How to Play War Pigs on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Black Sabbath’s "War Pigs" is a iconic heavy metal song that has been a staple of rock music for decades. With its haunting guitar riffs and powerful vocals, it’s a song that demands attention and respect. Playing "War Pigs" on guitar can be a challenge, but with practice and dedication, you can master this classic song and add it to your setlist.
Getting Started
Before you start learning "War Pigs" on guitar, make sure you have the following equipment:
- A guitar
- A guitar amp
- A tuner
- A pick
- A music stand or tablet to display the tablature
Tablature and Chord Chart
Here is the tablature and chord chart for "War Pigs":
e|---------------------|
B|---------7-----5-----|
G|-----7-----5-----7-----|
D|-5-----7-----5-----7-----|
A|-3-----5-----3-----5-----|
E|-0-----2-----0-----2-----|
The chord chart is as follows:
Verse:
G - G7 - C - C7 - G
Chorus:
G - D - G - D - G
Bridge:
Em - G - D - C
The Basics
Before you start playing "War Pigs," make sure you have a good understanding of the basic guitar techniques:
- Chord changes: Practice switching between chords smoothly and with precision.
- Strumming: Focus on your strumming pattern, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.
- Picking: Use a pick to play the riffs, focusing on your timing and tone.
Riffs and Solos
The most iconic part of "War Pigs" is its opening riff, which sets the tone for the entire song. To play this riff, follow these steps:
- Start with a downstroke on the B string (7th fret) and play the G note.
- Move up to the G string (7th fret) and play the G note with a downstroke.
- Repeat this pattern, switching between the B and G strings.
Verse and Chorus
The verse and chorus of "War Pigs" are built around the G and C chords. To play these chords, follow these steps:
- Start with a downstroke on the G chord, focusing on the high E string.
- Strum the C chord, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.
- Repeat this pattern, switching between the G and C chords.
Bridge
The bridge of "War Pigs" is a great place to showcase your skills and add some flair to your playing. To play this section, follow these steps:
- Start with the Em chord, focusing on the low E string.
- Move up to the G chord, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.
- Strum the D and C chords, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you play "War Pigs" like a pro:
- Use a metronome: Practice with a metronome to ensure you’re playing in time.
- Focus on tone: Experiment with different tone settings to find the perfect sound for "War Pigs."
- Practice slowly: Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the riff and chord changes.
- Listen to the original: Listen to the original recording of "War Pigs" to get a sense of the tone, rhythm, and overall vibe of the song.
Conclusion
Playing "War Pigs" on guitar requires practice, patience, and dedication. By following this step-by-step guide, you can master the riffs, chord changes, and solos that make this song so iconic. Remember to focus on your tone, strumming pattern, and overall technique, and don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own flair to the song. With time and practice, you’ll be playing "War Pigs" like a pro and impressing your friends and family with your guitar skills.