I Don’t Want To Change The World – Ozzy Osbourne

Take your guitar skills to the next level with LickLibrary.com’s exclusive note-for-note lesson on “I Don’t Want To Change The World” by Ozzy Osbourne. This hard-hitting track from the No More Tears album is packed with electrifying guitar work that challenges and inspires players across a wide range of rock and metal techniques. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to sharpen your lead playing or an advanced player aiming to master Zakk Wylde's iconic style, this lesson will push your playing to new heights. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released in 1991, “I Don’t Want To Change The World” is a definitive track that blends blistering riffs, soaring solos, and tight rhythms. It opens with a powerful groove-driven riff that sets the tone for the track’s relentless energy. The verses are rhythmically aggressive, while the choruses provide the space for Zakk Wylde’s signature guitar phrasing to shine. From technical lead lines to gritty riff work, the song is a treasure trove of classic metal guitar.

Our detailed breakdown takes you through every section of the song, explaining not only the mechanics of each part but also the musical ideas behind them. You'll not only be able to play the track but also understand how and why the parts work, giving you transferable skills for your own compositions and improvisation.

About the Guitarist – Zakk Wylde

The track’s guitar parts are performed by the legendary Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne’s long-time guitarist and a giant in the world of heavy rock. Zakk’s playing style is both aggressive and soulful, combining high-speed picking with searing bends, vibrato, and harmonics that cut through the mix like a chainsaw.

Zakk Wylde is known for his powerful stage presence and unique blend of southern rock, metal, and blues influences. His playing on “I Don’t Want To Change The World” exemplifies his command of guitar dynamics, articulation, and tone. Learning this song offers players an opportunity to absorb the essence of Wylde’s style and incorporate it into their own playing.

Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Alternate Picking

Precision and speed are essential for the main riffs and rapid-fire solo lines in this song. Alternate picking ensures clarity and tightness, especially during the fast-paced rhythm sections.

Pinched Harmonics

Zakk Wylde’s signature squeals feature throughout the track. These pinched harmonics are perfect for adding aggressive, vocal-like character to lead lines and riffs.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm guitar work in the verses uses palm muting to control dynamics and tighten the sound. This technique is crucial for developing a strong sense of rhythmic accuracy and groove.

Vibrato

Vibrato brings life and emotion to sustained notes, and Zakk’s wide, dramatic vibrato is a signature element of his lead playing. Learning to control vibrato adds expressiveness and character to your solos.

Legato

Smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs create flowing passages in the solos. This technique helps build fluidity and speed in lead playing while reducing the need for constant picking.

String Bending

String bending is used extensively to add melodic expression. This song offers the chance to perfect pitch control and strength in bends, an essential skill for any lead guitarist.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between notes smoothly, adding a fluid and professional sound to both rhythm and lead parts. This technique enhances phrasing and musical continuity.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These core legato techniques are used throughout the solos to create speed and flow. Practicing them improves finger independence and makes your lead playing more expressive.

Power Chords

The foundation of the song’s rhythm parts, power chords bring the heavy, aggressive tone needed for this genre. They’re also a fundamental part of rock rhythm guitar.

Unison Bends

Unison bends are used to create a dramatic, harmonised feel in solos. They require control and intonation, making them a great way to improve precision in bending.

Double Stop Bends

Used to thicken solos and add a gritty, bluesy edge, double stop bends challenge your hand strength and coordination.

Tremolo Picking

Some lead passages in the song use tremolo picking to build intensity and speed. Mastering this technique helps develop endurance and consistent picking control.

Why Learn This Song?

“I Don’t Want To Change The World” offers an incredibly well-rounded challenge for rock and metal guitarists. The combination of expressive lead work and tight rhythm playing gives you the opportunity to:

• Strengthen your rhythm and lead technique.
• Improve articulation and control.
• Master iconic metal guitar phrasing.
• Absorb the stylistic elements of one of metal’s most influential guitarists.

By studying this song, you're not only learning a classic rock anthem but also training yourself in the technical and expressive tools used by top-level players.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Vibrato
• Legato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends
• Tremolo Picking

Unleash the full power of your playing by diving into this track and mastering every element with LickLibrary's expert instruction.