
Introduction:
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne is the most legendary rock and metal song of all time. This song also has some of the best guitar play by Randy Rhoads.
Song Structure
Introduction: In this part Mike Walker shows how much he loves playing this song and shares why it is important for every rock and metal fan to learn this song.
Intro Riff: Here, you will be learning the very first lick of the song for which the song became famous in the first place.
Pre-Verse: this is a 4 bar phrase, and it comes before the verse,
Verse: In this section Mike shows you the guitar chords which you need to play in the verse parts of the song. He also showed how you should be focused on playing the last 2 bars because if you learn that you will be playing the entire part of the verse section on guitar.
Pre Chorus: This is a four bar pre-chorus along with a couple of single notes present in it that Mike first shows how it is done then explains to you how you can play the same tune.
Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson you will learn about the main chorus of the song. Mike has broken the chorus in multiple parts to make it easier for you to understand how it needs to be played.
Bridge: This is the part which works as a contrast between the chorus and the verse, you will be playing this part after the second chorus of the song, it has been used to give a fresh
element to the song.
Solo: This is one of the most intricate solos in metal music it goes up to 16 bars and it does have tons of guitar techniques which comes handy as a guitarist.
Song Demo: This is the final part, where Mike will play the guitar alongside the backing track.
Why Learn Crazy Train By Ozzy Osbourne Song?
The main riff of the song is instantly recognizable and if you learn it on guitar you will get to know about alternative picking precision. It includes a combination of power chords, single-note runs, and syncopation which is something essential for both rock and metal music.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who originally recorded Crazy Train?
Ans. Crazy Train is the debut single by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, he released the song in the 1980s for his debut album which was his solo venture as an artist.
Q2. What is the hidden meaning of the song Crazy Train?
Ans. Crazy train is about the cold war which happened during that time and consumed the entire world in the 1980s. Osbourne was talking about dictators when he said “One person is conditioned to rule and control.”
Q3. Is Ozzy Osbourne going through mental health problems?
Ans. No, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t have mental health problems; he does have progressing Parkinson’s disease, which causes new mobility challenges as he grows old.
Fun Fact: It was the first ever solo which Ozzy sang after leaving Black Sabbath, after the release it became an instant hit and even to this day it is one of the most recognizable songs of Ozzy Osbourne.
Introduction:
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne is the most legendary rock and metal song of all time. This song also has some of the best guitar play by Randy Rhoads.
Song Structure
Introduction: In this part Mike Walker shows how much he loves playing this song and shares why it is important for every rock and metal fan to learn this song.
Intro Riff: Here, you will be learning the very first lick of the song for which the song became famous in the first place.
Pre-Verse: this is a 4 bar phrase, and it comes before the verse,
Verse: In this section Mike shows you the guitar chords which you need to play in the verse parts of the song. He also showed how you should be focused on playing the last 2 bars because if you learn that you will be playing the entire part of the verse section on guitar.
Pre Chorus: This is a four bar pre-chorus along with a couple of single notes present in it that Mike first shows how it is done then explains to you how you can play the same tune.
Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson you will learn about the main chorus of the song. Mike has broken the chorus in multiple parts to make it easier for you to understand how it needs to be played.
Bridge: This is the part which works as a contrast between the chorus and the verse, you will be playing this part after the second chorus of the song, it has been used to give a fresh
element to the song.
Solo: This is one of the most intricate solos in metal music it goes up to 16 bars and it does have tons of guitar techniques which comes handy as a guitarist.
Song Demo: This is the final part, where Mike will play the guitar alongside the backing track.
Why Learn Crazy Train By Ozzy Osbourne Song?
The main riff of the song is instantly recognizable and if you learn it on guitar you will get to know about alternative picking precision. It includes a combination of power chords, single-note runs, and syncopation which is something essential for both rock and metal music.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who originally recorded Crazy Train?
Ans. Crazy Train is the debut single by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, he released the song in the 1980s for his debut album which was his solo venture as an artist.
Q2. What is the hidden meaning of the song Crazy Train?
Ans. Crazy train is about the cold war which happened during that time and consumed the entire world in the 1980s. Osbourne was talking about dictators when he said “One person is conditioned to rule and control.”
Q3. Is Ozzy Osbourne going through mental health problems?
Ans. No, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t have mental health problems; he does have progressing Parkinson’s disease, which causes new mobility challenges as he grows old.
Fun Fact: It was the first ever solo which Ozzy sang after leaving Black Sabbath, after the release it became an instant hit and even to this day it is one of the most recognizable songs of Ozzy Osbourne.
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.
Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?
This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!
Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson
This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:
- Main chords: D, A, and some others.
- When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
- Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.
Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords.
Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.
Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques
Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.
- The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
- If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!
Song Structure & Rhythm
This song follows a classic verse-chorus format.
- Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
- The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
- Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.
Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?
James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.
FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson
Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?
You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.
Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?
Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.
Similar Metal Songs
Introduction:
Torrins brings you another electrifying guitar lesson "Crystal Mountain by Death", taught by none other than Bobby Koelble, one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson breaks down the intricate riffs, solos, and powerful progressions that make this song a metal masterpiece.
Fun Fact: Crystal Mountain was inspired by Chuck Schuldiner’s real-life experiences with his not-so-friendly next-door neighbour. Their unpleasant interactions fueled the aggression and emotion behind this legendary track!
Tuning & Gear
- Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step.
- Use the provided tabs for a more comprehensive learning experience.
Song Breakdown
This lesson is structured into multiple sections to make learning seamless:
- Introduction
- Intro Riff
- Verse
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Solo-Tapping Section
- Main Solo
- Acoustic Solo
- Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
- Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
- Full Song Demo (Combining All Parts)
Chords & Riffs in Crystal Mountain
Intro Riff
- The first 8 bars feature power chords like E, Bb, and F, with vibrato. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest of the chords.
- The second half of the intro is harmonised down a perfect 5th.
- Scale: E Harmonic Minor.
Verse
- The Am chord is played with a variation in arpeggio.
- Includes F power chords and some single notes, along with other chords.
- Heavy distortion is used to achieve that signature Death sound.
Chorus
- Chorus features single notes and an active midsection involving the open 5th string.
- Chuck Schuldiner added an intricate melody over the chorus section. Bobby walks you through this in detail.
Bridge
- It begins with power chords in the rhythm track.
- It is layered with harmonised single-note phrases on top
Solo Sections
Tapping Solo
- This solo features harmonised tapping licks at the 12th fret.
Main Solo
- Chuck’s solo—short but iconic.
- It is in the key of G# minor.
- Uses triplets and expressive vibrato.
Acoustic Solo
- An acoustic solo is a rare touch in a Death song! Bobby demonstrates 4 simple acoustic licks to round off the song.
Final Song Demo
After breaking down every section, Bobby dedicates three lessons to the song demo:
- Chuck’s part
- His own part
- The full song, combining all elements
Why Learn Crystal Mountain?
- Learning this song will help you master intricate picking techniques.
- It will also help you understand harmonised riffs and solos.
- It will expand your knowledge of scales and metal phrasing.
FAQs – Crystal Mountain Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this lesson suitable for beginners?
A: This lesson is best suited for intermediate to advanced players because of its complex chords and solos.
Q2. What is the most challenging part of the song?
A: The solo-tapping section and harmonised melodies require precise technique and practice.
Q3. Can I play this without tuning down?
A: Yes, you can, but tuning down a whole step helps achieve the authentic Death sound.





































