Lick Library Learn To Play Black Sabbath

Delve into the world of heavy metal pioneers, Black Sabbath, with our comprehensive "Learn to Play Black Sabbath" course, delivered by Danny Gill. Discover the guitar mastery of Tony Iommi and learn to play some of Black Sabbath's most iconic songs: Paranoid, War Pigs, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Iron Man, and Sweet Leaf. From the crushing power chords to the intricate solos, we break down each song to its essence, allowing you to understand the techniques and thought process behind each composition.

Paranoid
Paranoid is Black Sabbath’s most iconic track, mainly due to its irresistible lead guitar riff, which is a fantastic exploration of the minor pentatonic scale. It's straightforward yet incredibly effective. Tony Iommi's solo in the song also offers a great introduction to techniques like string bending and slides. Notably, it’s Iommi's use of vibrato that gives Paranoid its distinctive character, highlighting his ability to employ this technique for expressive effect.

War Pigs
War Pigs shows Iommi's mastery of riff-based songwriting, with its opening tritone forming one of the most identifiable sounds in heavy metal. The song’s guitar part also demonstrates the use of power chords and palm muting to create an impactful, rhythmic foundation. Meanwhile, Iommi's solo work on War Pigs provides a clinic in legato phrasing, combining hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, connected lines.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, the title track of their fifth album, showcases the band's development into more complex song structures and chord progressions. This song is a clear display of Iommi's diversity as a guitarist, with finger-picking, arpeggios, and syncopated rhythms all making appearances. The primary riff is an exercise in alternate picking and transitioning between open-string riffs and barred chords.

Iron Man
Iron Man offers another classic riff that’s both iconic and approachable for newer players. The use of slides and power chords in the main riff make this a fun song for practicing these techniques. Meanwhile, the solo section uses pentatonic minor scale patterns and provides an excellent study in string bending and vibrato.

Sweet Leaf
Sweet Leaf displays Iommi's ability to mix rhythm and lead parts seamlessly. The main riff is a perfect exercise in palm muting and syncopated rhythms, while the solo combines alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato to create a soulful, melodic exploration of the pentatonic minor scale.

Tony Iommi's contribution to Black Sabbath's sound cannot be overstated. Known as the "Riff Master," Iommi's playing defines the band's heavy, dark sound. His guitar work is deceptively intricate, blending blues influences with innovative techniques and unconventional tunings. This combination, along with his knack for memorable riffs, formed the foundation of the heavy metal genre. Iommi's playing is characterised by a strong sense of melody, excellent technical proficiency, and a distinctive, emotive vibrato, all of which we explore in this course.