Classic Albums - Powerslave
Song Lessons in this Course
Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill
This comprehensive Powerslave guitar lesson course breaks down every essential guitar part from the album, from the aggressive riffs to the epic, harmonised solos. You will learn to play:
- Aces High
- 2 Minutes to Midnight
- Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)
- Flash of the Blade
- The Duellists
- Back in the Village
- Powerslave
- Rime of the Ancient Mariner
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is specifically designed for guitarists who are ready to take their playing to the next level and conquer the challenges of classic heavy metal. This course is ideal for players who:
• Have a solid foundation in basic guitar techniques (power chords, open chords) and are looking to transition into intermediate and advanced metal playing.
• Want to improve their alternate picking speed and accuracy to handle fast, continuous sixteenth-note passages.
• Are fascinated by the art of dual-guitar arrangements and want to learn how to play complex harmonies with precision.
• Are fans of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and classic 80s rock guitar lessons and want to master the defining album of the genre.
• Are looking for a structured path to learn advanced soloing techniques and exotic scales used in progressive and heavy metal.
• Need to build stamina and endurance in their fretting and picking hands to play extended, epic tracks like "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
What will I achieve from completing this course?
By completing this in-depth course, you will not only master the music of Powerslave but also gain a profound understanding of the techniques that underpin all 80s rock guitar and heavy metal playing.
• Master the Gallop: You will perfect the iconic Iron Maiden "gallop" rhythm, a fundamental skill for metal and hard rock, dramatically improving your right-hand precision and stamina.
• Unlock Dual-Guitar Harmony: Learn the theory and application behind Murray and Smith's legendary harmonised leads, enabling you to write and perform your own complex, melodic guitar arrangements.
• Elevate Your Soloing: Analyse and execute the solos, gaining fluency in techniques like alternate picking, legato, string bending, and vibrato, and applying exotic scales like the Phrygian Dominant and Harmonic Minor.
• Improve Rhythmic Precision: Develop a razor-sharp sense of timing and attack through the album's complex, syncopated rhythms and demanding song structures.
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.*
Powerslave: A Guitarist's Analysis of Iron Maiden's Seminal Album
Powerslave, Iron Maiden's fifth studio album, was released in 1984 and remains one of the band's most iconic and influential records. It features the classic lineup of Bruce Dickinson on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Nicko McBrain on drums, and the dual lead guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Powerslave contains some of Iron Maiden’s finest song writing. No wonder it remains a fan favourite! Licklibrary metal guitar guru, Sam Bell takes you on a journey through this incredible Classic Album, presenting a breakdown of the guitar parts which have been coveted by metal guitar fans for decades!This article will focus on the album's guitar work, describing each song in detail and providing insights into the techniques and scales used by the lead guitarists.
Aces High
The album opener is a high-octane track that showcases Iron Maiden's signature galloping rhythms and dual-guitar harmonies. This track is predominantly based around the E minor and B Phrygian scales. The main riff features alternate picking and palm muting for a tight and aggressive sound. The solos showcase Murray and Smith's vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and string bending techniques.
2 Minutes to Midnight
This track's main riff is based on the E Dorian scale and uses power chords and open-string riffs for a heavy, driving sound. The solos employ the E minor pentatonic scale and feature alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons.
Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)
This instrumental track highlights the band's ability to create intricate and memorable guitar harmonies. The song is based on the E Aeolian scale and features alternate picking, galloping rhythms, arpeggios, and syncopated rhythms. The solos showcase both guitarists' vibrato, alternate picking, and string bending techniques.
Flash of the Blade
This track is built around the D Phrygian scale and features alternate picking, palm muting, and power chords in the main riff. The solos are based on the D minor pentatonic scale and employ string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.
The Duellists
This song is rooted in the E Aeolian scale and features intricate dual-guitar harmonies and a galloping rhythm. The solos showcase Murray and Smith's abilities in alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato.
Back in the Village
This track features a driving rhythm and riffs based on the E Dorian scale. The solos employ the E minor pentatonic scale and showcase alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons.
Powerslave
The title track is an epic, prog-influenced song that uses the Phrygian dominant scale and features arpeggiated chord progressions and syncopated rhythms. The solos are based on the E harmonic minor scale and display both guitarists' skills in alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
This 13-minute-long epic closes the album and is based on the E Aeolian scale. It features complex dual-guitar harmonies, arpeggiated chord progressions, and syncopated rhythms. The solos showcase alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.
Lead Guitarists: Dave Murray and Adrian Smith
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's contributions to Powerslave are a testament to their exceptional guitar skills and unique chemistry. Their distinctive playing styles complement each other perfectly, with Murray's fluid legato style and Smith's more aggressive, staccato approach. The album features some of their most memorable guitar work, from intricate harmonies and riffs to soaring solos.
Murray's solos on Powerslave are characterised by his extensive use of legato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and smooth vibrato. His melodic sensibility and fluid playing style create a seamless blend of melody and technique, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Smith, on the other hand, brings a more aggressive edge to his solos, with a heavier emphasis on alternate picking, string bending, and pinched harmonics. His playing style adds contrast to Murray's, creating a dynamic and captivating lead guitar duo that remains a hallmark of Iron Maiden's sound.
Powerslave is an essential album for guitarists who want to explore the intricacies of Iron Maiden's guitar work. The combination of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's distinctive playing styles, the memorable riffs, and the multitude of techniques used throughout the album make Powerslave a masterclass in heavy metal guitar playing.
NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE
Techniques Used in Powerslave
Throughout the album, various guitar techniques are employed, showcasing the versatility and skill of the lead guitarists. Some of these techniques include:
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Sam Bell
Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...