Bomber by Motörhead

Motörhead’s Bomber is a high-octane anthem that captures the raw, unfiltered energy of one of rock and metal’s most iconic bands. In this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary, we break down every riff, chord, and solo, helping you master the relentless groove and aggression that define the track. Whether you're a fan of classic metal or looking to improve your rhythm and lead guitar chops, this lesson is packed with valuable techniques that will elevate your playing. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Legacy

Released in 1979, Bomber is the title track from Motörhead’s third studio album and showcases the band at their most uncompromising. Driven by a relentless pace, a razor-sharp guitar tone, and Lemmy’s signature vocal bark, the song is a prime example of the fusion between punk intensity and heavy metal riffing. The track became a live staple and a fan favourite, and its influence can be traced through generations of rock and metal bands.

The Guitarist: “Fast” Eddie Clarke

The guitar work on Bomber was handled by "Fast" Eddie Clarke, the sole guitarist in the classic Motörhead lineup. Clarke was known for his raw tone, fast-paced riffing, and blues-infused soloing. His playing style was aggressive yet expressive, combining punk immediacy with the technical prowess of classic rock guitarists. Clarke’s contributions to Motörhead’s sound were pivotal, and his solos on tracks like Bomber have inspired countless guitarists across metal, punk, and hard rock genres.

What You’ll Learn in the Bomber Guitar Lesson

Power Chords

At the heart of Bomber lies a driving rhythm built on power chords. These chords are the backbone of rock and metal, offering a thick, punchy sound perfect for high-gain tones. Learning to play tight and clean power chords improves your left-hand strength and right-hand synchronisation.

Palm Muting

The song also features extensive palm muting, adding percussive definition to the riffs. Palm muting helps players develop control over their picking hand and enhances rhythmic clarity—crucial for tight, aggressive rhythm playing.

Alternate Picking

To maintain the track’s breakneck tempo, alternate picking is essential. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, providing speed and accuracy. Mastering alternate picking allows guitarists to execute fast passages with less effort and greater consistency.

Slides

Clarke uses slides to connect chords and add fluidity to lead lines. Sliding between notes adds expression and can create seamless transitions between positions on the fretboard.

String Bending

One of the defining aspects of Clarke’s lead work is his aggressive use of string bending. Proper bending enhances your phrasing and brings emotional nuance to your solos, making your lead lines sing.

Vibrato

Clarke’s signature tone often includes gritty vibrato on sustained notes. A well-executed vibrato gives your playing a vocal quality and increases sustain and expressiveness.

Bluesy Bends

Adding to the expressive character of the solos are bluesy bends. These bends, often slightly under or over pitch, create a soulful tension that blends perfectly with the song’s aggressive attitude.

Trills

Brief, rapid alternations between two notes—trills—are used to add flare and rhythmic interest to solos and fills. They also develop your finger dexterity and control.

Pick Slides

For added intensity, Clarke incorporates pick slides—dragging the pick along the string for a screeching, aggressive sound. This technique enhances your dynamic control and adds theatricality to your playing.

Why Learn Bomber?

Learning to play Bomber is more than just learning a classic rock song—it’s about building core skills that will apply to countless other tracks. The techniques you’ll develop here are foundational to hard rock and metal guitar. From timing and articulation to expressive lead phrasing, this lesson is a masterclass in controlled aggression and raw rock power.

Whether you're refining your technique or diving into this style for the first time, our lesson will guide you through every section with detailed instruction and demonstrations. You'll gain confidence in your rhythm playing, improve your lead tone, and develop the stamina and control needed to play at higher speeds—all while rocking one of Motörhead’s most iconic tracks.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Bluesy Bends
• Trills
• Pick Slides

Explore these techniques and more in our full guitar lesson for Bomber at LickLibrary. It's time to bring out your inner rock warrior.