Learn to Play Black Sabbath

Guitar Lesson Course Overview
For many rock enthusiasts, Black Sabbath stands as a monumental pillar in the history of heavy metal. This iconic band, birthed in the late 60s in Birmingham, England, brought about a new wave of rock music that remains influential even today. At the heart of this seismic musical shift was their lead guitarist, Tony Iommi. His unique approach to the guitar, combined with powerful riffs, innovative techniques, and unforgettable solos, established Black Sabbath’s distinct sound.

In “Learn To Play Black Sabbath”, Licklibrary offers note-for-note guitar lessons featuring Danny Gill, for some of the band’s most celebrated songs. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced player, this guide promises to elevate your guitar skills to the next level.

Tracks Include
• Paranoid
• War Pigs
• Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
• Iron Man
• Sweet Leaf

Paranoid
A song that was reportedly written in just 20 minutes, “Paranoid” became one of Black Sabbath’s most famous tracks. It’s a fast-paced song with a straightforward chord progression, making it accessible for beginners. The solos are based on the minor pentatonic scale, with Iommi employing pull-offs, hammer-ons, and quick alternate picking.

War Pigs
“War Pigs” is a commentary on war and its devastating effects. Musically, it combines slow, brooding sections with fast-paced, aggressive passages. Iommi uses the Dorian mode, giving the song its dark sound. The guitar solos are filled with rapid alternate picking, slides, and trills. The song also features syncopated rhythms that lend it a distinct groove.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
One of the more complex Black Sabbath songs, “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” displays Iommi’s ability to craft intricate chord progressions. Throughout the song, he moves between heavy power chords and melodic arpeggios. The solos are a blend of minor scales and chromaticism, making it a great track for those looking to challenge their fretboard knowledge and technique.

Iron Man
Perhaps one of the most iconic riffs in rock history, “Iron Man” is instantly recognizable from its opening notes. The song is built on power chords and pentatonic scales, but it’s Iommi’s use of palm muting and slides that give it its character. The solo is a blend of the minor pentatonic and blues scales, and features some of Iommi’s signature string bending techniques.

Sweet Leaf
Starting with a cough and transitioning into one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history, “Sweet Leaf” pays homage to marijuana. Iommi’s riff-making ability shines through in this track. The song is mostly based on power chords and pentatonic scales, with a heavy emphasis on downstroke strumming. The solo section uses the minor pentatonic scale, and Iommi’s use of vibrato adds emotion to his phrases.

Tony Iommi – The Mastermind Behind The Strings
Tony Iommi’s contribution to rock music, especially within Black Sabbath, cannot be overstated. Losing the tips of two of his fingers in an accident could have ended his guitar-playing dreams. Instead, Iommi adapted by crafting homemade thimbles and detuning his guitar, giving birth to the heavy, doomy sound Black Sabbath is known for. His solos, riffs, and guitar techniques have been studied and emulated by countless guitarists worldwide. This course pays tribute to his genius by dissecting his iconic songs and solos, allowing guitarists to step into the shoes of this legendary player.

Essential Techniques In These Lessons
Vibrato / Alternate Picking / Legato / Power Chords / Palm Muting / Slides / Chord Progressions / Arpeggios / Trills / String Bending / Hammer-ons / Pull-offs / Syncopated Rhythms / Chromaticism

By understanding and mastering these techniques, you’ll be on your way to capturing the essence of Black Sabbath’s sound, and adding a new dimension to your own guitar playing. So, plug in, tune up, and let the riffs of Black Sabbath guide your journey!