No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne

"No More Tears" by Ozzy Osbourne is an iconic rock masterpiece that combines intricate guitar techniques with a captivating arrangement. This song, a staple of Ozzy’s discography, showcases the talent of legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde. Our guitar lesson for "No More Tears" at Licklibrary.com is a deep dive into its techniques, making it perfect for players who want to replicate the song's energy and complexity. Here’s an overview of what you’ll learn and how it benefits your guitar playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Zakk Wylde

Zakk Wylde’s contributions to "No More Tears" are a testament to his unique style, blending melodic phrasing with intense riffing. His playing is a fusion of traditional heavy metal and bluesy flair, incorporating pinch harmonics, dynamic bends, and soulful vibrato. Wylde’s influence extends far beyond this track, shaping the sound of Ozzy Osbourne’s band during the late '80s and '90s. His technique, tone, and charisma continue to inspire guitarists worldwide, making this lesson an essential journey into his style.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Pinched Harmonics

Zakk Wylde’s signature pinched harmonics cut through the mix, adding a sharp, aggressive character to the riffs. These harmonics are crucial for achieving the song's iconic sound. Mastering this technique helps players improve precision and control, creating an expressive edge to their playing.

String Bending

The expressive string bends in "No More Tears" capture the emotional essence of the song. Wylde uses bends to add drama and sustain to key phrases. Learning string bending enhances your ability to add depth and feeling to your solos.

Slides

The seamless transitions between notes using slides create fluidity and movement in the riffs and solos. This technique adds a polished, professional touch to your playing and improves finger dexterity and accuracy.

Palm Muting

Palm muting provides the rhythmic drive in the song’s main riff. It adds definition and heaviness, essential for the song’s groove. Practicing palm muting enhances your ability to control dynamics and rhythm.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The hammer-ons and pull-offs in this song are integral to its melodic lines. They add speed and fluidity to phrases while reducing the need for constant picking. This technique improves hand coordination and legato playing.

Vibrato

Wylde’s vibrato is a hallmark of his style, adding soul and character to sustained notes. Mastering vibrato develops your expressive capabilities and helps you convey emotion through your guitar.

Double Stops

Used for harmonised melodies and riffs, double stops provide richness and harmonic texture. This technique strengthens finger independence and is useful across various musical genres.

Unison Bends

Unison bends, a common feature in Wylde’s solos, create a tension-filled, dramatic effect. This technique enhances your bending accuracy and strengthens ear training.

Chord Progressions

The song’s haunting chord progressions set the atmospheric tone, blending power chords with arpeggiated patterns. Learning these progressions helps expand your understanding of songwriting and arrangement.

Tapped Harmonics

This advanced technique adds an ethereal quality to specific phrases. Practicing tapped harmonics improves precision and introduces you to more experimental sounds.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique taught in this lesson not only helps you master "No More Tears" but also builds essential skills that elevate your overall guitar playing. From enhancing your rhythmic control with palm muting to expanding your melodic phrasing with vibrato and slides, these techniques are building blocks for versatile and expressive guitar performance.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Here is a list of guitar techniques explored in this lesson. Click the links to learn more about each technique:

• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Tapped Harmonics

This lesson offers a comprehensive approach to learning "No More Tears" while honing essential guitar techniques that will enhance your playing in countless ways. Dive into the lesson and master the art of this Ozzy Osbourne classic!