Over the Mountain by Ozzy Osbourne – Guitar Lesson

Take on one of the most ferocious riffs in hard rock history with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Over the Mountain” by Ozzy Osbourne. The opening track from Ozzy’s Diary of a Madman album, this song kicks off with blistering intensity and showcases the late, great Randy Rhoads at the peak of his creative power. Combining intricate riffs, speed-driven passages, and expressive lead lines, this track is an essential study for any guitarist looking to elevate both their rhythm and lead playing.

In this comprehensive LickLibrary lesson, you’ll break down every riff, transition, and solo from “Over the Mountain” while focusing on the key techniques that define the track—alternate picking, power chords, hammer-ons, and string bending. You’ll not only learn the parts exactly as recorded, but gain the technical insight needed to perform them cleanly and confidently. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Focus

Alternate Picking

The rapid intro and many of the rhythm guitar passages in this song rely heavily on alternate picking to maintain clarity and speed. This technique is essential to execute the tightly wound riffs that give “Over the Mountain” its relentless forward momentum.

Learning benefit: Practicing alternate picking improves hand synchronization, picking efficiency, and note definition—especially at high tempos. It’s an indispensable technique for modern metal and rock rhythm guitarists.

Power Chords

From the chorus sections to the main riff, power chords form the backbone of the track’s heavy sound. Rhoads uses power chords to drive the dynamics of the song, shifting between tight verse riffing and expansive chorus hits with precision and power.

Learning benefit: Mastering power chords boosts your rhythm playing strength, muting control, and ability to lock in with a band while delivering hard-hitting riffs with confidence.

Hammer-Ons

Randy Rhoads frequently uses hammer-ons to articulate fast ascending runs in both rhythm fills and lead lines. These add smoothness and speed to his playing, creating a fluid connection between notes that enhances melodic phrasing.

Learning benefit: Working on hammer-ons develops finger strength and control, making it easier to execute fast passages with reduced picking and greater fluidity.

String Bending

Throughout the solo and melodic lead breaks, Rhoads uses wide, expressive string bends to hit dramatic high notes and convey emotion. His bending technique is accurate and dynamic, giving the solos a singing, vocal-like quality.

Learning benefit: Practicing string bending improves pitch control, emotional phrasing, and finger strength—allowing you to expressively shape each note in your solos.

Why Learn This Song?

“Over the Mountain” is more than a high-energy rock anthem—it’s a showcase of guitar mastery. Every riff and solo passage is packed with technique, tone, and musical intelligence. Learning this track will push your picking speed, strengthen your chordal playing, and fine-tune your expressive lead guitar skills.

Whether you’re working toward cleaner, faster rhythm parts or more controlled, emotive solos, this lesson provides everything you need to play like a pro. It’s a powerful opportunity to explore Randy Rhoads’ legendary style while refining your own approach to hard rock guitar.

About the Song and Randy Rhoads

Released in 1981, “Over the Mountain” immediately announced Diary of a Madman as a force to be reckoned with. With machine-gun riffing and soaring leads, it became one of Randy Rhoads’ most iconic performances. Rhoads’ blend of classical knowledge, hard rock aggression, and fearless experimentation elevated Ozzy’s early solo material into legendary territory.

Rhoads was a game-changing guitarist whose influence shaped the sound of modern metal and rock guitar. His ability to combine musical complexity with visceral emotion inspired countless players—from Zakk Wylde and Dimebag Darrell to Yngwie Malmsteen and John 5. Studying his work on “Over the Mountain” offers guitarists a chance to explore both technical mastery and musical expression.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

In this lesson, we dissect each section of “Over the Mountain,” from the rapid-fire intro riff to the explosive chorus and ripping solo. You’ll build confidence in executing fast picking sequences, applying dynamic phrasing, and locking in rhythmically with the song’s high-energy drive.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson provides a comprehensive approach to strengthening technique and improving fluency across the fretboard.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• String Bending

Unlock the full energy of Over the Mountain and sharpen your rock guitar arsenal with this complete LickLibrary lesson—your step-by-step guide to mastering one of Randy Rhoads’ most powerful performances.