Hellraiser – Ozzy Osbourne

Dive into the full-throttle guitar work of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Hellraiser” with our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary. This powerhouse metal anthem, laced with killer riffs and a blazing solo by Zakk Wylde, offers the perfect platform to sharpen your rock and metal chops. Whether you're a lead shredder or rhythm player looking to build precision, this lesson breaks down every detail to elevate your technique, timing, and tone. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song: Hellraiser

Released in 1991 on the No More Tears album, “Hellraiser” is a hard-hitting collaboration between Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, and guitarist Zakk Wylde. It blends classic heavy metal energy with haunting melodies and gritty attitude. From its crushing intro riff to its searing solo, the song is a clinic in dynamic guitar playing that continues to influence guitarists across generations.

Zakk Wylde: The Guitar Force Behind Hellraiser

Zakk Wylde’s contributions to “Hellraiser” are unmistakable. His signature style—full of screaming harmonics, wide vibrato, and relentless picking—brought a new edge to Ozzy's sound in the early ’90s. Known for his work with both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, Wylde has carved out a legacy as one of metal’s most recognisable guitarists.

Learning Wylde’s parts on “Hellraiser” isn’t just about getting the notes right—it's about capturing the attitude, aggression, and expression that make his playing so iconic. Studying his approach gives guitarists a deeper understanding of tone shaping, phrasing, and technical mastery.

Lesson Breakdown

Intro & Main Riff

The intro kicks off with a thunderous riff that’s instantly memorable. Combining chugging rhythms and aggressive chord voicings, it’s a textbook example of heavy metal guitar tone and tight rhythmic control.

Benefit: This section strengthens your rhythm accuracy, especially in palm-muted settings, and teaches you how to lock into a groove with power and precision.

Verse Riffing

During the verses, Zakk keeps the energy high with sharp chord slides, controlled muting, and driving note sequences. This is where string control and right-hand discipline come into play.

Benefit: You'll gain better articulation and control, learning how to make simple motifs sound commanding and energetic.

Chorus Riffs

The chorus lifts the mood with a more open, anthemic feel. Pinched harmonics slice through the mix while vibrato and note sustain are used for emotional impact.

Benefit: This teaches expressive phrasing—how to let notes breathe, sing, and snarl, just like Zakk does.

Guitar Solo

The solo section is where the real fireworks happen. It’s a high-octane mix of speed, melody, and attitude. You’ll tackle a range of techniques here, including alternate picking for rapid runs, legato phrasing, wide bends, pre-bends, trills, and double-stop bends. Tapped and pinched harmonics also make a powerful appearance.

Benefit: This solo is a deep dive into expressive lead guitar work. Learning it sharpens finger dexterity, boosts confidence in phrasing, and gives you a wide range of tools for solo composition.

Outro Madness

The final section doesn’t let up. Wylde’s use of dive bombs and whammy bar tricks turns the ending into a chaotic yet controlled burst of energy.

Benefit: These effects-based techniques add drama to your playing and enhance your ability to create memorable endings and transitions.

Why Learn “Hellraiser” at LickLibrary?

At LickLibrary, our “Hellraiser” guitar lesson is designed to take you beyond just playing the song. You’ll get inside Zakk Wylde’s brain—learning how to attack the fretboard with confidence, shape notes with feel, and develop a more aggressive, articulate style.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists, this lesson delivers everything you need to not only play the song, but to grow as a musician in the process.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pre-bends
• Slides
• String Bending
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Pick up your guitar and learn Hellraiser today—experience the techniques, attitude, and fire that make Zakk Wylde one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time.