"2 Minutes to Midnight" by Iron Maiden: Guitar Lesson

Introduction

"2 Minutes to Midnight" is a staple in the heavy metal world, released by Iron Maiden in 1984 as part of their "Powerslave" album. It serves as a masterclass for guitarists, featuring everything from intricate riffs to soaring solos. The primary lead guitarists on this track are Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, both known for their unique yet complementary styles—Smith's lyrical, melodic approach alongside Murray's bluesier, fast-paced technique. Sam Bell shows you every note, chord, and lick to this seminal classic heavy metal track.

Chords and Progressions

The song is predominantly in the key of E minor and employs basic yet effective chord progressions. The intro riff, for instance, makes use of power chords centred around E5 and D5, setting up a dark and driving atmosphere. The chorus showcases more complex chords like G, C, and A, to bring about a richer harmonic palette.

Scales Used

The main scales exploited here are E Minor Pentatonic and E Natural Minor. The pentatonic scale helps bring out the bluesy aspects, while the natural minor scale is more aligned with the song's heavy, dark feel.

Lead Guitar and Solo Analysis

When we get to the guitar solo sections, we see how Smith and Murray take turns to weave their individual styles into a cohesive musical narrative. Smith typically starts his solos with melodically rich phrases, often utilising the E Natural Minor scale. He also makes extensive use of string bending and vibrato to bring his lines to life.

Murray, on the other hand, frequently utilises alternate picking and legato techniques to produce fast, intricate runs. His style brings a lot of fluidity to the solos, usually making use of both the minor pentatonic and the natural minor scales to build tension and contrast.

Another aspect to note is the harmonised guitar sections. These are primarily diatonic harmonies based in thirds and are a hallmark of Iron Maiden's sound. The choice of diatonic harmonies instead of chromatic or more complex harmonic relationships makes the parts accessible and anthemic, playing into the song's overall vibe.

Techniques Used

In "2 Minutes to Midnight," a plethora of guitar techniques are employed, making this song a perfect study for any aspiring guitarist. Below is a list of these techniques with corresponding links for further study:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Galoping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Conclusion

From the haunting riffs to the intricate solos, "2 Minutes to Midnight" offers a treasure trove of techniques and ideas for guitarists to explore. The combined prowess of Adrian Smith and Dave Murray serves as a primer in how two lead guitarists can harmoniously coexist in a band setting, each lending their unique style to create something greater than the sum of its parts. From the chord progressions to the harmonised dual-guitar sections, this song serves as an essential study for anyone looking to delve into the depths of heavy metal guitar playing.