What instrument does Tony Iommi play?

Tony Iommi plays guitar.

He is best known as Black Sabbath’s guitarist, co-founder, principal composer, and the only musician to remain with the band throughout its existence. His heavy, down-tuned guitar sound helped define early heavy metal.

Iommi’s playing style was shaped by a serious factory accident at age 17, when he lost the tips of two fingers on his right hand. Inspired by guitarist Django Reinhardt, he continued playing, using prosthetic fingertips, lighter strings, and lower tunings. Those adaptations contributed to his powerful, dark tone.

A common mix-up is assuming Iommi played bass because Black Sabbath’s riffs are so prominent and low-pitched. Bassist Geezer Butler supplied the bass, while Iommi created the band’s signature guitar riffs, including those on “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.”