"I Don’t Know" by Ozzy Osbourne

One of the most iconic tracks in the Ozzy Osbourne catalogue, "I Don’t Know" delivers a masterclass in high-octane heavy metal guitar playing. Now available on LickLibrary.com, our in-depth note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every fiery riff, complex lick, and blistering solo from this classic track. If you're looking to level up your technique, tone, and fretboard confidence, this lesson is a goldmine of advanced playing concepts, executed in the signature style of one of metal’s greatest guitar heroes. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Randy Rhoads

At the heart of “I Don’t Know” is the electrifying playing of the legendary Randy Rhoads. A pioneering guitarist who fused classical influence with raw metal energy, Rhoads redefined the role of the lead guitarist in hard rock and metal. His work with Ozzy Osbourne brought a virtuosic edge to the genre and inspired generations of players. Known for his impeccable phrasing, lightning-fast alternate picking, and neoclassical soloing, Randy Rhoads remains a benchmark for technical and expressive guitar playing. His contribution to "I Don’t Know" is a shining example of his ability to balance riff power with melodic intelligence.

Song Breakdown & Guitar Techniques

Powerful Riffing with Palm Muting and Alternate Picking

The song kicks off with a commanding riff built on tight palm muting and aggressive alternate picking. These foundational techniques form the rhythmic backbone of metal guitar. By developing precision in alternate picking and control in palm muting, players improve right-hand coordination and gain the ability to articulate fast, punchy riffs with clarity and definition.

Melodic Lead Work Featuring Legato and Hammer-ons

Throughout the solo sections, you'll explore fluid passages full of legato phrasing, including hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques allow guitarists to achieve smooth, connected note sequences that sound seamless and fast. Working on legato playing helps improve finger strength, speed, and fluidity across the fretboard.

Dive Bombs and Whammy Bar Tricks

Rhoads incorporates wild dive bombs and expressive whammy bar tricks that add drama and intensity to the solo. These elements bring a vocal-like quality to the guitar and expand your sonic palette. Learning these tricks enhances your control of pitch manipulation and encourages expressive performance.

Harmonics and Pinched Harmonics

“I Don’t Know” also features both natural harmonics and searing pinched harmonics. Mastering harmonics helps players refine their right-hand technique and precision, adding a unique shimmer or scream to their playing. These techniques are invaluable for metal guitarists looking to add excitement and variation to their tone.

Vibrato and String Bending for Expression

No Randy Rhoads solo is complete without expressive vibrato and soaring string bending. These techniques bring emotional depth and personality to every note. Learning them develops greater control, feel, and the ability to inject human-like phrasing into your playing—essential for standing out as a lead guitarist.

Unison Bends and Double Stop Bends

Randy Rhoads makes effective use of unison bends and double stop bends to add grit and tension to his solos. These techniques are great for building hand strength and expanding bending vocabulary, especially when targeting expressive or harmonically rich tones in solos.

Trills and Arpeggios

Fast trills and clean arpeggios are used to showcase Rhoads’ classical influences. Practicing these helps build dexterity, speed, and finger independence. Arpeggios in particular are vital for outlining chord tones within solos, making your lead playing more harmonically aware and musically intelligent.

Why Learn This Song?

“I Don’t Know” is more than just a song—it’s a guitar workout. Whether you’re refining your rhythm playing, expanding your soloing chops, or just want to play one of the most iconic metal songs ever written, this lesson offers everything you need. With detailed breakdowns, slow demonstrations, and step-by-step tuition, LickLibrary’s guitar lesson provides an immersive learning experience tailored to help you master the techniques of a true guitar legend.

By studying this track, you'll develop greater technical skill, musical awareness, and the confidence to tackle other high-level rock and metal tracks in your repertoire.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends
• Trills
• Arpeggios

Master “I Don’t Know” today at LickLibrary.com and take a step closer to playing like the legendary Randy Rhoads.