In this lesson, we learn “Dee”—Randy Rhoads’ beautiful instrumental from Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz album.

This short piece was written for his mother, Delores (“Dee”), and shows a completely different side of Rhoads’ playing. Known for his fiery metal solos, here he channels something much more delicate and emotional—a classical-inspired composition full of space, melody, and sincerity.

It’s one of those timeless guitar moments that connects instantly. It’s not technically extreme, but the beauty is in the touch, timing, and phrasing. Once we get the flow right, it becomes a meditative and expressive tune that’s a joy to play.

Revisiting an Old Friend

This tune brings back loads of memories for us. It was one of the first pieces we ever played in front of people—back at a college exam when we were sixteen! Coming back to it decades later, we could still remember nearly every note. After polishing a few details and comparing transcriptions, we’ve landed on what feels closest to the original record while keeping the spirit of it alive.

It’s always amazing how certain songs stay in your hands even after years, and Dee is one of those. It’s a reminder of how a simple, heartfelt tune can make a lasting impression—on us, and on anyone who listens.

What We Learn

In this lesson, we go step by step through every section of Dee, exploring both the technical details and musical feel that make it so special.

Here’s what we work on:

The opening G chord uses a C-shape barre at the 7th fret, with a flowing arpeggio pattern.
A B minor passage and G6 movement that bring beautiful colour to the harmony.
Subtle slides, hammer-ons, and flick-offs that make the melody sing.
A section of natural harmonics at the 7th fret—essential for capturing the right sound.
The final descending run and closing harmonics that give the piece its signature ending.

There are a few ways to finger some of these phrases—some players prefer open strings, others use fretted notes for tone control. We explore both, so you can decide what sounds and feels best under your fingers.

Technical Focus

Dee is a fantastic study for developing tone, phrasing, and finger control. Here’s what we’ll naturally improve as we work through it:

Fingerpicking independence between the thumb and fingers.
Smooth chord transitions and position shifts.
Controlling note length, tone, and dynamics.
Feeling and counting the piece in 3/4 time—that gentle waltz pulse.

Although it sounds intricate, once we break it down, it becomes really approachable. Slow practice and consistency are the keys here.

Playing Tips

A few things to keep in mind as we go:

Let every note breathe. This piece is all about tone and touch.
Don’t rush the harmonics. They should bloom naturally—use light pressure and a confident touch.
Experiment with open vs. fretted notes. Both can sound right, and exploring them helps you understand the song’s texture.
Loop the tricky bits. Practice transitions one bar at a time until they feel fluid.

It’s also a great idea to play through slowly with a metronome in triple time to internalize the rhythm before adding expression.

Why We Love It

Dee captures everything that makes the guitar special—emotion, melody, and the connection between hands and heart. It’s a chance to step away from scales and speed and focus purely on musicality.

There’s a lovely blend of Rock and classical energy here. We feel Randy Rhoads’ passion in every phrase, and it’s inspiring to see how he could create something so gentle and timeless alongside his heavier work.

This is a perfect piece to share with friends and family too—it’s short, moving, and sounds wonderful on its own without backing tracks or effects.

Make It Your Own

Every guitarist plays Dee a little differently—and that’s part of its charm. We’ll show our take on it, but we encourage you to explore and shape your version. Try subtle variations in tone, tempo, or vibrato until it feels natural and personal.

There’s no single “correct” version—the goal is to connect with the music and express it your way. That’s what makes this piece so rewarding.

Wrap-Up

If you love melodic, expressive playing—or you want a break from heavy riffs—this is the perfect piece to dive into. It’s simple, heartfelt, and timeless. Grab your acoustic or nylon-string guitar, get comfortable, and let’s learn Dee together.

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