Aces High - Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden’s Aces High is one of the most electrifying metal songs ever written, combining high-speed riffs, soaring melodies, and blistering solos. This Licklibrary.com lesson breaks down the song note-for-note, allowing you to master the techniques that define the legendary Iron Maiden sound. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or an aspiring metal shredder, this lesson will help you enhance your skills and build confidence in playing one of the greatest metal anthems of all time. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind Aces High

Aces High features the phenomenal twin-guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, two of the most influential guitarists in heavy metal history. Their seamless harmonisation, intricate solos, and rapid-fire riffing helped shape Iron Maiden’s signature sound. Murray’s fluid, legato-driven style contrasts beautifully with Smith’s more aggressive, blues-infused playing, creating a dynamic that has inspired countless guitarists worldwide. Their ability to blend melody with speed and technicality makes Aces High a perfect study in advanced rock and metal guitar techniques.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Galloping Rhythms

The driving force behind Aces High is its iconic galloping rhythm, a staple of Iron Maiden’s sound. This technique involves rapid down-up-down picking, creating a pulsating, horse-like rhythm that gives the song its high-energy feel. Mastering galloping rhythms will improve your right-hand stamina and precision, making it easier to tackle fast-paced metal riffs.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

Iron Maiden’s twin-guitar harmonies are legendary, and Aces High is no exception. Dual guitar harmonies involve playing two complementary melodic lines that create a powerful, harmonised sound. Learning this technique will help you understand harmony theory and develop a tighter sense of synchronisation when playing with other musicians.

Alternate Picking

Given the song’s breakneck speed, alternate picking is crucial for executing its rapid riffs smoothly. This technique involves continuously alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to increase speed and efficiency. Developing strong alternate picking skills will allow you to play faster, more complex passages with greater ease.

Pull-offs and Hammer-ons

The solos and melodic runs in Aces High utilise pull-offs and hammer-ons, two essential legato techniques that enable fluid and fast note transitions. Mastering these techniques will allow you to create smoother, more connected phrases while reducing pick attack noise for a more polished sound.

Palm Muting

Many of Iron Maiden’s riffs, including those in Aces High, employ palm muting to add punch and articulation. This technique involves resting the side of the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a percussive, chugging effect. Learning proper palm muting will help you control dynamics and add aggression to your playing.

Tremolo Picking

The song’s high-speed passages often require tremolo picking, where a single note is rapidly picked to create a sustained, intense sound. This technique is essential for building endurance and improving pick-hand speed, making it a valuable skill for any metal guitarist.

String Bending and Unison Bends

Iron Maiden’s solos often incorporate string bending and unison bends, which add expression and vocal-like phrasing to guitar leads. String bending requires precise control to hit the desired pitch, while unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another fretted note. Developing these techniques will enhance your soloing ability and add emotional depth to your playing.

Pick Slides

For added aggression and energy, Aces High features pick slides, where the pick is dragged along the strings to create a screeching effect. This technique is a great way to add flair and intensity to your playing, making your riffs sound more dynamic and powerful.

Dive Bombs

Utilising the whammy bar, dive bombs create dramatic pitch drops that add an explosive effect to solos. These are often used to build tension and excitement, making them a key technique for any metal guitarist looking to spice up their lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in Aces High

• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Palm Muting
• Tremolo Picking
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Pick Slides
• Dive Bombs

By learning these techniques through our Aces High guitar lesson, you’ll not only master an Iron Maiden classic but also build a solid foundation in advanced rock and metal guitar playing. Whether you're aiming to improve your speed, accuracy, or expressiveness, these skills will elevate your playing to the next level. Get ready to channel the spirit of Maiden and take your guitar skills to new heights!