You may have heard about a few music stores that have banned people from playing certain guitar riffs anywhere near the area.
It's not like these songs are bad or anything, but it's more about the shoppers, who are likely beginner musicians, that come in and test out instruments.
"Stairway To Heaven" is one of the first songs newbies will flock to since it's pretty easy compared to other classics. This is more of an inside joke among guitar players and those who have worked in a guitar store.
This rock ballad by the legendary band Led Zeppelin was released in 1971. Composed by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant, this epic masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the history of music.
Spanning over eight minutes, the song takes listeners on a musical journey filled with haunting lyrics, intricate guitar solos, and powerful dynamic changes.
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Imagine how a beginner guitarist will sound when attempting to play Led Zeplin. It's not likely to sound that great to anyone, especially the people that work at the store.
Now imagine hearing a new beginner, day after day, sucking on the guitar. Not great! The poor folks working at the store may have started out as big fans of the hit, but they began to hate it more daily.
"Stairway to Heaven" is often considered an intermediate-level song on the guitar. While it may seem daunting at first due to its length and various sections, it can be learned with practice and dedication, but those who have learned it likely aren't showing it off.
As one of Led Zeppelin's most popular and iconic songs, it has received extensive airplay on radio stations around the world, as well as being played by countless musicians, both amateur and professional.
You may be wondering, "What if the song is played well or played in a recording? Does it count?" Now even though hearing the riff done well is much more pleasing than hearing an out-of-tune newbie, the song itself can get played out.
Too much of anything is bad for you, and it doesn't matter if it's the original recording or a talented local guitarist playing in the store. Music fans complained that it was played too much, even on the radio.
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A London guitar shop in the 1970s started this trend of banning certain songs, including "Stairway To Heaven", from being attempted by musician shoppers.
A couple of decades later, the trend really grew in popularity when the movie "Wayne's World" featured a clip where actor Mike Myers played an annoying shopper who gets "denied" for the attempt.
Most guitar shop workers at any store will have heard of this rule, but don't fear: it's not serious. Ultimately, if you're a potential customer looking to buy a guitar, they will let you play anything you want.
Sure, you may get an eye roll, but you will not get kicked out of the place or anything.
If you're looking to get on the employee's good side, though, for whatever reason, try to avoid it. Even mentioning it in a joke is better than actually playing it.
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"Stairway To Heaven" isn't the only song that guitar store workers are sick of hearing customers play. Any song that you can think of that was way too popular and had a really good guitar part, you can just add it to the list.
The more the song is known, the less they would want to hear it in the store. Other songs mentioned along with Led Zeplin's single include:
Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple
The Beatles - Blackbird
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
Iron Man - Black Sabbath
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Enter Sandman - Metallica
Wonderwall - Oasis
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Sweet Child O’ Mine - Guns N’ Roses
Back In Black - AC/DC
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
Don't want to annoy the workers at your local guitar shop? The first step is to realize that there's no need to try to impress people there.
Many beginners and pros try to go to a music store and play an instrument to show off in front of who they're with or strangers around them.
Instead of trying to make the experience something relatable, play something that is personal to you.
You can play chords and hum along to one of your own song creations or simply play through scales. You could even freestyle if you feel comfortable enough to do so!
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