"Walk Away" by Black Sabbath: Guitar Lesson

Guitar Chords and Scales

Danny Gill takes us through "Walk Away" by Black Sabbath, an arresting piece that showcases a vivid palette of guitar techniques. In terms of chord progressions, the song incorporates fundamental open chords like A minor (Am) and E minor (Em), but also spices it up with some barre chords like F# minor (F#m) and B minor (Bm). The riff-based structure leans on the pentatonic minor scale, offering that bluesy underpinning that Black Sabbath is so well-known for.

The scale choice here primarily revolves around the A minor pentatonic scale. Whether you're jamming on the rhythm parts or tackling the lead, an understanding of this scale will get you far. The songs also utilise chromatic elements to add tension and drama, especially in the transitional parts between verses and the chorus.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Ah, the solo! It's a buffet of techniques and a real treat to deconstruct. The phrasing is very expressive, with strategic use of bends and vibrato to add emotional depth. The solo begins with a series of ascending and descending runs based on the A minor pentatonic, leading into a melodic climax that incorporates notes from the full A minor scale, offering a richer harmonic palette. This section leans into legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs, making it sing in a way only Black Sabbath can manage.

The latter part of the solo employs tapped harmonics, which adds another layer of complexity and a surreal, ethereal quality. You'll notice some sweep picking during the arpeggios, complementing the legato lines. Near the solo's end, there's a clever use of unison bends, creating a fuller, layered sound that really makes the guitar scream.

The Solo

The legendary Tony Iommi is the mastermind behind the intricate guitar work in "Walk Away." Iommi's style has always leaned toward a melodic approach, which he blends with raw power and technical prowess. His unique tonality is especially evident in this track, where he uses a combination of articulate picking and heavy palm-muting to bring out the different textures of the guitar. His solo work serves as the emotional centrrpiece, marrying technique and feel in a way that few guitarists can emulate.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Tapped Harmonics
5. Unison Bends
6. Sweep Picking
7. Barre Chords
8. Palm Muting
9. Power Chords
10. Pull-offs
11. Hammer-ons
12. Chord Progressions
13. Arpeggios
14. Chromaticism

In summary, "Walk Away" is an amalgamation of expert techniques, emotional articulation, and rock-solid riffing that showcases Black Sabbath's guitar artistry at its finest. Whether you are a beginner seeking inspiration or a seasoned player looking to analyse the intricacies, this song has much to offer.