Are you ready to dive into the iconic sounds of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”? As requested by many aspiring guitarists after our first Black Sabbath lesson, we’re bringing you a detailed guide to mastering this legendary track. This lesson will break down all the essential guitar parts, from the powerful riffs to Tony Iommi’s unforgettable solos, making it easier for you to learn and play along.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the core elements that make “War Pigs” a guitar classic: the riffs and solos. We’ll explore the techniques and musical concepts behind each section, helping you understand and execute them effectively. Expect to encounter chromatic power chord progressions, rapid position shifts, and syncopated rhythms – all hallmarks of Iommi’s groundbreaking style.
Decoding the War Pigs Riffs
Let’s start by dissecting the riffs that drive “War Pigs.” These aren’t just simple chord progressions; they’re intricate patterns that demand precision and a good understanding of rhythm.
Riff 1: The Chromatic Power Chord Slide
The opening riff immediately grabs your attention with its descending chromatic power chords. This riff begins with a quick slide, setting the tone for the song’s dark and heavy atmosphere. The challenge here lies in the combination of the initial fast shift and the chromatic movement of the power chords. It’s crucial to practice the transition into the riff smoothly and maintain consistent timing throughout. Pay close attention to the ending of this riff, as it requires a fill before quickly jumping back into the power chord sequence. This back-and-forth requires good timing and hand coordination.
Riff 2: Triad Slides and Syncopation
Riff 2 introduces a different texture with a triad slide at the 12th fret, quickly descending to the 2nd fret to anchor the rest of the riff. This slide needs to be fluid and fast to maintain the riff’s momentum. Within this riff, you’ll encounter a syncopated rhythm using a quarter note triplet. This rhythmic element can be tricky at first. The best way to internalize this syncopation is to listen to this section of “War Pigs” repeatedly. Immerse yourself in the rhythm and try to feel it naturally, rather than overthinking the counting. This “feel-based” approach is often the most effective way to learn complex rhythms.
Riff 3: A Variation on Riff 2
Fortunately, Riff 3 offers a slight breather. It’s essentially a simplified version of Riff 2, making it less technically demanding. This riff acts as a dynamic variation, providing a familiar yet slightly easier section within the song’s structure. Practicing Riff 3 after mastering Riff 2 can help solidify your understanding of the underlying chord progression and rhythm.
Unleashing the Guitar Solos of War Pigs
Moving beyond the riffs, we delve into the guitar solos, where Tony Iommi’s genius truly shines. “War Pigs” features not one, but multiple layers of guitar brilliance, particularly within the main solo section.
The Main Solo: Iommi’s Signature Style
The main guitar solo in “War Pigs” is a masterclass in rock guitar soloing. It’s packed with fast licks, bends, and vibrato, showcasing Iommi’s expressive playing style. Within this solo, there’s a section where multiple guitar layers create a rich, harmonic texture. While recreating all layers perfectly might be impossible for a single guitarist, we will focus on learning one of the prominent solo lines note-for-note. This approach allows you to capture the essence of this layered section and learn the core melodic ideas. The rest of the main solo will be taught note-for-note, ensuring you can learn all the key phrases and techniques.
“Luke’s Wall”: The Instrumental Finale
Concluding “War Pigs” is the instrumental section known as “Luke’s Wall.” This section is pure Tony Iommi, featuring haunting riffs and solos that perfectly encapsulate the Black Sabbath sound. For any fan of rock and metal guitar, “Luke’s Wall” is a treasure trove of licks and techniques to learn. It’s highly recommended to spend time dissecting this section and absorbing Iommi’s approach to soloing and riff construction.
Conquer War Pigs on Guitar
Learning “War Pigs” on guitar is a rewarding journey. From the iconic riffs to the blistering solos, this Black Sabbath classic offers a wealth of learning opportunities for guitarists of all levels. Take your time, break down each section, and enjoy the process of mastering these legendary guitar parts crafted by the one and only Tony Iommi. Have fun exploring the depths of “War Pigs” and adding this timeless metal anthem to your repertoire!
