Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne

Step into the world of metal mastery with our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Mr. Crowley" by Ozzy Osbourne. This Licklibrary.com exclusive gives you complete access to one of the most iconic metal tracks of all time, packed with powerful riffs, neoclassical solos, and a diverse array of guitar techniques. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your technique, or an advanced player exploring Randy Rhoads' legendary style, this lesson is designed to unlock the secrets behind one of heavy metal’s most influential anthems. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarist

"Mr. Crowley," released in 1980 on Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz, is a haunting, theatrical track that blends eerie organ intros with explosive guitar work. The song was made legendary thanks to Randy Rhoads, whose innovative guitar playing left an indelible mark on rock and metal guitar. Rhoads’ classical influences fused with a sharp metal edge created solos that were melodic, technical, and emotionally charged. His influence can still be heard today in players like Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Synyster Gates.

Randy Rhoads’ approach to guitar was not just about speed, but musicality and phrasing. By studying “Mr. Crowley,” players gain insights into how to balance technical precision with expressive storytelling through the guitar.

Breakdown of Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

"Mr. Crowley" features several fast, articulate passages that demand alternate picking for clarity and speed. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, and is vital for maintaining control during rapid scalar runs.

Why Learn It?

Mastering alternate picking improves right-hand coordination and speed. It’s a foundational technique for nearly all fast lead guitar playing across metal, rock, and beyond.

Legato Phrasing

Rhoads uses legato techniques to create smooth, flowing lines, especially in the first solo. Expect plenty of hammer-ons and pull-offs to connect notes seamlessly.

Why Learn It?

Legato develops fluidity in your lead playing, helping you play faster and with more expression. It also builds left-hand strength and coordination.

String Bending and Vibrato

One of the emotional highlights of the solos in "Mr. Crowley" is Rhoads’ expressive use of string bending and vibrato.

Why Learn It?

Both techniques are crucial for injecting soul and feeling into your solos. Proper bending ensures accurate pitch, while vibrato adds character and sustain to your notes.

Two-Handed Tapping

In the second solo, Rhoads uses two-handed tapping to deliver a flashy and rapid-fire melodic passage.

Why Learn It?

Tapping expands your reach on the fretboard and allows for complex licks that would be difficult with one hand alone. It’s a great technique for adding flair and speed to your solos.

Arpeggios and Sweep Picking

Rhoads cleverly incorporates arpeggios and elements of sweep picking to outline chord changes in a neoclassical style.

Why Learn It?

These techniques improve fretboard visualization and are perfect for playing chord tones with precision and speed. Sweep picking in particular helps players execute arpeggios smoothly across multiple strings.

Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

You’ll also hear tasteful use of harmonics and whammy bar tricks throughout the song, especially during transitions and expressive moments.

Why Learn It?

Harmonics and whammy bar techniques add texture and drama to your playing. They allow for a more dynamic performance, perfect for stage presence and sound exploration.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The main riff and verse sections utilize tight power chords and precise palm muting for a chugging, aggressive rhythm tone.

Why Learn It?

These are core rhythm guitar techniques. Learning them improves timing, dynamics, and your ability to lock in with a band.

Final Thoughts

Learning “Mr. Crowley” gives you far more than just the ability to play a classic metal song. It’s a complete study in dynamic soloing, rhythm precision, and expressive guitar work. With our step-by-step breakdown, each lick and phrase is demystified so you can focus on nailing every detail with confidence.

Whether you're aiming to build your soloing arsenal or deepen your understanding of Randy Rhoads’ iconic style, this lesson will give you the tools and techniques to push your playing to new heights.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending

Let “Mr. Crowley” be your gateway into mastering essential rock and metal techniques, all while paying tribute to one of the greatest guitar heroes of all time.