Tony Iommi, thrash metal pioneer and guitarist of Black Sabbath, has a wide-reaching musical influence that continues today. The way that his writing and innovation has inspired heavy music over the years is undeniable. So it is very understandable that such an iconic Sabbath riff would take out the top spot. Taken from their sixth studio album – 1975’s Sabotage – the track is widely cited as a pivotal point in the development of the thrash metal sub-genre as a whole.
Iommi’s methods of riff composition, as well as being unafraid to experiment with different tunings, amps and string gauges, allowed him to come up with some of the most unique sounds of the period in heavy music.
For an in-depth look at the methods of this absolute legend of heavy, check out our Gear Rundown on Tony Iommi here.
Image via Chris Walter.
