Elmo Lewis Reveals Secrets of Jimmy Page’s Slide Guitar Mentor
as mentioned on various occasions, the genre that he struggled with was bottleneck slide guitar, which presented a unique challenge due to its distinctive sound and technique. Imagine being exposed to the wailing, eerie sounds emanating from an imported Elmore James record without the context of rock ‘n’ roll history to guide you. It would be a puzzling mystery to decipher how those haunting sounds were produced using a bottleneck or knife on the fretboard of a guitar. This unfamiliar style left Page intrigued and eager to explore further.
In his quest to master slide guitar, Page discovered a fellow British blues guitarist known as Elmo Lewis, who possessed the ability to replicate Elmore James’ songs with precision. Elmo Lewis, a stage name inspired by the legendary Elmore James, turned out to be none other than Brian Jones, who later gained fame with The Rolling Stones. Striking up a conversation with Lewis after witnessing his captivating performance, Page inquired about the tools required to play slide guitar. To his surprise, Lewis revealed that all he needed was an everyday brush used for car maintenance, highlighting the simplicity and ingenuity behind creating the distinctive slide guitar sounds.
This chance encounter with Elmo Lewis marked a pivotal moment in Jimmy Page’s musical journey. Equipped with this newfound knowledge and inspiration, he went on to incorporate slide guitar techniques into his iconic compositions, such as ‘In My Time of Dying,’ ‘You Shook Me,’ and ‘When the Levee Breaks.’ The influence of Elmo Lewis, or rather, Brian Jones, on Page’s evolving style cannot be understated, as it opened up a new realm of possibilities for the innovative guitarist.
While the true identity of Elmo Lewis may have remained a mystery for some time, the impact of his guidance and expertise on Jimmy Page’s musical development is undeniable. Through their shared passion for blues music and slide guitar, these two guitarists forged a connection that transcended genres and generations. As Jimmy Page continues to be celebrated as a guitar virtuoso and rock icon, the influence of his enigmatic mentor, Elmo Lewis, lives on in the soulful notes and electrifying riffs that define his legendary career.