Black Sabbath's "Volume 4": A guitarist's perspective

Guitar lessons by Danny Gill

"Volume 4," released in 1972, is the fourth studio album by British rock band Black Sabbath. This album showcases the band's experimentation with different sounds, pushing the boundaries of heavy metal and hard rock. In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of Tony Iommi's guitar work, exploring his use of various scales, solo analysis, and the techniques employed throughout the album.

In this course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Tony Iommi’s legendary guitar riffs and lead lines from the tracks; “Snowblind” and “Wheels Of Confusion”, to the iconic “Changes“.

1. "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener"

The album opens with the 8-minute-long epic "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener," featuring a heavy, detuned riff in C# Minor. The song begins with a power-chord riff, which transitions into an arpeggiated chord progression in the verse. The guitar solo features a mix of pentatonic and blues scales, with some chromaticism added for tension. Iommi's use of string bending and vibrato is prominent, while alternate picking is used to play fast, staccato phrases.

2. "Tomorrow's Dream"

"Tomorrow's Dream" features a catchy riff in E Minor, with a driving rhythm and simple power chords. The verse employs a syncopated rhythm, giving the song a groovy feel. The solo is primarily based on the E Minor Pentatonic scale and showcases Iommi's melodic phrasing, blending hammer-ons and pull-offs with slides and vibrato.

3. "Changes"

A departure from Black Sabbath's usual style, "Changes" is a ballad with a piano-driven melody. The guitar takes a backseat, providing simple chordal accompaniment. This song demonstrates Iommi's versatility as a guitarist and his ability to adapt his playing style to suit different genres.

4. "FX"

"FX" is an experimental instrumental track, showcasing various guitar effects and techniques. Iommi uses techniques such as pick slides, harmonics, and whammy bar tricks to create a range of atmospheric sounds.

5. "Supernaut"

"Supernaut" is a fast-paced, energetic track featuring a memorable riff in E Minor. The rhythm guitar employs palm muting and galloping rhythms to drive the song forward, while the lead guitar uses the E Minor Pentatonic scale for the solos. Iommi's use of slides, bends, and alternate picking can be heard throughout the track.

6. "Snowblind"

"Snowblind" is a heavy, downtempo track in C# Minor, with a powerful riff that utilizes power chords and palm-muted open string riffs. The verses feature an arpeggiated chord progression, while the solo uses the C# Minor Pentatonic scale, incorporating string bending, legato techniques, and vibrato.

7. "Cornucopia"

"Cornucopia" is a complex song with shifting time signatures, starting with a syncopated, heavy riff in E Minor. The track features a variety of guitar techniques, including power chords, slides, and hammer-ons. The solo is based on the E Minor Pentatonic scale and showcases Iommi's ability to create melodic phrases by blending legato techniques with bends and vibrato.

8. "Laguna Sunrise"

"Laguna Sunrise" is an instrumental acoustic track, displaying Iommi's finger-picking skills. The song features a melodic theme in E Major, with intricate arpeggiated chord progressions and a lush, harmonized guitar arrangement.

9. "St. Vitus Dance"

"St. Vitus Dance" is a catchy, upbeat track with a driving rhythm and a memorable riff in E Minor. The rhythm guitar employs syncopated rhythms and power chords, while the lead guitar focuses on the E Minor Pentatonic scale for the solos. Iommi's use of hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and string bending can be heard throughout the track, with the solo showcasing his ability to create engaging melodies with a mix of techniques.

10. "Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes"

The album concludes with "Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes," an epic track featuring heavy, downtuned riffs in C# Minor. The song starts with a slow, doom-laden riff that transitions into a faster, more aggressive section. The rhythm guitar uses power chords and palm-muted open string riffs, while the lead guitar solos are based on the C# Minor Pentatonic scale. Iommi employs techniques like string bending, vibrato, and alternate picking to create a captivating solo that showcases his prowess as a lead guitarist.

Tony Iommi's Contribution to "Volume 4"

Tony Iommi's contributions to "Volume 4" are integral to the album's success and its lasting impact on the world of heavy metal and hard rock. As the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for Black Sabbath, Iommi's innovative guitar techniques, powerful riffs, and melodic solos shaped the band's sound and paved the way for future generations of musicians.

On "Volume 4," Iommi's mastery of the guitar is evident in his ability to create heavy, memorable riffs that serve as the foundation for many of the album's songs. Tracks like "Supernaut," "Snowblind," and "Cornucopia" feature riffs that are both technically challenging and instantly recognizable, demonstrating Iommi's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the guitar as an instrument. These riffs have since become iconic and are often cited as influential by guitarists across various genres.

Iommi's solos on "Volume 4" are equally impressive, showcasing his command of various scales, techniques, and melodic phrasing. Whether it's the blues-infused solo in "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener" or the emotive, melodic playing on "Tomorrow's Dream," Iommi's solos add depth and character to each song. His ability to blend different techniques, such as string bending, alternate picking, and legato, results in solos that are both captivating and musically engaging.

In addition to his technical prowess, Iommi's unique guitar tone is another key aspect of his contribution to "Volume 4." By experimenting with different amplifiers, effects, and recording techniques, Iommi achieved a thick, saturated tone that perfectly complemented Black Sabbath's heavy, riff-driven sound. This distinctive tone has since become a benchmark for heavy metal guitarists, influencing countless players in the years that followed.

Iommi's versatility as a musician is also evident on "Volume 4," as he explores various musical styles and textures. The atmospheric instrumental track "FX" and the acoustic guitar-driven "Laguna Sunrise" demonstrate Iommi's willingness to push boundaries and incorporate diverse elements into Black Sabbath's music. This experimental approach contributes to the album's unique character and sets it apart from other heavy metal albums of the era.

Finally, Iommi's collaborative approach to songwriting is essential to the success of "Volume 4." By working closely with his bandmates, especially bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi crafted songs that showcased not only his own talents but also the unique chemistry and dynamic between the band members. This collaborative spirit allowed Black Sabbath to create an album that resonated with fans and critics alike, solidifying "Volume 4" as a classic and influential album in the annals of heavy metal and hard rock.

In conclusion, Tony Iommi's contribution to "Volume 4" is paramount, encompassing his innovative guitar techniques, powerful riffs and solos, unique guitar tone, versatility, and collaborative approach to songwriting. These elements combine to make "Volume 4" a landmark album that has left a lasting impact on the world of heavy metal and hard rock.

In conclusion, "Volume 4" by Black Sabbath is a masterclass in heavy metal and hard rock guitar playing. Tony Iommi's innovative approach to guitar techniques and his ability to create memorable riffs and solos make this album a must-listen for guitarists and music enthusiasts alike.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Volume 4"

Here is a list of guitar techniques used throughout "Volume 4" by Black Sabbath, with links to more information on each technique:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism