Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath: A Guitarist's Perspective

Heaven and Hell, released in 1980, is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Black Sabbath, featuring Ronnie James Dio on vocals. This album found a different voice for Sabbath, and heralded a new age for hard rock. It also marked a significant turning point for the band, as it was the first without original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Lead guitarist Tony Iommi, the creative force behind Black Sabbath's unique sound, shines throughout the album, displaying his prowess as a guitarist.

From fast and sophisticated tracks such as Neon Knights and Die Young, to the subtleties of Lonely is the Word and Children of the Sea, Heaven and Hell is a true masterpiece of an album. This licklibrary guitar lesson course provides Iommi fans with a rare chance to learn the full depth of his guitar genius. In this guitar course, Danny Gill guides you through Tony Iommi’s jaw dropping guitar parts with guitar lessons that put you in the shoes of the godfather of metal himself.

Track by Track Analysis

1. Neon Knights

Starting the album with an up-tempo, riff-driven track, "Neon Knights" is a testament to Iommi's powerful guitar work. Featuring fast alternate picking, Iommi uses the E Aeolian mode, incorporating power chords and palm muting to create a punchy rhythm. The solo contains string bending, legato, and pinched harmonics, which adds to the song's intensity.

2. Children of the Sea

"Children of the Sea" showcases Iommi's dynamic range and compositional skills. The intro uses clean, finger-picked arpeggios in the key of D, with the verses dominated by barre chords. The solo in D Aeolian incorporates vibrato, slides, and double stops, providing an emotional contrast to the heavier parts of the song.

3. Lady Evil

"Lady Evil" features a catchy, syncopated riff, employing syncopated rhythms and galloping rhythms in the key of A. The solos are mainly based around A Dorian and A Aeolian, with the use of trills, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to create a fluid sound.

4. Heaven and Hell

The title track is a masterpiece that encompasses all aspects of Iommi's guitar prowess. With a heavy, chromatic main riff in C#, the song displays Iommi's ability to create tension through chromaticism. The solo, based on the C# Aeolian and Dorian modes, uses techniques such as sweep picking, octave melodies, and unison bends to create an unforgettable listening experience.

5. Wishing Well

"Wishing Well" features a lively, bluesy riff in G Major, highlighting Iommi's ability to incorporate elements of blues into his playing. The use of bluesy bends and double-stop bends during the solo adds a touch of soul to the track. Additionally, the song features arpeggiated chord progressions and hybrid picking in the verses.

6. Die Young

"Die Young" is an energetic track that showcases Iommi's ability to craft memorable riffs. The song starts with an ethereal arpeggiated intro using arpeggios and harmonics, quickly transitioning into a fast-paced, galloping rhythm in A minor. The solo section features tremolo picking and whammy bar tricks, creating an exciting and dynamic listening experience.

7. Walk Away

"Walk Away" is a straightforward rock song with an infectious groove. Iommi's guitar work on this track is more restrained, utilizing power chords and simple chord progressions in E minor. The solo, based on the E minor pentatonic scale, features hammer-ons, pull-offs, and tasteful vibrato, demonstrating Iommi's ability to adapt his playing to suit the song's style.

8. Lonely is the Word

The closing track, "Lonely is the Word," is a slow-burning, bluesy piece in B minor, highlighting Iommi's versatility as a guitarist. The song features finger-picking and Travis picking techniques, creating a more delicate sound. The solo, which employs the B minor pentatonic scale, showcases Iommi's emotional playing through string bending, vibrato, and sustain.

Tony Iommi: Lead Guitarist and Creative Force

Tony Iommi, a founding member of Black Sabbath, is a master of blending diverse influences into his unique guitar style. His innovative approach to heavy metal guitar playing, characterized by dark, heavy riffs and blues-inspired solos, is the driving force behind Black Sabbath's sound. On Heaven and Hell, Iommi's contributions are particularly noteworthy, as he adapts to the presence of Ronnie James Dio on vocals while maintaining the band's unmistakable identity.

Iommi's skillful use of a variety of guitar techniques allows him to create a diverse array of textures, moods, and atmospheres throughout Heaven and Hell. From driving, up-tempo rockers like "Neon Knights" to the brooding, introspective "Lonely is the Word," Iommi's playing is consistently engaging and impressive.

Overall, Heaven and Hell is an essential album for guitarists and heavy metal fans alike. Tony Iommi's virtuosic guitar work, combined with Dio's soaring vocals, makes it a standout entry in Black Sabbath's discography. By examining the techniques and musical choices used throughout the album, guitarists can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Iommi's contributions to the world of rock and heavy metal.

Final thoughts

In summary, Heaven and Hell is a landmark album for Black Sabbath, showcasing the band's new lineup and a revitalized sound that would go on to influence countless musicians. The album is a treasure trove for guitarists, offering an array of memorable riffs, powerful solos, and diverse techniques that have solidified Tony Iommi's status as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. Whether you're a fan of heavy metal, classic rock, or just great guitar playing, Heaven and Hell is an album you'll want to explore and appreciate.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE

Guitar Techniques Used in Heaven and Hell

Throughout the album, Iommi employs a variety of guitar techniques, including:

• Alternate picking
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Pinched harmonics
• Double-stop bends
• Unison bends
• Trills
• Tremolo picking
• Chord progressions
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Barre chords
• Sweep picking
• Finger-picking
• Hybrid picking
• Travis picking
• Sustain
• String bending
• Syncopated rhythms
• Galloping rhythms
• Bluesy bends
• Octave melodies
• Chromaticism

Click on any of the links to view more in depth information about these techniques, and to find more Licklibrary lessons to develop these skills.