Motorhead - Ace of Spades - Main Riff

Motorhead’s "Ace of Spades" is undoubtedly one of the most iconic rock anthems ever written, characterised by its explosive energy and relentless riffing. At Licklibrary.com, our lesson "Motorhead - Ace of Spades - Main Riff" takes guitar enthusiasts deep into this legendary track, delivering a meticulous, note-for-note breakdown of the powerful main riff. This lesson is designed not only to master this specific song but also to provide fundamental techniques and skills vital for any aspiring rock guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Overview of the Lesson

The main riff from "Ace of Spades" embodies the raw essence of rock guitar playing, encapsulating the aggressive tone and driving rhythm that became Motorhead’s hallmark. Our guitar lesson meticulously explores every nuance of the riff, helping players capture the gritty and powerful sound that propelled the song to legendary status. The lesson emphasises key guitar techniques integral to delivering this riff authentically and accurately, focusing particularly on power chords, palm muting, alternate picking, string bending, slides, and vibrato.

Techniques Used in the Main Riff

Power Chords

The riff prominently features power chords, the backbone of rock and metal guitar playing. Power chords provide a full, robust sound, perfect for the aggressive style required in "Ace of Spades". Learning to effectively play power chords enhances rhythmic accuracy and strength, essential for rock guitarists who need to convey intensity and energy through their performance.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is extensively employed throughout this riff to create its characteristic percussive sound. Mastering palm muting enables guitarists to control dynamics and deliver a rhythmic punch to their playing. This technique is especially beneficial for tightening rhythm sections and adding texture to riffs, making it indispensable for rock guitarists aiming to replicate Motorhead's powerful sound.

Alternate Picking

This riff's energetic drive heavily depends on alternate picking, a technique involving continuous down-up strokes to achieve rapid notes clearly and consistently. Developing alternate picking not only boosts speed and precision but significantly improves overall picking accuracy. By mastering alternate picking, guitarists gain the ability to handle faster passages with ease, a critical skill for any style of aggressive music.

String Bending

String bending appears subtly yet notably within this riff, adding expression and a raw edge to the guitar’s tone. Understanding and mastering bends gives players a tool to convey emotion and attitude in their performance, creating a blues-infused rock feel that is fundamental to Motorhead’s signature sound. Practicing precise string bending sharpens pitch accuracy and adds depth to your musical expressiveness.

Slides

Slides are incorporated to create a smooth transition between notes, enhancing the riff’s fluidity and dynamic interest. Learning slides improves finger agility and smoothness of motion, essential for achieving professional-level playing. Additionally, slides allow guitarists to effectively connect musical ideas, producing seamless performances that maintain listener engagement.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato infuses the notes with life and personality, turning static notes into emotionally compelling sounds. The main riff utilises subtle vibrato to enrich the musical phrasing. Mastering vibrato provides guitarists the means to develop a distinct personal style, greatly enhancing their expressive capabilities and overall playing dynamics.

About the Guitarist: "Fast" Eddie Clarke

The iconic guitar work on "Ace of Spades" was performed by the legendary "Fast" Eddie Clarke, whose aggressive playing style and fierce stage presence left an indelible mark on rock music. Clarke’s guitar approach combined elements of blues and punk with heavy metal aggression, helping shape the distinctive Motorhead sound. As a guitarist, Clarke influenced countless musicians with his raw energy, simplicity, and pure rock-and-roll attitude. Learning his riffs provides invaluable insight into effective guitar playing, combining straightforward yet powerful techniques that continue to resonate with guitarists worldwide.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato

Whether you're a beginner guitarist looking to master foundational rock techniques or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, our "Motorhead - Ace of Spades - Main Riff" guitar lesson provides comprehensive guidance. Embrace the spirit of rock and roll and elevate your guitar playing with the techniques that made Motorhead’s music timeless.