Electric Funeral by Black Sabbath

LickLibrary proudly presents an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson on "Electric Funeral" by Black Sabbath, one of the defining tracks of early heavy metal. This classic from the band's 1970 album Paranoid is a masterclass in dark riffing, expressive lead work, and gritty, doom-laden tones. In our full lesson, we break down every riff, lick, and solo section to help guitarists of all levels capture the raw power and haunting atmosphere of Tony Iommi’s playing.

Whether you're a Sabbath fan, an aspiring metal guitarist, or simply looking to expand your technique toolbox, this lesson offers valuable insights and practical skills you can apply to your own playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Tony Iommi

At the heart of "Electric Funeral" is Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist whose pioneering work laid the foundation for heavy metal. Known for his deep, crushing riffs and innovative use of altered tunings and sustain, Iommi developed a unique sound born partly from necessity—after losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident, he created his own prosthetic thimbles and detuned his guitar to ease playing tension. This accident and subsequent adaptations gave birth to the heavy, sludgy tones that defined Black Sabbath's sound. Iommi’s influence spans generations, inspiring everyone from Metallica to Mastodon and remains a cornerstone figure in rock and metal history.

Song Structure and Techniques Explored

"Electric Funeral" offers a mix of ominous, riff-driven grooves and psychedelic, expressive lead work. The following sections in the lesson focus on the essential techniques that bring this song to life.

1. Power Chords

The track relies heavily on power chords to deliver its dark, doomy character. You'll learn how to properly shape and voice these chords to achieve maximum heaviness while keeping articulation clean.

Benefit: Mastering power chords builds rhythmic strength and clarity in rock and metal riffing, forming a solid foundation for heavier styles.

2. Palm Muting

Iommi uses palm muting for added rhythmic punch in the riff sections, giving certain lines more definition and dynamics.

Benefit: Palm muting adds control over note duration and gives riffs that tight, chugging quality essential in metal and hard rock.

3. String Bending and Vibrato

Throughout the solos and expressive licks, you'll encounter extensive string bending and vibrato techniques that give the lead lines their emotional weight and human touch.

Benefit: These techniques are key to expressive soloing, allowing players to imitate vocal phrasing and add feel to their playing.

4. Slides

Iommi uses slides in both rhythm and lead contexts to create smooth transitions between notes and build tension.

Benefit: Slides add fluidity to playing and help connect scale positions or chord shapes more musically.

5. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Several phrases in "Electric Funeral" utilize hammer-ons and pull-offs, particularly in lead sections and quick note runs.

Benefit: These techniques allow for fast, legato phrases and improve finger independence and fluid motion across strings.

6. Sustain and Tone Control

Iommi’s phrasing and slow melodic lines make heavy use of sustain, which is not only a tonal element but a technique in itself—requiring proper fretting pressure, tone settings, and pick dynamics.

Benefit: Controlling sustain teaches players to manage their touch and dynamics, essential for expressive and impactful solos.

7. Open String Riffs

A hallmark of Iommi’s riff style, open string riffs are featured prominently in the intro and verse sections, delivering a powerful resonance and sense of doom.

Benefit: Learning to integrate open strings into riffs improves fretboard navigation and dynamic range.

Why Learn "Electric Funeral"?

Learning "Electric Funeral" offers more than just the satisfaction of playing a Sabbath classic—it's a rich study in technique, tone, and phrasing. The slow-to-mid tempo and space between notes allow players to focus on how they play, not just what they play. You’ll refine control, timing, articulation, and gain valuable experience in phrasing with intent. Plus, the song’s iconic status in rock history makes it a rewarding addition to any guitarist’s repertoire.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Sustain
• Open String Riffs