Black Sabbath - Iron Man - Guitar Cover

Paranoid

1970 5:55

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Iron Man

"Iron Man" is a heavy metal track by Black Sabbath, released in 1970 on their second studio album, Paranoid. Built around one of rock's most recognizable riffs, the song showcases Tony Iommi's signature down-tuned, distorted tone and deliberate, stomping rhythm work. For electric guitar players, it offers an essential introduction to early heavy metal technique, including power chords, palm muting, and a slow, menacing groove that rewards precise timing and tone control.

• The main riff is played in a low, heavy tuning, making it a go-to lesson for understanding early heavy metal guitar tone.
• Tony Iommi played with homemade prosthetic fingertips after losing the ends of two fingers in an industrial accident.
• The track runs just under six minutes, giving guitarists extended riff repetition ideal for building muscle memory and rhythm consistency.