'Wishing Well' by Black Sabbath: Guitar Lesson

Introduction

"Wishing Well" by Black Sabbath, particularly in its guitar work, is a treatise on how to combine rock and roll tradition with the heavier, darker elements of metal. Tony Iommi, the lead guitarist, really shows his chops in this song, blending an assortment of techniques that are a must-study for any aspiring rock guitarist. This article aims to dissect the guitar components of the song, focusing on chords, scales, and of course, the solo. Lick Library tutor, Danny Gill, breaks down the song note for note.

Chords and Scales

The song primarily employs basic open and barre chords, largely centred around the E minor and G major scales. The chords form a rather straightforward progression, making use of E, A, D, and G for the most part. But don't let the seeming simplicity fool you; it's all about how these chords are played.

Tony Iommi colours these chords with variations and embellishments. For instance, during the verses, there's a certain heaviness to the strumming, but with the choruses, he opens up, letting the chords breathe, giving them a more expansive sound.

Lead Guitar and Solo

When you get to the solo, that's where things really get interesting. Tony Iommi utilises the E minor pentatonic scale as the backbone, throwing in some bluesy bends and fast runs to add flavour. He also explores the diatonic E minor scale to bring in some melodic elements.

The solo starts slow, making extensive use of vibrato to let each note ring and express emotion. As he picks up speed, you can hear alternate picking coming into play, which adds a rapid-fire element to the solo. He makes great use of trills and hammer-ons to embellish the rapid runs.

He also throws in some interesting rhythmic variations, syncopating his phrases to build tension. This keeps the solo fresh and unpredictable, taking you on a journey rather than just showing off technique.

Tony Iommi's Playing Style

Iommi is known for his riff-heavy approach, but in "Wishing Well," he shows a softer side. His playing is more melodic and incorporates a variety of techniques from legato to tapped harmonics. It’s a testament to his versatility, seamlessly incorporating different textures and dynamics within a single song. Tony Iommi's tone in this track is relatively cleaner compared to Black Sabbath's heavier tracks, possibly to allow the melodic elements to come through more strongly.

Technique Glossary

To fully appreciate the finesse and depth of Iommi's playing in "Wishing Well," here are the primary guitar techniques he employs:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Hammer-ons
• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions

Each of these techniques contributes to the song's complexity and depth, making it a rewarding piece to both listen to and play.

To summarise, "Wishing Well" showcases Tony Iommi's mastery over the guitar and is a great example for learning various techniques. The song incorporates a range of styles and approaches, blending them into a unified, compelling piece that's both musically and technically captivating. A must-study for any serious guitarist!