Learn To Play Iron Maiden Volume 2

Welcome to the definitive guitar lesson course for mastering the greatest anthems of Iron Maiden. Few bands define the spirit and technical prowess of Heavy Metal (British) quite like Iron Maiden. Their sound is a complex tapestry of epic song structures, driving “galloping” rhythms, and the legendary dual-guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. This course, Learn To Play Iron Maiden Volume 2, is engineered to take you beyond simple tabs, providing you with the precise technical and theoretical understanding required to truly replicate their iconic sound. If you are ready to elevate your playing from intermediate to truly masterful, this is your opportunity to dissect the intricate arrangements and blistering solos that define the band’s golden era. We focus on the precision, agility, and unique stylistic contrasts between Murray’s fluid, blues-infused bends and Smith’s melodic, structured approach. Prepare to conquer some of the most challenging and rewarding material ever written for the electric guitar.
Expert
Looper function
Video speed controls
Andy James Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Andy James

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 Moonchild
3 2 Minutes To Midnight
4 Aces High
5 Fear Of The Dark
6 Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
7 Outro

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced guitarists who have a solid foundation in electric guitar but are looking to tackle highly technical, fast-paced material that demands precision and endurance. If you find yourself struggling to match the speed and accuracy of complex metal riffs, or if your solos lack the melodic structure of the masters, this is the course you need.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Struggle to maintain clean articulation during high-speed Alternate Picking runs.
  • Want to move beyond basic scale shapes and understand how to construct truly melodic, narrative solos.
  • Need a structured Learn To Play Iron Maiden guitar tutorial to accurately replicate the complex rhythm and lead parts simultaneously.

Are dedicated to mastering the authentic sound of Heavy Metal (British) guitar lessons and the specific techniques of Iron Maiden’s legendary guitarists.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Mastering Iron Maiden requires a significant upgrade to your technical arsenal, demanding both speed and musicality. This course will fundamentally transform your picking hand agility, fretboard fluidity, and understanding of melodic construction.

Technical Skills You’ll Develop:

  • Galloping Rhythms: Achieve the signature Iron Maiden rhythmic pulse using precise down-up-down picking patterns, essential for tracks like “Aces High.”
  • Contrasting Lead Styles: Learn both Adrian Smith guitar techniques (melodic structure, tasteful vibrato) and Dave Murray guitar techniques (fluid legato, bluesy bends, rapid-fire alternate picking).
  • Dual Guitar Harmonies: Master the harmonised lead lines that give Maiden their epic, orchestral sound, requiring perfect timing and intonation.
  • Advanced Picking: Utilise high-speed Alternate Picking and Tremolo Picking for blistering solo passages and intense riff delivery.
  • Fretboard Agility: Develop seamless Legato, Slides, and Pull-offs to navigate fast scale runs, often utilising A minor and E minor pentatonic scales.
  • Atmospheric Construction: Learn to use Arpeggiated Chord Progressions and Open-String Riffs to build tension and create epic, narrative-driven song introductions.
  • Expressive Techniques: Perfect your Vibrato and String Bending control to add emotion and power to your solos.
  • Tapped Harmonics: Incorporate advanced techniques to add unique textures and flair to your lead work.
NEED SUPPORT WITH THIS COURSE OR LESSON?
WE CAN HELP...

1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with Iron Maiden nor does Iron Maiden perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play Iron Maiden Volume 2

Join Andy James and immerse yourself in the incredible world of British heavy metal with our latest product, "Learn to Play Iron Maiden Volume 2". This comprehensive guide breaks down the iconic tracks from Iron Maiden into digestible lessons, helping you understand and replicate the riffs, solos, and rhythms that propelled the band to legendary status.

Our series focuses on five signature songs: "Moonchild", "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Aces High", "Fear of the Dark", and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son". Each song offers a unique perspective on Iron Maiden's signature sound, showcasing different techniques, scales, and songwriting prowess.

Moonchild

"Moonchild" is a gateway into the unique world of Iron Maiden's thematic music. The song primarily revolves around the A minor scale, providing a rich palette for riff creation and exploration. Its solo is a spectacular display of Iron Maiden's lead guitarist, Adrian Smith's unique style, with an emphasis on melodic lines and tasteful use of vibrato. Smith's measured and meticulous approach to soloing creates a captivating narrative in each line, providing an excellent learning opportunity for improving your phrasing and vibrato technique.

2 Minutes to Midnight

"2 Minutes to Midnight" is one of Iron Maiden's most well-known songs, and for a good reason. With its catchy main riff rooted in the E minor pentatonic scale, it's a testament to the effectiveness of simple, effective songwriting. The guitar solo in this song, performed by Dave Murray, showcases a varied range of techniques such as legato and alternate picking, demonstrating the precision and speed that characterizes Murray's playing style.

Aces High

"Aces High" stands as an iconic example of Iron Maiden's galloping rhythms and dual guitar harmonies. This song, in D minor, requires precision and agility due to its fast tempo and intricate riffs. The solos in "Aces High" are a masterclass in string bending and tremolo picking, two key elements of Iron Maiden's guitar work.

Fear of the Dark

The haunting "Fear of the Dark" showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric pieces with impactful guitar work. The use of arpeggiated chord progressions and open-string riffs in this track, performed in the key of B minor, offers a deeper understanding of these techniques. The iconic solo section demonstrates the effective use of slides and pull-offs, which would be beneficial to guitarists seeking to add more expressiveness to their playing.

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

Finally, the epic "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" is a testament to the narrative prowess of Iron Maiden. Played in the key of A minor, the song is rich in melody and employs a wide range of guitar techniques. The solo sections make use of tapped harmonics and sweeps, offering learners an opportunity to dive into more advanced techniques.

Lead Guitarist Analysis

Iron Maiden's lead guitarist, Dave Murray, is renowned for his fluid, legato-heavy playing style. His improvisational approach often incorporates bluesy bends and rapid-fire alternate picking, offering a stark contrast to Adrian Smith's more melodic, structured style. Murray's contribution to the songs in this volume cannot be understated. His intricate solos provide a wealth of material for learners to dissect, offering insights into his phrasing, technique, and creative process.


Guitar Techniques Used in these Lessons

The songs in "Learn to Play Iron Maiden Volume 2" utilize a wide array of guitar techniques. Here's a list for you to explore:

Our aim with this product is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Iron Maiden's guitar work, all while enhancing your technical ability and musicality. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a novice seeking to learn more about metal, "Learn to Play Iron Maiden Volume 2" is a thrilling ride through the annals of rock history. Grab your axe and join us for the ride!

Andy James playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Andy James

Andy James needs little introduction as one of the most popular LickLibrary tutors, respected the world over for his unbelievable technical skills and teaching material. "As a player Andy has released a string of solo albums, the last being 2012's ""Andy James"" on Transcend Music which was met with huge...

View More