Fairies Wear Boots – Black Sabbath

Introduction

"Fairies Wear Boots" by Black Sabbath is an iconic track that exemplifies the pioneering heavy metal sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Featuring the legendary guitar work of Tony Iommi, this song offers an incredible learning opportunity for guitarists looking to develop their skills and master essential rock and metal techniques. In our note-for-note guitar lesson, you'll dive deep into the riffs, solos, and dynamic passages of this timeless classic.

This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also focuses on a range of guitar techniques that are crucial to achieving the song's distinctive sound. Whether you’re an aspiring metalhead or a seasoned player looking to expand your repertoire, learning "Fairies Wear Boots" will elevate your playing and provide insights into Tony Iommi's influential style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind the Song: Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi, the guitarist for Black Sabbath, is often hailed as one of the most influential figures in rock and metal history. Known for his innovative riffs, seamless integration of melody and heaviness, and inventive use of guitar techniques, Iommi defined the sound of early heavy metal. His playing on "Fairies Wear Boots" showcases his ability to blend groove, technicality, and emotion, making this song a perfect study piece for any guitarist. Despite a significant injury to his fretting hand, Iommi developed a unique style that continues to inspire players around the world.

Techniques Covered in "Fairies Wear Boots"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of "Fairies Wear Boots." These simple yet effective chords create the song’s heavy and driving rhythm. Learning power chords improves your fretting hand strength and teaches you how to build rhythm guitar parts with clarity and precision.

Palm Muting

The main riff employs palm muting to create a tight, percussive sound. Mastering palm muting enhances your ability to control dynamics and adds a professional polish to your rhythm playing.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

The solo sections are filled with expressive string bending and bluesy bends, showcasing Iommi’s blues-inspired roots. These techniques allow you to add emotion and individuality to your playing while improving pitch control and finger strength.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The lead lines also incorporate smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs, which contribute to the song’s fluid melodic phrasing. These techniques enhance your legato playing and improve speed and efficiency.

Vibrato

Tony Iommi’s tasteful vibrato adds depth and sustain to his notes, giving them a singing quality. Developing a controlled vibrato will make your playing more expressive and professional.

Slides

Sliding between notes and chords adds a vocal-like quality to Iommi's phrasing. Practicing slides refines your transitions and helps create smoother connections between notes.

Alternate Picking

Fast alternate picking passages in the song’s solos demand precision and speed. Working on alternate picking builds coordination between your picking and fretting hands.

Chromaticism

The riffs and solos often use chromatic runs, adding tension and a unique character to the melody. Learning chromaticism enhances your ability to navigate the fretboard and adds variety to your solos.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each of the techniques found in "Fairies Wear Boots" offers specific benefits to your guitar playing:

• Power chords: Foundational for rock and metal rhythm playing.
• Palm muting: Enhances dynamic control and articulation.
• String bending and bluesy bends: Improves expression and pitch accuracy.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs: Boosts speed and legato phrasing.
• Vibrato: Adds emotional depth and sustain.
• Slides: Enhances fluidity in your lead lines.
• Alternate picking: Builds speed and precision.
• Chromaticism: Expands your melodic vocabulary.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Fairies Wear Boots" authentically but also apply these skills to countless other songs and styles.

Guitar Techniques List

Here is a list of the guitar techniques covered in our "Fairies Wear Boots" lesson, with links for further learning:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Chromaticism

Mastering "Fairies Wear Boots" is not just about learning a song—it’s about building a toolkit of techniques that will serve you across all genres of guitar playing. Dive into this detailed lesson and take your skills to the next level!