Snowblind by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath's "Snowblind" is a masterclass in heavy rock guitar, offering a range of techniques that highlight the power and finesse of 1970s metal. This iconic track, a standout from the Vol. 4 album, showcases Tony Iommi's innovative playing style and his ability to craft riffs that are both heavy and melodic. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve created a comprehensive guitar lesson that breaks down "Snowblind" note for note, teaching you the nuances and techniques that make this song a timeless classic. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitarist: Tony Iommi's Influence
Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, is often hailed as one of the founding fathers of heavy metal. Known for his groundbreaking use of down-tuned guitars and dark, brooding riffs, Iommi's style revolutionised rock music. His playing on "Snowblind" combines a raw, powerful riff foundation with intricate melodic flourishes. Despite a physical injury that led to the loss of fingertips on his fretting hand, Iommi developed a unique style characterised by inventive chord voicings and smooth legato phrasing. Learning "Snowblind" not only gives you insight into Iommi's genius but also offers techniques that can elevate your own playing.
Techniques Covered in the "Snowblind" Lesson
Power Chords and Chord Progressions
"Snowblind" relies heavily on power chords to drive its crushingly heavy rhythm. Mastering these chords teaches you how to create impactful, dynamic foundations for your playing. Understanding the chord progressions in the song also improves your ability to craft cohesive musical ideas.
Palm Muting
The track's tight, aggressive riffing is made possible by effective palm muting. This technique adds percussive clarity to your playing, allowing riffs to sound precise and powerful. It’s an essential skill for any guitarist looking to play heavy or metal music.
String Bending and Bluesy Bends
Tony Iommi's leads in "Snowblind" feature expressive string bends, including bluesy bends that add an emotional edge to the solos. Practicing these bends improves your control and helps you develop a singing quality in your lead playing.
Legato Techniques (Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs)
Iommi’s solos often utilise fluid legato phrases, including hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques enhance your ability to play fast, smooth lines while minimising picking effort.
Slides
Throughout "Snowblind," slides are used to transition smoothly between notes and create a fluid melodic effect. Learning slides improves your fretboard navigation and adds flair to your phrasing.
Vibrato
Iommi’s vibrato technique is a hallmark of his expressive playing style. By mastering vibrato, you can add sustain and emotion to your notes, giving your solos a more personal touch.
Syncopated Rhythms
The song features rhythmically complex sections that rely on syncopation to create tension and release. Learning these rhythms sharpens your timing and improves your ability to play with a band or backing track.
Open-String Riffs
The iconic riffs of "Snowblind" incorporate open strings, which contribute to the song's resonance and power. Practicing these riffs enhances your ability to integrate open strings into your own compositions.
Chromaticism
Some of the riffs in "Snowblind" include chromatic runs, adding a unique, dissonant character to the track. Learning chromaticism broadens your understanding of unconventional note choices and how they can be used to create tension in music.
Why Learn "Snowblind"?
By learning "Snowblind," you’ll not only master one of Black Sabbath's most iconic tracks but also enhance your overall guitar skills. Each technique covered in this lesson offers practical benefits for your playing, from improving technical precision to expanding your musical vocabulary. Whether you're a fan of heavy metal or just looking to challenge yourself, "Snowblind" is a rewarding piece to study.
Guitar Techniques Used in "Snowblind" Lessons
Here’s a list of the guitar techniques featured in the "Snowblind" lessons with links to explore them further:
Dive into our lesson on "Snowblind" to explore these techniques and take your playing to the next level!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...