The “Iron Man” guitar riff by Black Sabbath is undeniably one of the most recognizable and powerful riffs in rock history. Despite its fame, many guitar players don’t quite nail it with the accuracy it deserves. This lesson delves into the definitive version, as heard on Sabbath’s seminal album, Paranoid, offering insights and guidance to help you master this iconic piece of guitar work. We’ll explore the nuances that make Tony Iommi’s playing so distinctive, and ensure you get it right. Forget the lesser re-recordings; we’re focusing on the pure, unadulterated riff that shook the world.
Tony Iommi himself has offered fascinating glimpses into the creation of “Iron Man,” including demonstrations of the legendary opening riff. In the video below, Iommi discusses the song and performs the riff, seemingly settling the debate around his intro bending technique.
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However, the mystery deepens when you examine live footage from the 1970s. Observing Iommi in performances from that era raises questions. Is he actually bending behind the nut, or is he employing a different method altogether? Some speculate he might have been bending the open E string by applying pressure to the tailpiece of his SG with his picking hand. While in more recent performances, the behind-the-nut bending technique is clearly visible, this could be attributed to his shift away from SGs with floating tailpieces. The exact technique used on the original Paranoid recording remains a topic of passionate debate among guitar aficionados. Unraveling this detail is a captivating pursuit for any serious guitar and Black Sabbath enthusiast.
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For further visual reference, this live performance from a 1970s German TV show offers another perspective. Watch closely as Iommi executes that distinctive bending lick at the beginning and again towards the song’s conclusion. How is he achieving that sound?
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Now, let’s get down to playing. Below is the tablature for the main “Iron Man” guitar riff, along with the other riffs featured throughout the song. Pay close attention to the verse sections; Iommi subtly modifies the main riff here, utilizing single notes played slightly lower on the guitar neck. This variation adds dynamic texture to the song. While the guitar solo transcription isn’t included here due to its complexity, experienced guitarists should be able to discern the solo structure by ear. The first solo primarily revolves around the C# Minor pentatonic scale in the 9th position. Towards the song’s outro, further soloing emerges, this time based on the B minor pentatonic scale.
Download a high-quality PDF of the tab here.
Iron Man Guitar Tab Page 1
Iron Man Guitar Tab Page 2
Mastering the “Iron Man” guitar riff is a rite of passage for any rock guitarist. By understanding Tony Iommi’s techniques, exploring the nuances within the song structure, and utilizing the provided tablature, you’ll be well on your way to playing this legendary riff with accuracy and power. Dive in, practice diligently, and unleash the iconic sound of “Iron Man” on your guitar.
