"Die Young" by Black Sabbath: Guitar Lesson

Song Structure and Chords

"Die Young," a seminal track from Black Sabbath's 1980 album, "Heaven and Hell," is a monumental piece of guitar work that captures the essence of heavy metal and classic rock in a single composition. It begins with an eerie clean-tone intro that utilises an Am(add9) to Dsus2 progression, before launching into a heavier, distorted section driven by the almighty power chord. Lick Library tutor, Danny Gill, walks you though this classic track note for note.

The primary riff uses power chords rooted on the 5th and 6th strings, interlaced with fast palm-muted triplets. We see the quintessential Black Sabbath chords here: E5, G5, A5, and the darker-sounding diminished shapes. The chordal structure leans heavily on the minor scale tonality, hinting at E minor with occasional touches of the Phrygian mode for added darkness.

The Lead Guitar of Tony Iommi

The driving force behind this masterpiece is, of course, Tony Iommi, the godfather of heavy metal guitar. Known for his down-tuned and heavily distorted sound, Iommi's work on "Die Young" is a combination of impeccable timing, explosive power, and surgical precision.

Solo Analysis

The guitar solo is an entire lesson in phrasing and musicality. Iommi starts off with alternate picking across the E minor pentatonic scale, landing on the 2nd and b3rd intervals to heighten the tension. From there, he moves into sweep-picked arpeggios that beautifully outline the chords. There are also moments of melodic legato runs that transition seamlessly into tapped harmonics, adding a shimmering effect to the otherwise gritty soundscape.

The apex of the solo features a sequence of double-stop bends and unison bends, creating a cascading, choir-like effect that feels celestial yet roots itself in bluesy sensibilities. Pinched harmonics are peppered throughout, imbuing the solo with an otherworldly quality. Lastly, Iommi employs an expressive use of vibrato to add a human touch to the electrifying cadenza.

Guitar Techniques in "Die Young"

To capture the essence of "Die Young," there are several techniques you'll need to have in your toolkit:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions

Conclusion

"Die Young" encapsulates what Black Sabbath was all about during the Dio era. It's a song that offers something for every guitarist, whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned professional. From its ethereal introduction to its menacing riff and explosive solo, this song is a testament to Tony Iommi's enduring legacy and his immense contribution to the world of guitar. If you're looking to expand your guitar horizons while enjoying a masterpiece, "Die Young" is a perfect playground to explore.