This thesis deals with the electric guitar in heavy metal music in the 1970s. It will be discussed why the electric guitar was the most important instrument in heavy metal music and of which elements guitar playing were comprised of in the early heavy metal. Furthermore, the musical characteristics of the styles preceded by heavy metal music were analysed. It will also be discussed how the influence of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, for instance, is evident in heavy metal music.

The purpose of this thesis was to give a clear overall picture of guitar playing in heavy metal music in the 1970s. With the help of short note examples the melodic and rhythmic elements of heavy metal alongside with the harmony are studied. As well as to look into guitar distortion and find out how it affects the acoustic qualities of the sound.

At first, the concepts and ideas used in the study will be defined and guitar playing techniques shortly discussed. Then the term heavy metal will be dealt with and the backgrounds of the style examined. It will be proceeded to deal with the musical characteristics of heavy metal and talk about the relevance of the extra musical factors in heavy metal. At the end of the study the playing styles of Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen will be briefly analysed. The elements of their playing styles will be analysed in order to find out the special characteristics in their playing. Finally, there is a short discussion about plagiarism in heavy metal music in the 1970s.