5 Easy Steps To Play Crazy Train On Guitar

Crazy Train

Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic “Crazy Train” is a guitar-driven anthem that has captivated rock fans for decades. Its infectious riff, soaring solo, and powerful lyrics have made it a staple of classic rock radio. If you’re a guitarist looking to add this iconic tune to your repertoire, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master “Crazy Train” on guitar.

The opening riff of “Crazy Train” is what sets the stage for the rest of the song. It’s a simple yet effective four-note pattern that uses power chords. To play it, start by placing your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the third fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Then, strum down on all three strings simultaneously. Repeat this pattern while moving down one fret on each string with each strum. The riff should sound like this: E | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | A | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | D | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 |

Once you’ve mastered the opening riff, you can move on to the rest of the song. The verse follows a similar chord progression to the intro, but with a few added embellishments. The chorus introduces a new chord progression and features a soaring guitar solo that’s one of the most recognizable in rock history. The bridge takes a more subdued approach, with a slower tempo and simpler chords. Finally, the song concludes with a reprise of the opening riff, bringing the piece to a satisfying end. With a little practice and dedication, you’ll be able to play “Crazy Train” on guitar like a pro and impress your friends and fellow musicians alike.

The Essential Riff

The iconic opening riff of “Crazy Train” is an essential part of mastering the song on guitar. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to play it:

Step 1: Tuning and Chording

Tune your guitar to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E). The riff mainly utilizes power chords, so learn to play the power chord forms for E minor and A.

Step 2: Finger Positioning

For the E minor power chord, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. For the A power chord, use the same fingering, but move it up two frets to the 5th fret of the A string.

Step 3: Strumming Pattern

The riff features a steady eighth-note strumming pattern on the top three strings (E, A, and D). Use a down-up-down-up motion and keep a consistent tempo.

Step 4: Connecting the Chords

The riff alternates between E minor and A power chords. Start with E minor, then transition to A by sliding your fingers up two frets. The fingering for E minor is shown below, with the transition to A indicated in brackets:

E minor	A
2 (index) A	5 (index) A
2 (middle) D	5 (middle) D
2 (ring) G	5 (ring) G

Step 5: Practice and Refinement

Practice the riff slowly at first, focusing on getting the finger positioning and strumming pattern correct. Gradually increase the speed and practice with a metronome to improve your timing.

Creating the Perfect Tone

Achieving the iconic Crazy Train tone requires a precise combination of guitar and amplifier settings. Here are some tips:

Guitar Settings

Pickups: Use a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, which provides a thick and aggressive sound.
Volume and Tone Knobs: Set the volume and tone knobs to around 75% to balance clarity and saturation.

Amplifier Settings

Gain: Adjust the gain to achieve a slightly overdriven tone. Start with a moderate gain setting and gradually increase it until you get a warm and distorted sound.
EQ: Emphasize the midrange frequencies by boosting the mids knob around 7 or 8. Cut some of the bass to tighten the sound and boost the treble slightly to add crispness.

Effects

Distortion: Use a distortion pedal to enhance the overdriven tone and create a more aggressive sound. Set the distortion level to medium to avoid muddiness.
Delay: A short delay can add depth and sustain to the solo. Experiment with delay times around 250-400 milliseconds.

Mastering the Main Melody

The iconic main melody of “Crazy Train” is a guitar riff that instantly transports listeners to the world of Ozzy Osbourne. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to play it:

Step 1: Tuning
Before you start, make sure your guitar is tuned to standard E (E, A, D, G, B, E).

Step 2: Right Hand Technique
Use alternate picking with a medium-fast strumming speed. This means downstrokes on the accented beats and upstrokes on the unaccented beats.

Step 3: Fretting Hand Technique
The riff involves a combination of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. Pay close attention to the fingerings indicated in the tablature below:

Step 4: Timing
The riff plays at a steady eighth-note pulse. Use a metronome to practice until you can maintain a consistent tempo.

Step 5: Dynamics
The melody begins with a clean sound and gradually builds in intensity. Use a combination of picking strength and volume control to achieve this effect.

Nail the Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a crucial technique in Crazy Train. To master them, follow these steps:

Position your fretting finger: Lightly place your finger on the fret where the note will be hammered on, behind the fretwire.
Pick the string: Pick the string slightly below the fret where you’re hammering on.
Hammer the note: Quickly and forcefully lower your fretting finger onto the fret, striking the string and producing the note.
Synchronization: The key is to synchronize the picking and hammering motions. Practice the following pattern:

String	Fret	Finger
E	3	2
A	3	3
D	3	4
G	0	1

Down Pick	Hammer-On
Downward motion	Downward motion as the string is picked

The True Power of Palm Muting

Palm muting is a technique used to quickly and effectively create a percussive, rhythmic sound on the guitar. It involves resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, above the pickup. By muting the strings with your palm, you can control how much sound is produced and create a variety of different effects.

One of the most common uses of palm muting is to create a “chugging” effect, which is often used in heavy metal music. To achieve this sound, simply palm mute the strings and pick them downstrokes constantly. You can vary the speed and intensity of the picking to create a more aggressive or laid-back sound.

Palm muting can also be used to create a percussive “staccato” effect. To do this, simply pick the strings downstrokes while simultaneously muting them with your palm. This creates a short, crisp sound that can add a lot of rhythm and interest to your playing.

In addition to these basic techniques, there are many other ways to use palm muting to create different sounds. By experimenting with different picking patterns and muting techniques, you can discover a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Here is a table summarizing the different palm muting techniques discussed in this article:

Technique	Effect
Chugging	Continuous downstrokes with palm muting
Staccato	Short, crisp downstrokes with palm muting
Percussive	Variety of picking patterns with palm muting to create rhythmic effects

Building the Backing Riff

The backing riff for “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne is the foundation of the song’s powerful, driving sound. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build it:

1. Start with the Power Chord

The riff begins with a power chord, which involves playing the root, fifth, and octave notes of a chord simultaneously. In this case, it’s the A power chord (A, E, A).

2. Add the Lower Note

After the power chord, pluck the open string that’s two frets below the root note. For A, this is the open D string.

3. Slide to the Fourth Fret

Slide your finger from the open string to the fourth fret on the same string. This creates a chromaticism and adds movement to the riff.

4. Play the Octave

Return to the root note and pluck the octave at the 12th fret on the same string.

5. Hammer-on the Fifth

Hammer on the fifth note (E) at the seventh fret on the same string. This creates a syncopated rhythm and gives the riff its signature groove.

6. Detailed Variation

The riff repeats with a variation:

Play the power chord as before.
Pluck the open D string immediately after the power chord, but hold it for two beats.
Slide to the fourth fret on the D string and hold it for two beats.
Repeat steps 3-5 of the main riff.

This variation adds a subtle but effective rhythmic twist to the backing riff.

Achieving the Solo’s Flow

To master the fluid, legato transitions of the solo, embrace the following techniques:

1. Maintain Smooth Fingerings

Avoid unnecessary string hops or awkward finger positions. Use efficient fingerings to move seamlessly between notes.

2. Practice Light Touch

Apply minimal pressure to the strings, allowing them to ring out cleanly. Heavy palm muting will dampen the sustain.

3. Control Vibrato

Incorporate subtle vibrato to add expression and depth to the notes, but avoid excessive or uneven vibrato that disrupts the flow.

4. Utilize Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for rapid, fluid note changes. Practice smoothly connecting notes without breaking the guitar’s sustain.

5. Master Alternate Picking

Maintain consistent downstrokes and upstrokes to create a rhythmic groove. Alternate picking enhances speed and accuracy.

6. Perfect Timing

Precise timing is crucial for the solo’s transitions. Focus on playing notes in exact time, avoiding rushing or dragging behind the beat.

7. Develop Dexterity

The solo requires nimble finger movements. Strengthen your left and right hands through exercises and scales that improve coordination and dexterity. The following table provides a sample exercise:

Left Hand	Right Hand
Barre at the 9th fret	Alternate pick the E and B strings at the 10th and 12th frets
Slide down to the 7th fret	Continue alternate picking
Barre at the 5th fret	Finish with a downstroke on the A string at the 5th fret

The Intricate Harmonic Structure

Crazy Train features a complex harmonic structure that is essential to its distinctive sound. The song is primarily based on a descending chromatic sequence, which creates a sense of tension and movement. This sequence is used as the foundation for the verse and chorus, and is also incorporated into the bridge and solo sections.

In addition to the chromatic sequence, Crazy Train also utilizes a variety of other harmonic techniques, including:

Open Strings

The use of open strings contributes to the song’s heavy and powerful sound. The open E string, in particular, is used to create a drone that underlies much of the song.

Suspended Chords

Suspended chords, such as the Asus2 and Esus4, are also used extensively in Crazy Train. These chords create a sense of anticipation and resolution, and help to build tension and release throughout the song.

Trilling

Trilling, or rapidly alternating between two notes, is used to create a sense of urgency and excitement. This technique is most notably used in the bridge section of the song.

Harmonized Solo

The guitar solo in Crazy Train is harmonized, meaning that two or more notes are played at the same time. This creates a more complex and interesting sound, and helps to build to the song’s climax.

The Chromatic Sequence

The chromatic sequence used in Crazy Train consists of the following notes:

E♭, D♭, C♭, B♭, A♭, G♭, F♭

This sequence is repeated throughout the song, and is used to create a sense of tension and movement.

The chromatic sequence is also used as the basis for the song’s solo section. In this section, the sequence is played at a faster tempo, and is combined with other harmonic techniques to create a more complex and exciting sound.

Ensuring Accuracy and Timing

Mastering the intricacies of Crazy Train demands precise accuracy and impeccable timing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you nail the iconic intro and mesmerizing solo:

Practice Slowly

Start by practicing the intro and solo at a slower tempo. This allows you to focus on each note, ensuring accuracy and proper fretting. As you progress, gradually increase the speed.

Use a Metronome

A metronome is an essential tool for maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the song. Set it to the appropriate tempo and practice playing with the beat.

Count the Beats

Actively count the beats as you play to avoid rushing or dragging the tempo. Subdivide the beats into eighth notes or sixteenth notes, depending on the passage you’re playing.

Visualize the Fretboard

Develop a clear mental image of the fretboard layout. This will help you quickly identify the notes you’re playing and ensure accuracy.

Use Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is crucial for maintaining a smooth and even sound. Use a consistent downstroke and upstroke pattern to accurately execute the rapid picking passages.

Practice with a Recording

Listen to a recording of the original song and try to match the rhythm and phrasing. This will help you internalize the timing and dynamics of the piece.

Learn the Solo by Section

Break down the solo into smaller sections and practice each one individually. This makes it easier to memorize and execute the complex passages.

Build Endurance

Playing Crazy Train requires significant finger dexterity and endurance. Practice regularly to build up your stamina and avoid fatigue.

Take Breaks

It’s important to take breaks while practicing to prevent burnout. Resting your fingers and mind will help you maintain focus and avoid muscle strain.

Practice Technique	Benefits
Practice slowly	Develops accuracy and ensures proper fretting.
Use a metronome	Maintains consistent rhythm and timing.
Count the beats	Prevents rushing or dragging the tempo.
Visualize the fretboard	Identifies notes quickly and accurately.
Use alternate picking	Provides a smooth and even sound.

Performing with Confidence

Performing live can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you perform with confidence:

Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the song and your guitar playing. This will help you stay calm and focused during your performance.
Know your equipment. Make sure you’re familiar with your guitar, amplifier, and pedals. This will help you avoid any technical problems during your performance.
Visualize yourself playing well. Picture yourself in front of an audience, playing the song perfectly. This will help you build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Focus on the experience. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Just focus on enjoying the moment and sharing your music with the audience.
Interact with the audience. Make eye contact with the audience and smile. This will help create a connection and make you feel more comfortable.
Accept that mistakes happen. Everyone makes mistakes when they perform live. Just don’t let it throw you off. Keep playing and the audience will be none the wiser.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or bandmate for help. They’ll be there to support you.
Remember why you’re playing. You’re playing because you love music. So go out there and have fun!
Set realistic expectations. Don’t expect to be perfect. Just focus on playing your best and enjoying the experience.
Be kind to yourself. If you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just keep playing and learn from the experience.

How to Play Crazy Train on Guitar

Crazy Train is a classic hard rock song by Ozzy Osbourne. It features a simple but memorable guitar riff. If you’re a beginner guitarist, this is a great song to start with. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Crazy Train on guitar.

Tune your guitar to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E).
Start by playing the open E string.
Then, play the A string at the 2nd fret.
Next, play the D string at the 4th fret.
Finally, play the G string at the 5th fret.
Repeat this sequence of notes until you get to the end of the measure.

Once you have the basics down, you can start adding some variations to the riff. For example, you can try bending the strings or adding some vibrato. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to play Crazy Train on guitar like a pro. So grab your guitar and start rocking out!