Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden – Guitar Lesson

Unleash the power of one of heavy metal’s most iconic anthems with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden. A standout single from their 1982 album The Number of the Beast, this track blends galloping rhythms, powerful riffs, and thrilling solos into a relentless barrage of classic metal guitar work. From the opening beat to the soaring leads, Run to the Hills is a masterclass in speed, tone, and articulation—making it the perfect track to study and perform for intermediate to advanced guitarists.

In this LickLibrary lesson, we break down every section of the song in meticulous detail. You'll learn how to execute key techniques that define the track, including power chords, palm muting, unison bends, and whammy bar tricks. These techniques are presented in the context of the actual song, giving you the opportunity to build usable skills while mastering one of Iron Maiden’s most enduring classics. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Focus

Power Chords

Iron Maiden’s rhythm guitar foundation is built on tight, aggressive power chords. In Run to the Hills, these chords create driving momentum, especially in the choruses and during the instrumental transitions between sections.

Learning benefit: Practicing power chords builds strength, muting control, and rhythmic accuracy. These essential chords are the cornerstone of heavy metal rhythm playing, giving you a solid base for countless songs in the genre.

Palm Muting

The punch and tightness of the verse riff comes from precise palm muting, giving the guitar tone a percussive, controlled feel. This technique is used to maintain clarity and separation at fast tempos, which is crucial in Maiden’s rhythm work.

Learning benefit: Developing palm muting allows for better dynamic control and articulation. It’s vital for creating definition in fast, distorted rhythm parts and locking in with the rhythm section.

Unison Bends

The solo in Run to the Hills features dramatic unison bends that create tension and intensity. This classic lead technique is used to emphasize target notes with force, adding a dramatic, almost vocal-like scream to the phrasing.

Learning benefit: Mastering unison bends improves your pitch accuracy and bending control, allowing you to execute expressive, high-impact phrases that cut through any mix.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Subtle and effective whammy bar tricks are scattered throughout the solo section, adding vibrato, dive-bombs, and other pitch modulation effects that give the performance a dynamic, almost chaotic energy.

Learning benefit: Exploring whammy bar tricks expands your tonal range and creative expression. It’s a great way to add flair and uniqueness to your solos while improving coordination and finesse.

Why Learn This Song?

Run to the Hills is more than just a heavy metal classic—it’s a technical and musical workout that will refine your rhythm playing, boost your soloing skills, and introduce you to techniques that can be applied across countless other songs. From the relentless gallop of the verses to the climactic solo section, this track covers nearly every aspect of rock and metal guitar.

By mastering this song through our note-for-note lesson, you'll not only grow as a guitarist but gain a deeper appreciation for Iron Maiden’s unique compositional style. It's the perfect piece for players looking to challenge themselves, build confidence, and deliver a high-energy performance.

About the Song and Iron Maiden’s Guitarists

“Run to the Hills” features the legendary guitar duo of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, two of the most influential players in the history of heavy metal. Known for their harmonized leads, razor-sharp rhythm work, and melodic soloing styles, the Murray/Smith pairing helped define Iron Maiden’s signature sound.

Dave Murray’s fluid, legato-heavy phrasing is perfectly contrasted by Adrian Smith’s more structured and blues-inflected style. Together, their approach to riff construction and solo development set the standard for twin-guitar metal acts for decades to come. Learning this song gives you insight into both their distinctive playing styles and how they interlock so seamlessly in a band setting.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our lesson takes you through the full track, covering the fast-paced intro riff, verse and chorus progressions, and the iconic solo sections. You’ll develop both rhythm and lead skills while mastering the timing, phrasing, and dynamic shifts that make Run to the Hills such a rewarding piece to play.

Perfect for players looking to improve speed, articulation, and expressive techniques, this lesson is also a great opportunity to expand your understanding of Iron Maiden’s approach to songwriting and performance.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Unison Bends
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Experience the speed, power, and precision of Run to the Hills with this detailed LickLibrary guitar lesson—and bring the spirit of Iron Maiden into your playing arsenal.