficulties, the real challenge often depends on what you already know and what you're trying to improve.
Individual Parts vs Overall Challenge
Neither song's individual parts are particularly challenging for an experienced guitarist. However, mastering the entirety of either piece can be quite rewarding for someone looking to progress from beginner to intermediate status. Essentially, the real difficulty lies in the overall complexity rather than individual segments.
Stairway to Heaven: A Comprehensive Challenge
Stairway to Heaven presents more overall challenge due to its complexity. It features various sections, including a solo acoustic guitar intro, an acoustic part that accompanies early verses, a clean twelve-string electric part, distorted rhythm guitars, and a final solo. This variety tests a guitarist's ability to manage different techniques at once.
Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2): Precision and Finesse
By contrast, Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) has a simpler rhythmic strumming pattern but requires precise timing. It features a clean distorted guitar, occasional lead guitar fills, and a choir-like ending. David Gilmour's playing is incredibly precise, clean, and accurate, with no extraneous noises or flaws discernible.
The Uniqueness of Jimmy Page and David Gilmour
The challenges posed by each song are different because Jimmy Page and David Gilmour are two highly distinctive rock guitarists. Your struggle will depend on what you can already do and what you can't. In general, the one you feel more similar to will be easier to imitate, while the one played by the guitarist least like you will present a greater challenge.
Solo Techniques: Compound Bends and Speed
Jimmy Page's solo in Stairway to Heaven is quicker and more intricate, requiring faster tempo and numerous notes with fewer spaces between them. This is compounded by the fact that the rhythm guitars and John Bonham's drums wrap around Page's guitar line, making it more challenging to achieve precise technique without losing the overall effect. On the other hand, David Gilmour's solo in Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) relies heavily on precision and finesse. Gilmour's technique is exemplified by his use of a compound bend, where a bent note moves through several distinct pitches, adding complexity to an already precise solo.
The Worth of Practicing Both Songs
Learning either song is worthwhile if it promotes your growth as a guitarist. While knowing a multitude of songs is commendable, learning a piece that's slightly beyond your current level can be an excellent endeavor. Focus on a particular aspect of each song—master the fingerstyle technique in the introduction of Stairway to Heaven, or improve your string bending with Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2). No matter which part you choose, dedication will enhance your skills in unique ways.
The Bottom Line
Both Stairway to Heaven and Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) offer different challenges to guitarists. The key is to identify the areas where you struggle the most and focus on those aspects. Whether you're drawn to the intricate legato lines of Stairway or the precise solos of Another Brick in the Wall, each song presents a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement.