Beyond DADGAD: Unpacking the “C.I.A. Tuning” Behind a Led Zeppelin Classic
We all know Jimmy Page was a guitar wizard, a sonic architect who built cathedrals of sound with his Les Paul. And while the mystical DADGAD tuning he employed on epics like “Kashmir” is widely celebrated, there’s another, perhaps less overtly discussed, tuning in his arsenal that speaks volumes about his eclectic influences: his self-proclaimed “C.I.A. tuning.”
So, what exactly is this “C.I.A.” all about? Well, according to a recent deep dive by Clash Magazine (and Page himself in a 1977 interview), this moniker wasn’t some Cold War secret, but rather a playful acronym for Celtic-Indian-Arabic. This gives us a huge clue as to the sonic textures and inspirations Page was aiming for with this particular setup.
The tuning in question? None other than DADGAD. Yes, the very same tuning that underpins the majesty of “Kashmir.” But the “C.I.A.” tag highlights the intent behind its use, revealing Page’s fascination with the modal drones of Indian music, the intricate melodies of Arabic scales, and the open, resonant qualities often found in Celtic folk traditions.
The Led Zeppelin classic most associated with this “C.I.A. tuning” is “White Summer”. Often melded live with “Black Mountain Side,” this instrumental piece is a showcase for Page’s virtuosic acoustic work. Its intricate fingerpicking and evocative melodies clearly draw from the folk guitar stylings of the era, particularly the work of Davy Graham, who himself was a pioneer of incorporating Eastern influences into his playing and was a key proponent of the DADGAD tuning.
Interestingly, as Clash Magazine points out, there’s a bit of a thorny history here. Graham reportedly wasn’t always thrilled with the unacknowledged connections between “White Summer” and his own arrangements, even greeting Page with a pointed “hello, Robert” at an awards ceremony years later.
Regardless of the historical nuances, the “C.I.A. tuning” – DADGAD – allowed Page to explore a different facet of his musicality. It provided a canvas for modal explorations, creating a drone-like foundation over which he could weave intricate and often hypnotic melodies. It’s a far cry from the blues-rock bombast that often defines Led Zeppelin, showcasing a more nuanced and globally-aware musical sensibility.
So, while “Kashmir” might be the first track that springs to mind when thinking of DADGAD and Led Zeppelin, let’s not forget “White Summer” and the “C.I.A.” inspiration behind it. It’s a testament to Jimmy Page’s adventurous spirit, his willingness to draw from diverse musical traditions, and his constant quest to push the boundaries of the electric and acoustic guitar. This “tuning” wasn’t just about the notes; it was about the journey, a sonic exploration that truly lived up to its Celtic-Indian-Arabic namesake.
