Mastering 'Road to Nowhere' by Ozzy Osbourne - Guitar Lesson

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Road to Nowhere: An Overview
3. Learning the Intro Chords
4. Arpeggiating the Intro Chords
5. Mastering the Melody
6. Soloing Techniques
7. Exploring the Verse Section
8. Adding Inflections to the Verse
9. Transitioning to the Bridge Section
10. Playing the Bridge Section
11. Pinch Harmonics: A Technique Breakdown
12. Conquering the Solo
13. Conclusion
14. Additional Resources

🎸Road to Nowhere: Mastering Ozzy Osbourne's Hidden Gem 🎵

Are you ready to dive into the world of Ozzy Osbourne's lesser-known tracks? In this lesson, we'll learn how to play "Road to Nowhere" from his album "No More Tears." Known for its melodic content and brilliant guitar work by the legendary Zakk Wylde, this song offers a blend of beautiful arpeggios, power chords, and an epic solo. Whether you're a die-hard Ozzy fan or simply looking to expand your guitar skills, get ready for an exciting musical journey!

Introduction

Before we delve into the intricacies of "Road to Nowhere," let's take a moment to understand what makes this song so special. "No More Tears" is an album that showcases Ozzy's versatility as both a singer and a songwriter. While the majority of the songs on the album are tuned down a half step, we'll be learning this track in standard tuning for convenience. This allows the content to be more relatable, especially for those who don't want to switch guitars or adjust tunings. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and let's begin the journey!

Learning the Intro Chords

To kick things off, let's start with the intro chords. We'll begin with some classic cowboy chords—D major and A major. Playing these chords won't pose much of a challenge.

D Major: x x 0 2 3 2
A Major: x 0 2 2 2 0

Arpeggiating the Intro Chords

To add some depth and complexity to the intro chords, we'll arpeggiate them. Arpeggiation involves playing the individual notes of a chord one after the other, creating a flowing and melodic sound. Here's how you can arpeggiate the previously learned chords:

1. D Major:

   • 4th string (D): 4th fret
   • 3rd string (F#): 2nd fret
   • 2nd string (A): 3rd fret
   • 1st string (D): 1st fret

2. A Major:

   • 5th string (A): 5th fret
   • 4th string (C#): 4th fret
   • 3rd string (E): 2nd fret
   • 2nd string (A): 3rd fret
   • 1st string (E): open

Mastering the Melody

Now that we're comfortable with the intro chords, let's move on to the captivating melody. We'll start by shifting to the 14th fret and climb up using the following sequence: 14, 16, 14. Pay attention to the finger positioning and the slight bend at the 16th fret using your pinky finger. Continue the melody by playing the following notes: 15, 14, 17, 15. To add some flair, incorporate trills by rapidly alternating between 14 and 11 on the third string. Conclude the melody by playing 12, 7, and returning to 4 on the third and fourth strings.

Soloing Techniques

Embarking on a solo can feel intimidating, but don't worry! We have a dedicated video and ebook that covers all the essential soloing techniques. Click on the link provided in the description to access this valuable resource, completely free of charge. It will guide you through scales, different shapes, modes, and various techniques necessary for both pentatonic and diatonic scales. Feel free to refer to this comprehensive guide to hone your soloing skills.

Exploring the Verse Section

To progress further in the song, let's examine the verse section. As we play the chords, pay attention to the embellishments that add flavor to the sound. For example, on the D chord, you can incorporate a hammer-on from the open A string to the 2nd fret, followed by a pull-off and a succession of notes on the 3rd and 4th strings. These subtle inflections contribute to the overall dynamics of the song.

Adding Inflections to the Verse

As we continue through the verse, you'll notice a recurring pattern on the D and A chords. On the A chord, you can experiment with suspending it by hammering on and pulling off the B string, followed by the 3rd and 4th strings. These little variations in your playing will elevate the song and make it your own.

Transitioning to the Bridge Section

As we approach the bridge section, we encounter a pleasant shift in chords. Begin with a B flat chord in the 1st fret, followed by an F chord and a G power chord. Return to F and end on an E power chord. The bridge section sets the stage for what's to come next.

Playing the Bridge Section

In the bridge section, we have the opportunity to execute a captivating pentatonic-oriented run. Starting on the G chord, play the notes 18, 15, 17 on the high E string. Ascend further by playing 15, 17 on the B string. This section showcases the melodic possibilities within the pentatonic scale and demonstrates how to craft memorable guitar parts.

Pinch Harmonics: A Technique Breakdown

Throughout the song, you'll encounter pinch harmonics, a technique widely used by Zakk Wylde. Pinch harmonics add a touch of aggression and character to your playing. Mastering this technique involves striking the string with the pick while simultaneously touching it lightly with your thumb, creating a harmonic overtone. Experiment with the position and pressure of your thumb to find your sweet spot.

Conquering the Solo

We've arrived at the moment many of you have been eagerly waiting for—the solo. However, due to the extensive content, we'll cover the solo in a separate video. Stay tuned for that!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've made it through the main sections of "Road to Nowhere." By mastering the intro chords, arpeggiating them, playing the captivating melody, and adding inflections, you've unlocked the essence of this hidden gem by Ozzy Osbourne. Remember, practice makes perfect, so spend time refining your skills and experimenting with the techniques showcased in this lesson. Plus, don't forget to check out the added resources in the description for further guidance on soloing and scales.

Additional Resources

• Link to Soloing Techniques Video & Ebook [Insert URL]

Highlights

• Learn the captivating melody in "Road to Nowhere"
• Discover the art of arpeggiating chords for a melodic touch
• Incorporate inflections to add depth and character to your playing
• Transition smoothly between different sections of the song
• Master pinch harmonics for an aggressive sound
• Utilize additional resources for guidance on soloing and scales

FAQ

Q: Can I play "Road to Nowhere" with an alternate tuning? A: While the song is typically played in a half-step down tuning, we've adapted it to standard tuning for convenience. Feel free to experiment with alternate tunings to match the original sound.

Q: Are pinch harmonics essential in playing this song? A: Pinch harmonics provide a signature sound in Zakk Wylde's playing style, but they are not mandatory. You can still enjoy playing "Road to Nowhere" without using pinch harmonics.

Q: Where can I find additional resources to improve my soloing skills? A: We've provided a link in the description to a free video and ebook specifically designed to enhance your soloing techniques. Click the link and enjoy the comprehensive guide.

Q: Can I incorporate my own improvisation into the song? A: Absolutely! Once you've mastered the key elements of the song, feel free to experiment and add your personal touch to the solos and other sections.