War Pigs by Black Sabbath

"War Pigs" by Black Sabbath is one of the most iconic heavy metal tracks of all time, featuring powerful riffs, intricate solos, and dynamic playing by legendary guitarist Tony Iommi. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on "War Pigs" breaks down every aspect of this classic track, giving you the chance to master its techniques and truly understand the genius behind Iommi's playing. In this lesson, you’ll focus on a variety of guitar techniques, each vital for capturing the song's unique sound and feel. Not only will you learn the song in detail, but you'll also improve your overall guitar playing by mastering these essential techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Genius of Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi’s influence on heavy metal and rock guitar is immeasurable. As the lead guitarist for Black Sabbath, Iommi is credited with creating the blueprint for heavy metal guitar playing with his thick, distorted sound and dark, powerful riffs. Due to an industrial accident that resulted in the loss of his fingertips, Iommi adapted his playing style, lowering his guitar's tuning and developing innovative techniques that have since become staples of the genre.

In "War Pigs," Iommi demonstrates his mastery of riff creation, dynamic control, and expressive lead guitar playing. His ability to blend blues-based soloing with heavy metal aggression has inspired countless guitarists. This lesson is not just an opportunity to learn a legendary song, but also a chance to dive into the techniques that made Iommi one of the most influential guitarists in history.

Breaking Down the Techniques in "War Pigs"

Power Chords

The backbone of the heavy riffs in "War Pigs" is built on power chords. These simple, two-note chords are essential for creating a thick, heavy sound. By learning how Iommi uses power chords, you'll gain the ability to craft your own heavy riffs and apply them across a variety of rock and metal styles. Power chords allow for great versatility and are perfect for building both rhythm and lead sections.

String Bending

String bending is a key technique in Iommi’s playing, especially during the lead sections of "War Pigs." Whether bending up to a note or releasing from one, this technique adds an expressive, vocal-like quality to your playing. In the lesson, you’ll learn how to execute bends accurately and consistently, improving your control and intonation. Mastering string bending will allow you to add more emotion and personality to your solos.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

In the guitar solos, Iommi frequently uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fast, fluid runs. These legato techniques help you play smoother and faster passages without having to pick every note. By practicing these techniques in the "War Pigs" lesson, you’ll enhance your speed and dexterity, which are crucial for playing solos with finesse and fluidity.

Vibrato

Another key to Iommi's expressiveness is his use of vibrato. Vibrato involves varying the pitch of a note by subtly bending the string up and down. This technique can add sustain, emotion, and a singing quality to your notes. In our "War Pigs" lesson, we’ll show you how to control your vibrato to create different effects, whether you're going for a wide, aggressive vibrato or a more subtle and controlled one.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is essential for adding rhythmic clarity and precision to the heavier sections of "War Pigs." By muting the strings with the side of your picking hand, you can create a tight, percussive sound. This technique is crucial in metal and hard rock for adding punch and definition to riffs. Practicing palm muting will allow you to better control dynamics and texture in your playing, creating contrast between open ringing chords and muted, chugging rhythms.

Slides

Iommi frequently uses slides to transition between notes and add fluidity to his solos. Sliding into or out of a note can create a seamless connection between different phrases. Learning slides will help you add movement and grace to your playing, making your solos and riffs feel more connected and polished.

Alternate Picking

For faster riffs and solos, alternate picking is an indispensable technique. Iommi’s solos in "War Pigs" often feature rapid-fire alternate picking, which involves alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes with your pick. This technique allows for greater speed and accuracy when playing fast passages. Mastering alternate picking will improve your precision and timing, enabling you to tackle fast, complex runs with ease.

Why Learn "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath?

By learning "War Pigs," you'll not only master a classic song, but you'll also build a solid foundation of essential guitar techniques. The song covers a wide range of skills, from basic power chords to expressive string bending and intricate legato playing. Each technique learned in this lesson can be applied to your own playing, helping you improve as a guitarist overall.

Whether you're a fan of Black Sabbath or simply want to enhance your rock and metal guitar skills, this lesson offers a deep dive into one of the most influential songs in the genre. Plus, understanding Tony Iommi's approach to riff writing and soloing will open new creative possibilities for your own playing.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Here is a list of guitar techniques featured in our "War Pigs" lesson that will enhance your playing:

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

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you'll gain both technical skills and the ability to capture the heavy, iconic sound of Black Sabbath.