"Lady Evil" by Black Sabbath: Guitar Lesson

The song "Lady Evil" is an iconic gem from Black Sabbath's 1980 album, "Heaven and Hell," which was the first album featuring Ronnie James Dio as the vocalist. This track showcases Tony Iommi's innovative guitar work that straddles between classic rock and heavy metal. The sound is distinctly 'Sabbath' but also gives glimpses of the changing musical landscape of that era. Lick Library veteran tutor, Danny Gill, takes you through the track.

Chords and Scales

The song is in the key of A minor and kicks off with a syncopated riff rooted in the A minor pentatonic scale. The main chords used in the intro and verse are A5, G5, and F5, which are power chords—a staple in the hard rock genre. These are peppered with melodic fills that use notes from the A minor scale.

During the chorus, Tony Iommi switches to a more complex chord structure, including chords like Dm and C/G. These add a darker and richer harmonic palette, complementing the song's lyrics and overall mood.

Solo Analysis

When we hit the guitar solo, it's like opening a treasure trove of techniques and stylistic choices that epitomise Tony Iommi's guitar work. The solo is built around the A minor pentatonic scale with occasional ventures into the A Dorian mode, particularly when he adds the natural B and F#. His soloing is filled with fast alternate picking sequences, expressive string bends, and tasteful vibrato that breathes life into each note.

The solo begins with a soaring string-bent note, giving it an immediate emotional impact. It's followed by a descending pentatonic sequence, rich with pinch harmonics that add a 'screaming' quality. Iommi then effortlessly switches to some double-stop bends, enriching the soundscape before ending the solo with a rapid alternate-picked lick that dives back into the main riff of the song.

Lead Guitarist: Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi, the lead guitarist of Black Sabbath, is a living legend who has shaped the landscape of heavy metal and hard rock guitar playing. He's known for his monstrous riffs, soul-penetrating solos, and an innovative approach to guitar tones. In "Lady Evil," Iommi employs a Gibson SG, likely strung with light-gauge strings tuned down a half-step, as was his custom, to achieve that thick, heavy sound. His amplifier settings are characterised by mid-to-high gain levels with scooped mids and a focus on the low-end frequencies, lending an earthy and robust quality to the guitar tone.

List of Techniques Used in "Lady Evil"

Here are some guitar techniques prominently used in "Lady Evil." You can click on each term for a detailed explanation:

• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Vibrato
• Pinch Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions

Studying "Lady Evil" can be an enriching experience for any guitarist, as it encapsulates a variety of techniques and sonic textures that are central to hard rock and metal genres. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, diving deep into this song will not only expand your technical vocabulary but also give you insights into the creative genius of Tony Iommi.