Flying High Again by Ozzy Osbourne

"Flying High Again," one of Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic tracks, is a masterclass in rock guitar excellence. This guitar lesson dives into the song’s complex and energetic structure, offering an in-depth exploration of the techniques that make it a standout in Ozzy’s discography. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson brings you step-by-step through every riff, lick, and solo, helping you master the song with accuracy. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist Behind "Flying High Again"

The guitar work on "Flying High Again" is the genius of Randy Rhoads, whose revolutionary approach to rock guitar playing continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Rhoads blended classical influences with hard rock, creating a signature style that set him apart. His inventive use of techniques like two-handed tapping and harmonics introduced fresh possibilities for guitarists, and his contribution to this track exemplifies his brilliance. Learning Rhoads' parts is not just about mastering a song; it’s about stepping into the shoes of a guitar legend and discovering techniques that shaped modern rock guitar.

Guitar Techniques in "Flying High Again"

Vibrato

Randy Rhoads’ expressive vibrato adds emotion and sustain to key notes throughout the song. This technique enriches your playing by giving your notes a singing quality, making them more dynamic and engaging. Developing a strong vibrato is essential for conveying emotion and creating your unique voice on the guitar.

Alternate Picking

The precise, articulate alternate picking found in the riff and solos of this song showcases Randy’s technical prowess. Learning alternate picking improves speed and efficiency, enabling fluid execution of rapid passages.

Power Chords

The rhythm guitar parts rely heavily on power chords to deliver the song’s driving energy. Mastering power chords will strengthen your rhythm playing and lay the foundation for countless rock and metal songs.

Palm Muting

Tight, controlled palm muting is essential for the song’s chugging rhythm sections. This technique adds punch and clarity, emphasizing the aggressive feel of the track. Practicing palm muting will improve your overall control and tone.

String Bending and Pre-Bends

String bending plays a key role in the emotional expression of the solos, with pre-bends adding even more drama. These techniques teach precise pitch control and enhance your soloing repertoire.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs appear in both the riffing and solo sections, adding speed and smoothness to the lines. Mastering these techniques will improve your ability to play fast, legato passages with minimal effort.

Two-Handed Tapping

Rhoads’ iconic two-handed tapping in the solo showcases his technical innovation. Learning tapping improves finger independence and opens up new melodic possibilities on the fretboard.

Pinched Harmonics

The use of pinched harmonics in the song injects extra attitude and flair. This technique creates squealing, high-pitched overtones that add excitement to your playing.

Slides and Rakes

Slides connect phrases seamlessly, while rakes are used for dramatic, percussive accents. These techniques enhance phrasing and dynamics, making your playing more expressive.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By studying "Flying High Again," you will develop a broad range of skills essential for rock and metal guitar. Each technique is not only useful for mastering this song but also applicable across many styles and genres. Whether it’s improving your speed and accuracy with alternate picking or adding emotion with vibrato, these lessons provide practical tools to elevate your guitar playing to the next level.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Flying High Again"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Rakes

This guitar lesson is more than just a breakdown of "Flying High Again"—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the techniques that defined a guitar legend and continue to shape rock music today. Dive in, practice hard, and unlock the secrets of Randy Rhoads’ unforgettable playing!