"Steal Away the Night" by Ozzy Osbourne: Guitar Lesson

"Steal Away the Night" by Ozzy Osbourne, a classic tune that was featured on the 1980 album 'Blizzard of Ozz'. The song stands as an exhibition of some seriously skilful guitar work, courtesy of the late Randy Rhoads, the album's lead guitarist. A song like this is like a masterclass in heavy metal and hard rock guitar techniques, but it also has these doses of musicality that make it stand out. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track.

Guitar Chords and Scales

The foundation of the song relies heavily on power chords, the quintessential choice for any heavy metal song. The verses oscillate between E5 and D5, and during the chorus, it transitions to a G5-A5 sequence. Power chords give it that 'heavy' feel while also making it harmonically less complex, which is a staple in rock music.

In terms of scales, the song prominently uses the Minor Pentatonic and the Natural Minor scales. These scales are the bread and butter of rock and metal soloing, often delivering that dark, intense feel which fits perfectly with Ozzy's vocal delivery and lyrical themes.

The Solo and Randy Rhoads' Playing

Ah, the solo. This is where Randy Rhoads really shines. Rhoads was known for his neoclassical approach, which you can hear sprinkled throughout the solo. The solo begins in the E Natural Minor scale but also incorporates a mix of Phrygian and Aeolian modes. This combination creates a sense of drama and intensity.

Rhoads employs a series of techniques in rapid succession. Alternate picking is used to execute fast runs, followed by legato phrasing to give certain notes more emphasis. What's amazing is the variety of vibrato he employs; from quick, shallow movements to slower, wider oscillations, Rhoads knew how to give each note character. Near the end of the solo, he breaks into tapped harmonics, making those notes ring out with a bell-like quality, before concluding with a final, dramatic bend.

Rhoads was known for his clean and precise playing, but he also knew how to let loose. His phrasing is remarkable—each note carefully chosen for maximum emotional impact, never overstaying its welcome or feeling forced.

Techniques Used in This Song

• Power Chords
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Harmonics

Final Thoughts

In summary, "Steal Away the Night" is a remarkable piece of guitar work that showcases the incredible talent of Randy Rhoads. The song is a fantastic study piece for aspiring guitarists wanting to delve into the intricacies of rock and metal guitar playing. It incorporates a range of techniques and scales that are key to the genre, all while preserving an emotive musicality often lost in technical displays. It's not just about the notes Rhoads chose to play, but how he chose to play them. As you listen to the song and perhaps attempt to play it, pay attention to the nuances in Rhoads' techniques—those little details that transform mere notes into emotional statements. That's where the true mastery lies.