The Guitarists Who Shaped Ozzy Osbourne’s Legendary Sound

Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career has been defined not just by his unmistakable voice and larger-than-life persona but also by the extraordinary guitarists who have shaped his sound. From blistering solos to iconic riffs, each guitarist who has played alongside Ozzy has left their mark, helping to define different eras of his music.

From the neoclassical brilliance of Randy Rhoads to the southern-tinged aggression of Zakk Wylde, these musicians brought their own distinctive style, pushing Ozzy’s music in new directions while staying true to his heavy metal roots.

With the final ever Black Sabbath show coming up this summer, we thought it’d be the perfect time to take a look at the five most significant guitarists to have played with the Prince of Darkness and explore their contributions to his legendary career. Let’s dive in.

When Ozzy Osbourne launched his solo career, he needed a guitarist who could redefine his sound. Enter Randy Rhoads, a classically trained virtuoso whose blend of technical precision and melodic sensibility set a new standard for heavy metal guitar playing. Joining Ozzy from Quiet Riot in 1979, Rhoads played a pivotal role in shaping Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981), two of the most influential metal albums of all time. 

Watch our rundown on Randy's iconic Jackson Pro Series RR3:

His intricate solos, inventive riffs, and classical influences, evident in tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley”—brought a level of sophistication to Ozzy’s music that had never been heard before. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1982, but his impact on metal guitar remains immeasurable, inspiring generations of musicians who followed.

Looking to replicate that Randy Rhoads sound? Check out the Jackson Pro Rhoads Deep:

Following the tragic loss of Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne needed a guitarist who could honour his legacy while bringing something fresh to the table. Jake E. Lee stepped up to the challenge, joining Ozzy’s band in the early ‘80s and delivering a distinctive mix of technical skill, bluesy phrasing, and aggressive shredding. 

His work on Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986) showcased his dynamic playing style, with tracks like “Bark at the Moon” and “Shot in the Dark” featuring some of the most memorable riffs of Ozzy’s career. Despite his significant contributions, Lee’s tenure with Ozzy was relatively short, and he often remains one of the more overlooked guitarists in the lineup. However, his influence is undeniable, and his fiery playing helped shape a crucial period in Ozzy’s solo journey.

Zakk Wylde’s arrival in Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1987 marked the beginning of a long-standing musical partnership that would span decades. With his muscular playing style, signature pinch harmonics, and Southern rock influences, Wylde injected a heavier, more aggressive tone into Ozzy’s sound. 

His debut on No Rest for the Wicked (1988) introduced fans to his raw, blues-infused shredding, which became even more refined on No More Tears (1991), featuring classics like “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “No More Tears”. 

Over the years, Wylde became more than just Ozzy’s guitarist, he was a key creative force and an integral part of the band’s identity. Even after forming his own successful band, Black Label Society, he has frequently returned to Ozzy’s lineup, cementing his status as one of the most recognisable and influential guitarists in metal.

Here’s our very own Dagan chatting with Zakk Wylde whilst he was on tour with Pantera:

When Ozzy Osbourne needed a new guitarist for Scream (2010), he turned to Greek virtuoso Gus G., best known for his work with power metal band Firewind. Stepping into the shoes of legends like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde was no small task, but Gus brought a fresh, modern edge to Ozzy’s sound.

His precise, high-energy playing style was a perfect fit for tracks like “Let Me Hear You Scream”, blending melodic sensibilities with blistering speed. Although his tenure with Ozzy was relatively short, Gus G. helped usher in a more contemporary metal sound while still respecting the legacy of those who came before him. His time in the band may have been brief, but his technical skill and adaptability ensured that Ozzy’s music remained as powerful as ever.

Though not a full-time member of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, Tony Iommi’s influence on Ozzy’s career is undeniable. As the founding guitarist of Black Sabbath, Iommi helped shape heavy metal itself, crafting some of the most iconic riffs in rock history. 

Even after Ozzy’s departure from Sabbath, the two remained connected, occasionally reuniting for collaborations. Their musical chemistry resurfaced on tracks like “Black Oblivion” (from Black Rain sessions) and later in 13 (2013), the final Black Sabbath album. Iommi’s crushing riffs, dark tone, and unmatched songwriting have been a cornerstone of Ozzy’s legacy, making him an essential figure in any discussion of the guitarists who defined Osbourne’s sound.

Each guitarist who has played alongside Ozzy Osbourne has brought something unique to his music, shaping different eras of his legendary career. From Randy Rhoads’ neoclassical precision to Zakk Wylde’s signature pinch harmonics, and from Jake E. Lee’s fiery riffs to Gus G.’s modern shred, these musicians have all left their mark. And, of course, Tony Iommi’s influence looms large over Ozzy’s entire career, reminding us where it all began.

If you’re looking to capture that classic Ozzy tone, whether it’s Rhoads’ soaring leads, Wylde’s thick, overdriven sound, or Iommi’s crushing riffs, head to your local PMT store. Our experts can help you find the right guitar, amp, and effects to nail that unmistakable sound.