Powerslave: A Guitarist's Analysis of Iron Maiden's Seminal Album

Powerslave, Iron Maiden's fifth studio album, was released in 1984 and remains one of the band's most iconic and influential records. It features the classic lineup of Bruce Dickinson on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Nicko McBrain on drums, and the dual lead guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Powerslave contains 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!This article will focus on the album's guitar work, describing each song in detail and providing insights into the techniques and scales used by the lead guitarists.

Aces High

The album opener is a high-octane track that showcases Iron Maiden's signature galloping rhythms and dual-guitar harmonies. This track is predominantly based around the E minor and B Phrygian scales. The main riff features alternate picking and palm muting for a tight and aggressive sound. The solos showcase Murray and Smith's vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and string bending techniques.

2 Minutes to Midnight

This track's main riff is based on the E Dorian scale and uses power chords and open-string riffs for a heavy, driving sound. The solos employ the E minor pentatonic scale and feature alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons.

Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)

This instrumental track highlights the band's ability to create intricate and memorable guitar harmonies. The song is based on the E Aeolian scale and features alternate picking, galloping rhythms, arpeggios, and syncopated rhythms. The solos showcase both guitarists' vibrato, alternate picking, and string bending techniques.

Flash of the Blade

This track is built around the D Phrygian scale and features alternate picking, palm muting, and power chords in the main riff. The solos are based on the D minor pentatonic scale and employ string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

The Duellists

This song is rooted in the E Aeolian scale and features intricate dual-guitar harmonies and a galloping rhythm. The solos showcase Murray and Smith's abilities in alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato.

Back in the Village

This track features a driving rhythm and riffs based on the E Dorian scale. The solos employ the E minor pentatonic scale and showcase alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons.

Powerslave

The title track is an epic, prog-influenced song that uses the Phrygian dominant scale and features arpeggiated chord progressions and syncopated rhythms. The solos are based on the E harmonic minor scale and display both guitarists' skills in alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner

This 13-minute-long epic closes the album and is based on the E Aeolian scale. It features complex dual-guitar harmonies, arpeggiated chord progressions, and syncopated rhythms. The solos showcase alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

Lead Guitarists: Dave Murray and Adrian Smith

Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's contributions to Powerslave are a testament to their exceptional guitar skills and unique chemistry. Their distinctive playing styles complement each other perfectly, with Murray's fluid legato style and Smith's more aggressive, staccato approach. The album features some of their most memorable guitar work, from intricate harmonies and riffs to soaring solos.

Murray's solos on Powerslave are characterized by his extensive use of legato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and smooth vibrato. His melodic sensibility and fluid playing style create a seamless blend of melody and technique, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Smith, on the other hand, brings a more aggressive edge to his solos, with a heavier emphasis on alternate picking, string bending, and pinched harmonics. His playing style adds contrast to Murray's, creating a dynamic and captivating lead guitar duo that remains a hallmark of Iron Maiden's sound.

Powerslave is an essential album for guitarists who want to explore the intricacies of Iron Maiden's guitar work. The combination of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's distinctive playing styles, the memorable riffs, and the multitude of techniques used throughout the album make Powerslave a masterclass in heavy metal guitar playing.

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Techniques Used in Powerslave

Throughout the album, various guitar techniques are employed, showcasing the versatility and skill of the lead guitarists. Some of these techniques include:

• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String bending
• Pinched harmonics
• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Dual-guitar harmonies
• Galloping rhythms
• Arpeggiated chord progressions
• Syncopated rhythms