Learn to Play Motörhead: Dive into the Legacy of Motorhead’s Thunderous Riffs and Solos

Master the art of playing Motörhead on guitar with this dedicated series of lessons from Licklibrary.coms very own Andy James. We will explore five iconic songs that shaped the sound of this legendary heavy metal band: "Ace of Spades," "Iron Fist," "Bomber," "Overkill," and "Motörhead."

The lessons are designed to deliver precise, note-for-note instruction, allowing you to capture the essence of Motörhead's unique blend of punk and heavy metal. It’s an ideal tool for guitarists who want to expand their musical horizons and delve into the rich and influential world of Motörhead.

Ace of Spades

In the fast and furious "Ace of Spades," you'll be introduced to the power chords and bluesy bends that defined Motörhead's sound. The main riff, played in the E minor pentatonic scale, is a whirlwind of aggressive strumming and palm muting, with occasional vibrato on the bends for extra punch. The guitar solo is a high-energy romp in the minor pentatonic, showcasing the band’s potent mix of rock 'n' roll and heavy metal.

Iron Fist

"Iron Fist" offers more complexity with its use of various scales, including the blues scale and natural minor. This song introduces you to a slew of new techniques, including galloping rhythms and pinch harmonics, adding variety and depth to the playing style. The solo is built around the E minor scale and is an excellent study in speed, precision, and alternate picking.

Bomber

"Bomber" is an exercise in rhythmic discipline and power chords. The song is heavily reliant on the A and E power chords, interspersed with open-string riffs for sonic variety. The solo is a melodic interplay between the pentatonic and natural minor scales. This song also introduces string bending and syncopated rhythms, essential components of the Motörhead sound.

Overkill

"Overkill" is all about speed and aggression. Featuring one of the most enduring drum patterns in heavy metal, this song requires tight synchronization with the rhythm section. The song incorporates chromaticism and tremolo picking, with its solo being a masterclass in the use of the natural minor and harmonic minor scales.

Motörhead

The self-titled "Motörhead" is a brilliant showcase of the band's punk influences. Fast, raw, and full of attitude, this track makes extensive use of power chords, slides, and open-string riffs. The solo, played in the A minor pentatonic scale, is a fast and loose explosion of energy, perfectly encapsulating the band's wild spirit.

Lead Guitarist: Fast Eddie Clarke

"Fast" Eddie Clarke, the guitarist who joined Motörhead in 1976, brought a significant influence to the band's iconic sound. His blues-based guitar style combined with Lemmy's roaring basslines and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor's thrashing drums, resulting in a unique fusion of rock, punk, and heavy metal that defined Motörhead. Clarke's riffs and solos were direct, intense, and driving, serving as the fuel for classics like "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill". Moreover, his use of techniques such as alternate picking, slides, and string bending added a complexity to the band's music that set them apart from their contemporaries. Despite leaving the band in 1982, Clarke's contribution to Motörhead remains fundamental. The tight, fast, and gritty sound he developed with Lemmy and Taylor remains an integral part of the band's legacy and continues to inspire musicians to this day.

Techniques Used

Below is a list of guitar techniques used in these lessons:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Galloping Rhythms
• Pinched Harmonics
• Open-String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• String Bending
• Chromaticism
• Tremolo Picking
• Slides

This "Learn to Play Motörhead" series offers guitarists a unique opportunity to delve into the band's signature sound and techniques. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the playing style that has influenced countless rock and heavy metal bands worldwide. Perfect for all levels of experience, this tutorial series is an essential addition to every guitarist's practice routine.