Learn to play Gets Me Through - Guitar Lesson
Guitar lesson for this song by Ozzy Osbourne
Gets Me Through – Ozzy Osbourne
This note-for-note guitar lesson on “Gets Me Through” dives deep into one of the standout tracks from Ozzy Osbourne’s Down to Earth era, breaking down the riffs, rhythms, and lead phrases that define its modern yet unmistakably heavy Ozzy sound. Designed for guitarists who want to tighten their rhythm playing while developing expressive lead techniques, this lesson walks you through every section of the song with clarity and musical context.
“Gets Me Through” is built on thick, authoritative rhythm guitar work paired with vocal-style lead lines that cut through the mix. The guitar parts are deceptively simple on the surface, but they demand precision, consistency, and strong control of tone and articulation. This lesson focuses on capturing not just the notes, but the feel and attitude that make the track groove and hit as hard as it does.
Throughout the tutorial, Richard Shaw will teach you how the guitars lock in with the drums to create weight and momentum, how subtle variations in picking and muting affect the overall impact of the riffs, and how expressive lead phrasing adds character without overwhelming the song. The result is a practical, performance-ready breakdown that improves both your rhythm authority and lead confidence.
Rhythm Guitar Techniques and Groove
At the core of “Gets Me Through” is a muscular rhythm guitar foundation that relies on tight timing and controlled aggression. The lesson shows you how the main riffs are constructed and how small details—such as note length and muting—make a big difference to the groove.
Power-based riffing
The rhythm parts centre around strong, driving chord shapes that emphasise low-end punch. Learning these riffs helps you develop a solid right-hand attack and an understanding of how heavy rock guitar supports the vocal and rhythm section without sounding cluttered.
Palm muting control
A major focus of the lesson is palm muting, particularly how varying the pressure and placement of the picking hand changes the intensity of the riff. Mastering this technique improves your ability to shape dynamics, tighten your timing, and create contrast between open and muted passages.
Alternate picking for consistency
The rhythm guitar demands consistent alternate picking to keep the riffs locked in with the drums. Practising this approach strengthens your picking accuracy, endurance, and rhythmic stability—skills that transfer directly to other hard rock and metal styles.
Lead Guitar Phrasing and Expression
The lead guitar work in “Gets Me Through” is expressive and vocal, favouring feel over excessive speed. This lesson breaks down how each phrase is constructed and how to deliver it with confidence.
String bending and bluesy bends
Bending plays a central role in the lead lines, adding tension and release to the melody. You’ll learn how to hit bends accurately, control their pitch, and apply subtle bluesy inflections that give the solo its emotional weight. These skills greatly enhance your phrasing and melodic awareness.
Vibrato and sustain
Controlled vibrato and sustained notes are essential to making the lead parts sing. The lesson shows how to apply vibrato evenly and musically, helping you develop a more confident, professional-sounding lead tone that holds attention without rushing.
Slides and legato phrasing
Smooth slides and legato passages connect phrases fluidly across the neck. Working on these techniques improves your fretboard navigation and helps your playing sound more polished and connected, rather than choppy or forced.
Timing, Feel, and Song Awareness
Beyond individual techniques, this lesson places strong emphasis on playing with the song. You’ll explore how the guitar parts interact with the drums and vocals, learning when to push, when to lay back, and how to maintain intensity throughout the track.
By focusing on timing, note placement, and articulation, you develop a deeper sense of groove and musical responsibility. These are essential skills for any guitarist aiming to perform confidently in a band setting.
The Guitarist Behind the Track
The guitar work on “Gets Me Through” was recorded by Zakk Wylde, whose unmistakable style has become synonymous with Ozzy Osbourne’s modern sound. Wylde’s playing blends classic blues influence with crushing heavy-rock power, creating parts that are both aggressive and highly expressive.
His approach to rhythm guitar—tight, authoritative, and groove-driven—has influenced generations of rock and metal players. As a lead guitarist, his use of wide vibrato, controlled bends, and strong melodic identity demonstrates that emotion and attitude are just as important as speed. Studying this song offers valuable insight into Wylde’s philosophy of serving the song while maintaining a bold, instantly recognisable voice.
Why This Lesson Matters
Learning “Gets Me Through” gives you far more than a single song under your fingers. You build essential rhythm guitar discipline, develop expressive lead techniques, and gain a stronger understanding of how modern heavy rock guitar parts are constructed and performed. Whether you’re refining your groove, strengthening your bends and vibrato, or looking to play with more authority, this lesson delivers skills you can apply across countless styles and songs.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
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