Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones Explains Why You’re Playing That “Black Dog” Riff Wrong (And Why the Original Was Even Harder)

Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones Explains Why You’re Playing That “Black Dog” Riff Wrong (And Why the Original Was Even Harder)

July 20, 2025 – London, UK – In a recent interview that’s sending shockwaves through the rock community, Led Zeppelin bassist and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones shed light on one of the most iconic riffs in rock history — and revealed why most musicians have been playing it wrong for decades.

“Black Dog,” the ferocious opening track from Led Zeppelin’s 1971 masterpiece Led Zeppelin IV, is best known for its snarling guitar riff and unpredictable rhythm. But according to Jones, it’s far more complex than it seems — and most people miss the point entirely.

“People hear that riff and think it’s all about the notes, but it’s the phrasing that throws you,” Jones said. “It was deliberately written to be confusing, rhythmically. Jimmy [Page] plays in a different count than the drums, so the downbeats don’t line up where you expect them to. That’s why it sounds so unique — it’s not just a riff, it’s a rhythmic puzzle.”

Jones went on to explain that many guitarists simplify the rhythm, unintentionally stripping the riff of its original syncopation and tension. “You hear a lot of covers where everything is locked in perfectly — which completely misses the point. The beauty of the original is in how the riff floats over Bonham’s groove. It’s not supposed to be comfortable.”

What’s more, Jones revealed that the original version was even harder to play. “In early rehearsals, we had a version where the riff was more complex. But it just didn’t work live. So we simplified it — if you can believe that. And even then, it still ties people in knots.”

With Jones’ candid insight, musicians everywhere may find themselves re-evaluating their approach to one of Zeppelin’s most legendary tracks. As always, the devil is in the details — and in this case, the groove.