Miracle Man by Ozzy Osbourne

About the Song and Guitarist

“Miracle Man” is a standout track from Ozzy Osbourne's album No Rest for the Wicked and showcases the exceptional talent of guitarist Zakk Wylde. Renowned for his high-energy playing and masterful command of the guitar, Wylde's contributions to this song make it an ideal learning experience for guitarists seeking to enhance their skills. His innovative use of techniques such as pinched harmonics, rapid alternate picking, and power chords have inspired countless players, cementing him as one of the most influential guitarists of his era.

Zakk Wylde’s signature style in “Miracle Man” is characterised by aggressive riffing, melodic solos, and a seamless blend of blues and metal influences. His playing on this track is a masterclass in precision and creativity, offering an excellent opportunity for guitarists to learn essential techniques while diving into the heart of a classic Ozzy Osbourne tune. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Pinched Harmonics

Zakk Wylde’s iconic use of pinched harmonics in “Miracle Man” creates a sharp, squealing sound that adds intensity to the riffing and solos. Mastering pinched harmonics enhances your ability to bring expression and aggression to your playing. This technique requires precise picking and thumb placement, making it an excellent practice for control and tone manipulation.

Alternate Picking

The song features rapid alternate picking to create tight, driving riffs. Practicing this technique improves picking speed and accuracy, which are crucial for executing fast metal passages with clarity and precision. Alternate picking helps build the foundation for clean, articulate playing at higher tempos.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song's heavy rhythm guitar parts. These versatile shapes are essential for creating the powerful, full-bodied sound that defines rock and metal. Learning power chords will enhance your rhythm-playing skills and provide a solid foundation for constructing your own riffs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively in “Miracle Man” to create a dynamic, percussive feel in the rhythm sections. This technique allows you to add texture and rhythm to your playing by controlling sustain and attack. Mastering palm muting helps develop a more expressive and nuanced style.

String Bending

The solos in “Miracle Man” incorporate expressive string bends, adding emotion and vocal-like phrasing to the lead sections. String bending strengthens your fingers and improves pitch control, enabling you to convey emotion more effectively in your solos.

Vibrato

Wylde’s expressive vibrato is a hallmark of his style, bringing life and character to sustained notes. Vibrato enhances the musicality of your playing by adding depth and richness to your tone, making it an essential skill for any lead guitarist.

Slides

Sliding between notes adds fluidity to riffs and solos, as heard in various parts of “Miracle Man.” This technique helps connect phrases smoothly and adds a melodic, legato feel to your playing.

Two-Handed Tapping

The solos include two-handed tapping, a technique that allows for rapid note sequences and wide interval leaps. This technique is perfect for developing coordination between both hands and creating flashy, attention-grabbing lead passages.

Pull-Offs and Hammer-Ons

“Miracle Man” makes extensive use of legato techniques like pull-offs and hammer-ons in both riffs and solos. Practicing these techniques helps develop finger strength and speed while creating fluid, seamless lines.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Zakk Wylde’s occasional use of whammy bar effects adds dramatic flair to his solos. These tricks allow you to explore pitch modulation and create unique, expressive sounds that stand out in your playing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques featured in “Miracle Man” not only helps you recreate an iconic song but also improves your overall guitar proficiency. Each technique builds essential skills like finger strength, precision, timing, and musicality. By mastering these elements, you’ll be better equipped to tackle other challenging songs and develop your unique style.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here’s a list of the techniques covered in this lesson, along with links to their detailed descriptions:

• Pinched Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Dive into this lesson on “Miracle Man” to experience the thrill of playing a classic Ozzy Osbourne track and elevate your guitar skills!