Flying High Again by Ozzy Osbourne
Flying High Again is a track from Ozzy Osbourne's 1981 album Diary of a Madman. It spotlights Randy Rhoads's flashy guitar work and a brisk, soaring riff that helped define the early 80s metal sound. Recorded during the Diary of a Madman sessions, the track balances theatrical flair with muscular rhythm, a blend that made Ozzy's solo era feel both hard-hitting and radio-friendly at the same time.
The song's writing credits are generally attributed to Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, and Bob Daisley, with the recording capturing the high-energy chemistry of the early Ozzy lineup. Over the years, Flying High Again has endured as a crowd favorite in live shows and a staple in Ozzy's catalog, representing the period when Rhoads's guitar mastery helped redefine what a rock riff could achieve.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this lesson, you'll learn the driving main riff built from power chords and precise single-note lines, the verse-chorus progression that drives the song, and the lead phrases used in the iconic solo. We'll break down essential techniques—palm muting to tighten the chug, accurate alternate picking to keep the rhythm tight, and common hammer-ons and pull-offs to replicate the fluidity of the riff. We'll also discuss tone shaping for that crunchy, cutting Ozzy sound and point out tricky spots such as rapid 16th-note runs and smooth transitions between sections. By the end, you'll be able to play the groove with solid timing and confidently blend rhythm and lead ideas.
Intermediate — prior experience with power chords, fast picking patterns, and basic lead phrasing will help you master the song more quickly.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Slow down the main riff with a metronome, gradually increasing tempo as you lock in timing.
- 💡Keep the palm muting tight on the low strings to avoid spillover and muddy tones.
- 💡Isolate the solo licks and practice them at a slower speed before connecting to the rhythm sections.
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