About this recording
Paranoid · 1970 · RHINO official album audio uploaded 2023-03-02, described as the track from Paranoid (1970).
Playing level: intermediate · Theory level: beginner
This solo is a good way to hear E minor pentatonic across the neck. Start with the complete box at frets 12–15.
The scales at a glance
Compare the notes
Learn these shapes, then see how they help explain each solo below. Some are extra ideas for your own practice.
| Scale | Notes | Intervals | Use in this study |
|---|---|---|---|
| E Minor Pentatonic | E · G · A · B · D | 1 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭7 | Listening guide |
| E Natural Minor | E · F♯ · G · A · B · C · D | 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 | Practice idea |
Solo breakdown
Main solo
Guitar: Tony Iommi
Where is this solo?
The main lead break in the original studio track, between the vocal sections.
E Minor Pentatonic
Listening guide
These five notes are the main framework for Iommi’s solo. The first view shows the complete E minor pentatonic box at frets 12–15.
E · G · A · B · D
◎ Outlined dots = E, the home note.
Standard tuning (teaching setup) · frets 12–15 · high string 1 at top · toward nut →
These dots show where the scale notes are. They do not show the order of the solo.
Read the note positions
- String 1, fret 12: E, interval 1, root
- String 1, fret 15: G, interval ♭3
- String 2, fret 12: B, interval 5
- String 2, fret 15: D, interval ♭7
- String 3, fret 12: G, interval ♭3
- String 3, fret 14: A, interval 4
- String 4, fret 12: D, interval ♭7
- String 4, fret 14: E, interval 1, root
- String 5, fret 12: A, interval 4
- String 5, fret 14: B, interval 5
- String 6, fret 12: E, interval 1, root
- String 6, fret 15: G, interval ♭3
More about these scales
E Minor Pentatonic Listening guide
These five notes are the main framework for Iommi’s solo. The first view shows the complete E minor pentatonic box at frets 12–15.
E · G · A · B · D
E Natural Minor Practice idea
Add F♯ and C to compare the full E minor scale. Treat these as extra practice notes, rather than assuming the whole solo follows a seven-note scale.
E · F♯ · G · A · B · C · D
How the chords shape the solo
Chords and note choices
Listen for the landing note
Listening idea E, G and B belong to E minor. Try ending on E to hear a clear return home, then end on G and notice the different feel.
Technique tips
Technique and phrasing
- bending: A bend raises a note by pushing the string across the fretboard. Play the target note first, then bend a lower note until it matches. Practice suggestion
Practice ideas
Try the ideas yourself
Original practice suggestions; these are not the recorded solo.
Try this slowly
Use only strings 1 and 2 at first. Make a four-note phrase, pause, then repeat it with a different ending. Keep the rhythm steady as you move to strings 3 and 4.
Check: You can keep a steady pulse and hear the final note clearly.
A simple practice plan
Put the study into practice
- Listen to the chosen solo and identify its beginning and ending.
- Find the root notes: the notes the scale is named after. Say their names, then play them.
- Add one new note, or aim for a note from the chord. Make a short phrase of your own.
- Listen to the solo again. Can you hear where the phrase comes to rest?
Updated 2026-11-10
This analysis may contain errors or inaccuracies.