Classic Albums – Black Sabbath Vol 4

Volume 4 by Black Sabbath: A Guitarist’s Exploration
The fourth studio release by English heavy metal pioneers, Black Sabbath. Vol. 4 sees Black Sabbath at their most musically varied, pushing to experiment with the heavy sound they had become known for and once again creating a classic album in the process.
“Volume 4” by Black Sabbath, released in 1972, marked a significant moment in the band’s career, with a sound evolving from their early heavy metal into a more diverse and experimental phase. Tony Iommi, the band’s lead guitarist, played a crucial role in this transformation, demonstrating a wide variety of techniques, scales, and sonic palettes. Below, we’ll delve into each song, exploring the guitar work and providing a detailed analysis.
In this course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Tony Iommi’s legendary guitar riffs and lead lines from the tracks; “Snowblind” and “Wheels Of Confusion”, to the iconic “Changes“.

Guitar Lessons in this Course
• Wheels Of Confusion
• Tomorrow’s Dream
• Changes
• Supernaut
• Snowblind
• Cornucopia
• Laguna Sunrise
• St. Vitus’s Dance
• Under The Sun

Guitar Lesson 1: “Wheels of Confusion”
In this opening track, Iommi explores the Pentatonic Minor scale, particularly in E. He uses alternate picking and palm muting to add dynamics. The solo is characterized by string bending and heavy use of vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 2: “Tomorrow’s Dream”
This track features the use of power chords and pentatonic riffing in A. During the solo, Iommi uses double stops and bluesy bends, crafting a solo that’s both melodic and intense.

Guitar Lesson 3: “Changes”
An outlier on the album, “Changes” is a ballad featuring piano and mellotron. Iommi’s guitar work is subtle here, utilizing open-string riffs and arpeggiated chord progressions that complement the melancholy lyrics.

Guitar Lesson 4: “FX”
An experimental instrumental, “FX” showcases Iommi’s creative use of effects, including sustain and harmonics. The guitar textures add to the eerie atmosphere of this track.

Guitar Lesson 5: “Supernaut”
One of the standout tracks, “Supernaut” uses power chords and galloping rhythms. The solo section features legato runs, tapped harmonics, and a mix of blues and pentatonic scales.

Guitar Lesson 6: “Snowblind”
A classic heavy riff opens “Snowblind,” utilizing palm muting and the pentatonic scale in C#. The solos offer string bending, slides, and the use of both the Natural Minor and Blues scales.

Guitar Lesson 7: “Cornucopia”
With a powerful riff-driven structure, “Cornucopia” demonstrates a blend of syncopated rhythms and slides. The solo section adds variety with techniques like pick slides and chromaticism.

Guitar Lesson 8: “Laguna Sunrise”
This acoustic piece features finger-picking and open-string riffs. Iommi’s use of the Major scale provides a tranquil and melodic feel, standing out from the rest of the album.

Guitar Lesson 9: “St. Vitus Dance”
With upbeat riffs, “St. Vitus Dance” includes intricate chord progressions and slides. The solo combines techniques like pull-offs and unison bends, demonstrating Iommi’s technical prowess.

Guitar Lesson 10: “Under the Sun”
Closing the album, “Under the Sun” uses the Mixolydian mode and a combination of power chords and octave melodies. The solo employs rapid alternate picking and legato runs.

Tony Iommi’s Contribution
Iommi’s contribution to “Volume 4” cannot be overstated. His guitar work is versatile, displaying a mastery of scales and a willingness to explore new sonic territories. From heavy riffs to melodic solos, Iommi’s influence on the genre of heavy metal is well showcased on this album.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Gallop Rhythms
• Chromaticism
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Open-String Riffs
• Pull-offs
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Finger-picking

“Volume 4” remains an influential and vital part of rock history. Iommi’s unique approach and innovative techniques have inspired countless guitarists, and this album is a valuable study for anyone interested in the evolution of heavy metal guitar playing.