No More Tears – Ozzy Osbourne

Take your guitar playing to the next level with Licklibrary.com’s in-depth lesson for “No More Tears” by Ozzy Osbourne—a true masterclass in hard rock guitar. This iconic track, packed with memorable riffs, scorching solos, and soulful melodic moments, is a must-learn for intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking to expand their technique and musical vocabulary. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarist Profile: Zakk Wylde – The Power Behind the Sound

The guitar work on “No More Tears” is performed by the legendary Zakk Wylde, known for his aggressive yet melodic playing style, blistering pinch harmonics, and emotive vibrato. A longtime guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of Black Label Society, Zakk’s style blends southern rock grit with metal precision. His influence on modern rock and metal guitar is massive, making this lesson a valuable study not only in song structure and soloing, but also in the art of tone, attitude, and phrasing.

Song Overview

“No More Tears” is one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most celebrated songs, featuring a fusion of heavy riffs, expressive lead lines, and hauntingly atmospheric sections. The track’s structure showcases a wide range of guitar techniques, from percussive rhythms to melodic runs, making it a perfect piece for guitarists looking to develop both hands and improve musical expression.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is used extensively in the main riff and the faster melodic runs of the solo. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, promoting efficiency and speed. Mastering alternate picking improves right-hand control and is essential for tight, clean execution of rapid passages.

Vibrato

Zakk Wylde’s signature vibrato is all over this track. His wide, aggressive vibrato adds emotion and personality to sustained notes, especially in the solo sections. Practicing this technique will help students develop their own expressive voice on the instrument.

Pinched Harmonics

One of Zakk’s trademarks, pinched harmonics, are used throughout the song to add bite and texture. By lightly catching the string with the thumb of the picking hand after striking it, players can produce screaming, high-pitched overtones. Learning this technique allows players to add that “Zakk Wylde edge” to their playing.

Legato

Fluid passages in the solo demonstrate effective use of legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. Legato phrasing promotes a smooth, flowing sound and enhances fretting-hand dexterity, reducing picking fatigue during faster runs.

Slides

Slides are used to connect phrases seamlessly and add a vocal-like quality to leads. They’re essential for phrasing and give the music a more lyrical feel.

String Bending

A key feature of expressive soloing in “No More Tears,” string bending is used to reach target notes with vocal-like dynamics. It trains ear-hand coordination and pitch accuracy.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are frequently used to articulate fast phrases in the solos. These techniques allow smoother execution of notes and increase left-hand strength and speed.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm guitar parts are driven by precise palm muting. This technique tightens the sound and enhances rhythmic clarity, perfect for hard rock riffing.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song’s rhythm sections. Learning how to voice and shift these efficiently is key for playing rock and metal rhythm guitar.

Arpeggios

There are melodic arpeggios in the clean intro and midsection, highlighting Zakk’s melodic sensibility. Practicing arpeggios sharpens fretboard knowledge and finger independence.

Trills

Subtle trills in the solo section add a dramatic flair and demonstrate fine control over finger coordination and strength.

Why Learn “No More Tears”?

Learning “No More Tears” teaches more than just how to play a classic rock song—it builds foundational and advanced guitar skills that can be applied across a range of styles. It challenges both hands with rhythm and lead guitar parts, improves expressive techniques like vibrato and bending, and gives you insight into the phrasing of one of rock’s most respected guitarists. Whether you're refining your technique or exploring expressive soloing, this song offers a rich learning experience.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Legato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Arpeggios
• Trills

If you're serious about mastering expressive rock and metal guitar, learning “No More Tears” through Licklibrary’s detailed lessons is the perfect step forward. Dive deep into the sound of Zakk Wylde and come away with an arsenal of skills you can apply to your own playing.