Classic Albums – Powerslave (Iron Maiden)

Powerslave: A Guitarist’s Journey Through Iron Maiden’s Quintessential Album
Iron Maiden’s 1984 release, Powerslave was their most musically ambitious to date. A heavy metal odyssey which combined punchy NWOBH anthems such as Aces High and 2 Minutes to Midnight, with grandiose tracks Rime of the Ancient Mariner and, their final instrumental, Losfer Words. Powerslave is a guitar player’s dream; a showcase of luscious guitar harmonies, relentless galloping riffs and challenging guitar solos, all married with some of Iron Maiden’s finest song writing. No wonder it remains a fan favourite!
Licklibrary metal guitar guru, Sam Bell takes you on a journey through this incredible Classic Album, presenting a breakdown of the guitar parts which have been coveted by metal guitar fans for decades!

Guitar Lessons in This Course
• Aces High
• Minutes To Midnight
• Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra)
• Flash Of The Blade
• The Duellists
• Back In The Village
• Powerslave
• Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

Guitar Lesson 1: Aces High
This song opens the album with a ripping dual-guitar harmony. It’s primarily built around the minor scale, with numerous power chords used to create a driving rhythm. The solo section sees Dave employ a mix of rapid alternate picking and legato, painting a frantic and energetic picture.

Guitar Lesson 2: 2 Minutes to Midnight
Here, the rhythm guitar parts feature open string riffs and syncopated rhythms that create a dynamic backbone to the song. The solo is characterized by chromaticism and string bending, giving it a bluesy feel despite the song’s hard rock leanings.

Guitar Lesson 3: Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra)
This instrumental track features some of Dave’s most intricate guitar work. It’s a perfect example of his penchant for galloping rhythms, combined with arpeggios and chromaticism. The solo, a melodic journey, showcases an extensive use of vibrato, giving it a sense of urgency.

Guitar Lesson 4: Flash of the Blade
The song is filled with power chords and palm muting techniques, contributing to a heavy rhythm part. Dave’s solo is a mix of legato and quick alternate picking, with a dash of bluesy bends for added flavor.

Guitar Lesson 5: The Duellists
This track is filled with harmonics, while the rhythm guitar uses power chords and galloping rhythms. The solo section incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs, showing Dave’s ability to switch between techniques fluidly.

Guitar Lesson 6: Back in the Village
The guitar work here showcases alternate picking and palm muting, contributing to the fast tempo of the song. Dave’s solo employs slides and pull-offs, creating a sense of ebb and flow that contrasts with the song’s high-energy rhythm parts.

Guitar Lesson 7: Powerslave
The title track is a journey in itself. The song opens with an arpeggiated chord progression, transitioning into hard-hitting power chords. The solo is a testament to Dave’s virtuosity, featuring fast legato lines, alternate picking, and a brilliant use of string bending.

Guitar Lesson 8: Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The epic closer features some of the most complex arrangements on the album. A mix of syncopated rhythms, power chords, and open string riffs build up a grand backdrop. Dave’s solo is a mix of quick legato runs, double stops, and plenty of vibrato, fitting for the grand finale.

Dave Murray and Adrian Smith: The Lead Guitarists
Dave Murray’s work on “Powerslave” exemplifies his approach to the guitar. His solos are not just about speed but also melody and feel. His frequent use of legato and vibrato adds a vocal-like quality to his playing. He can transition from a fast alternate picking run to a soulful bend effortlessly, making his solos a roller coaster ride of emotions. His contributions to the songwriting, both in terms of riffs and solos, are integral to the album’s success.
Adrian Smith’s contribution to “Powerslave” is equally significant. His distinctive playing style offers a perfect complement to Dave Murray’s, resulting in the dual-guitar harmonies that are a hallmark of Iron Maiden’s sound. Smith’s songwriting contribution on “2 Minutes to Midnight” showcases his ability to craft catchy, yet technically demanding, guitar parts. The synergy between him and Murray during lead sections further enhances the album’s depth. His style, which often includes intricate arpeggiated patterns and powerful rhythmic structures, gives a unique flavor to the songs on this album. Smith’s blending of rock and metal guitar techniques creates a compelling contrast, bringing a distinct richness to “Powerslave.”

Guitar Techniques Used in This Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Chromaticism
• Arpeggios
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Galloping Rhythms