Ace of Spades (Riff) - Motorhead

Master the Iconic Riff from Motorhead's "Ace of Spades"

The "Ace of Spades" riff is one of the most recognisable in rock and metal history. Played by the legendary Fast Eddie Clarke, this high-energy, aggressive riff embodies the raw power of speed metal and punk-infused rock. With its blistering pace and relentless rhythm, learning this riff will sharpen your technique and improve your overall playing ability. Our note-for-note guitar lesson will guide you through every nuance, ensuring you master this riff with precision. Andy James breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "Ace of Spades" - Fast Eddie Clarke

Edward Allan Clarke, known as Fast Eddie Clarke, was the driving force behind Motorhead's distinct guitar sound. His playing combined bluesy grit with high-speed aggression, shaping the raw, unfiltered energy of "Ace of Spades." Clarke’s influence can be heard in later speed metal and thrash guitarists, proving that a simple yet aggressive approach can be just as impactful as complex shredding. His combination of power chords, galloping rhythms, and raw tone makes learning his style essential for any aspiring rock guitarist.

Techniques Covered in this Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are a staple of rock and metal guitar playing, and "Ace of Spades" heavily relies on them to create a thick, aggressive sound. Learning power chords helps you develop strength in your fretting hand and allows you to play rhythm guitar with authority. They are essential for anyone looking to master rock and metal styles.

Galloping Rhythms

This riff showcases galloping picking, a technique that involves a quick down-up-down motion to create a fast, driving rhythm. Used extensively in thrash metal and speed metal, mastering galloping rhythms will help improve your alternate picking precision and right-hand endurance.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is key to getting that tight, percussive attack heard in "Ace of Spades". By lightly resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can create a controlled chugging sound. This technique adds definition and clarity, making your playing sound more aggressive and professional.

Tremolo Picking

A core element of Fast Eddie Clarke's playing, tremolo picking involves rapidly picking a single note in quick succession. This technique helps improve right-hand speed and control, making it a valuable skill for playing fast solos and riffs with sustain.

Pick Slides

A signature rock and metal move, pick slides create an aggressive scraping sound that adds attitude to the riff. This technique enhances the expressiveness of your playing and is an excellent way to make transitions sound more powerful.

String Bending

While subtle, string bending is used to add extra flair to the riff. Mastering this technique improves your ability to control pitch, sustain, and dynamics, making your lead playing more expressive and engaging.

Why You Should Learn This Riff

Learning "Ace of Spades" will give you a solid foundation in rock and metal guitar techniques while improving your timing, speed, and accuracy. These skills translate across multiple genres, helping you build confidence and control over your playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to boost your skills or an intermediate player refining your technique, this lesson will challenge and elevate your guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Galloping Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Tremolo Picking
• Pick Slides
• String Bending

With this lesson, you’ll be able to capture the raw energy of Motorhead and take your guitar playing to the next level. Grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and get ready to play with attitude!