The relationship between major chords and minor keys in metal
Chord construction in 'War Pigs'
About this lesson
Most people assume heavy metal lives in minor keys — dark, brooding, minor all the way. But Black Sabbath actually breaks that rule constantly. "War Pigs," one of the heaviest songs ever written, leans on a major third — the same building block you'd find in a bright, uplifting major chord. It's a little deceiving when you think about it.
Players like Tony Iommi mastered this idea—mixing major elements into heavy riffs to create tension and character. Try experimenting with adding a major third into your riffs. You might be surprised how heavy it can still sound. 🔥
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