Believer by Ozzy Osbourne – Guitar Lesson

Step into the dark, brooding energy of early ’80s metal with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Believer” by Ozzy Osbourne. Featured on the Diary of a Madman album, this track is a showcase of dynamic riffing, eerie melodic themes, and some of the most creative guitar work from the legendary Randy Rhoads. With its haunting intro, shifting grooves, and blistering solos, “Believer” is both musically rich and technically demanding—making it the perfect study for guitarists looking to explore the more intricate side of hard rock and metal.

Our in-depth LickLibrary lesson breaks down each section of the song, teaching you how to master key guitar techniques including harmonics, double stops, slides, and hammer-ons. Whether you're building your skills in expressive lead guitar playing or tightening up your rhythmic precision, this lesson delivers all the tools you need to play the track just like the original. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Focus

Harmonics

Believer makes use of both natural and artificial harmonics to add eerie textures and dynamic contrast throughout the intro and lead sections. These chime-like overtones add atmosphere and a sense of drama to the track’s haunting vibe.

Learning benefit: Practicing harmonics develops accuracy in right-hand technique and improves your touch sensitivity, helping you add articulation and texture to your playing.

Double Stops

Throughout the song, double stops are used to emphasize melodic figures and add harmonic depth to Rhoads’ leads and fills. These two-note voicings help give the solos and fills a richer, fuller sound.

Learning benefit: Mastering double stops improves finger independence, fretboard awareness, and helps you incorporate harmonized phrasing into your lead playing.

Slides

Slides are used extensively throughout the song to connect phrases fluidly and to build tension during both rhythm and lead passages. Rhoads often employs slides to add movement and sustain into notes that might otherwise sound abrupt.

Learning benefit: Practicing slides improves hand coordination and phrasing fluidity, helping you achieve smoother transitions between notes and develop a more vocal playing style.

Hammer-Ons

Rhoads’ lead lines in Believer feature rapid hammer-ons, both as part of fast licks and expressive melodic runs. These help increase note density without excessive picking, contributing to the fluid, legato feel of his playing.

Learning benefit: Working on hammer-ons enhances your finger strength and dexterity, making your lead lines more dynamic and less rigid.

Why Learn This Song?

“Believer” is more than just a heavy metal anthem—it’s a masterclass in compositional guitar work. The track offers a wide range of textures, from eerie harmonic-laden intros to full-throttle riffing and soaring solos. By learning it note-for-note, you'll strengthen your technique, expand your phrasing vocabulary, and develop a deeper connection to expressive, melodic guitar playing.

This lesson provides not only the technical breakdown of each part, but the musical insight to help you capture the feel, energy, and emotion of Randy Rhoads’ performance. Whether you’re polishing your lead playing or seeking to challenge your rhythm technique, Believer is a rewarding and inspiring track to learn.

About the Song and Randy Rhoads

“Believer” is one of the standout tracks from Diary of a Madman, and a brilliant example of Randy Rhoads’ ability to merge classical theory with heavy metal intensity. Rhoads’ guitar work in this track moves between atmospheric clean sections and thunderous riffing, all while maintaining a melodic sensibility and technical finesse that remains inspiring to this day.

Rhoads' contribution to Ozzy’s early solo career helped define a new era of metal guitar playing. His neoclassical phrasing, compositional approach, and innovative technique influenced generations of players, from Yngwie Malmsteen to Zakk Wylde and beyond. Studying his work in “Believer” is not only a lesson in technique but a deep dive into one of metal’s most inventive musical minds.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

In this guitar lesson, we break down every detail of Believer, from the clean-toned arpeggiated intro and the heavy chorus riffs to the solo filled with intense expression and technical flair. Each section is carefully explained, offering you a structured path to mastering the track and absorbing the techniques that make it so memorable.

This is an ideal lesson for intermediate to advanced players who want to build control, clarity, and character in their playing, while gaining a deeper understanding of melodic composition and hard rock rhythm techniques.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Harmonics
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons

Explore the brilliant mind of Randy Rhoads and bring Believer to life with this complete LickLibrary lesson—crafted to elevate your technique, tone, and musical storytelling.