"Mr Crowley" by Ozzy Osbourne: Guitar Lesson

When it comes to iconic rock songs with mind-blowing solos, "Mr Crowley" by Ozzy Osbourne stands tall. Released in 1980 as part of Ozzy's debut solo album "Blizzard of Ozz," the song became an instant classic. It's widely acclaimed not only for its haunting melody and lyrics but, above all, for its extraordinary guitar work. Danny Gill dives into the intricacies of the song's guitar aspects, specifically discussing the chords, scales, and, of course, the solo.

Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in "Mr Crowley" offer a gothic, almost haunting foundation for Ozzy's vocal delivery. The song opens with Dm and A, soon transitioning into verses that combine Dm, C, and Bb chords. This choice of chords emanates a sense of dread and awe, aligning perfectly with the song's lyrical content. The verse and chorus sections mostly revolve around power chords, giving the song its heavy rock vibe.

Scales

The song prominently features the D Minor scale, and its solo employs the D Minor Pentatonic scale as well as some harmonic minor licks to spice things up. The choice of minor scales adds to the darker, eerie atmosphere that the lyrics and Ozzy's voice establish.

The Guitar Solo and Randy Rhoads

Now, onto the part we've all been waiting for—let's talk about the legendary guitar solo. Crafted by the late great Randy Rhoads, the solo in "Mr Crowley" is a masterclass in rock and metal guitar technique. It kicks off with an ascending run on the D Minor scale, played with immaculate precision.

The phrasing is tight and focused, transitioning into tapped harmonics, which gives a ghostly vibe to the solo. Rhoads then incorporates double stop bends to express the song's emotional weight. An exceptional instance of his virtuosity is when he transitions from melodic lines into unison bends, creating a duality between the guitar's tonality and the backing chords. The pent-up tension then explodes into a whirlwind of legato and alternate picking runs, culminating in an unforgettable harmonic resolution.

Randy Rhoads' solo is a marvel of technique and expression. Even after four decades, guitarists still study this solo for its phrasing, dynamic range, and emotional depth. Rhoads' approach is a mix of classical sensibilities with rock ferocity, making this one of the most iconic solos in the history of rock music.

Lead Guitarist: Randy Rhoads

Randy Rhoads, the lead guitarist on "Mr Crowley," was a prodigy and an innovator in rock and metal guitar. Rhoads combined classical guitar techniques with heavy metal to create a unique sound that influenced countless guitarists. His untimely death at the age of 25 left a void in the music world, but his work on songs like "Mr Crowley" immortalised him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In this song, Rhoads not only serves the music but also elevates it to another level. His choice of notes, phrasing, and dynamic range serves as a masterclass for any aspiring guitarist.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in "Mr Crowley"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

If you aim to understand rock guitar at its finest, dissecting "Mr Crowley" is a course in itself. From its intricate chord progressions to its unforgettable solo, the song remains an essential study for guitarists aiming to grasp the depth and breadth of rock and metal guitar playing. And the genius of Randy Rhoads shines throughout, offering lessons in technique, phrasing, and emotion that every guitarist should absorb.