Back in the Village by Iron Maiden: Guitar Lesson

Guitar Chords and Scales

Sam Bell demonstrates how to play "Back in the Village," a track from Iron Maiden's 1984 album "Powerslave,". It stands as a quintessential exhibit of what made Iron Maiden such a pioneering band in the realm of heavy metal. Kicking off with galloping rhythms and intricate melodies, the song is a playground for guitar enthusiasts.

The song primarily revolves around the natural minor scale, but it also employs the Phrygian mode, a favourite in the heavy metal genre for its exotic flavor. The chords underpinning the riffs and solos include power chords like E5, D5, and A5. You'll also see extended chords like B7, providing a harmonic lushness that offers contrast to the stinging leads.

The Solo: A Deep Dive

Ah, the solo—where Adrian Smith and Dave Murray really get to show off their chops. As many Iron Maiden songs do, "Back in the Village" features dual-guitar harmonies, a staple of the band's sound. The solos on this track are particularly interesting because they encompass a range of techniques from fast alternate picking to expressive string bending.

Smith usually leans toward a more melodic approach while Murray often employs a faster, more intricate style. They harmonise using 3rds or 5ths and sometimes play in octaves to give the melody a full, orchestrated feel. The solo starts with a blast of alternate-picked notes followed by some string bending for emotional emphasis, leading into the harmonised segment which showcases their excellent sense of timing and musical chemistry.

Lead Guitarists: Smith and Murray

Adrian Smith and Dave Murray's contributions to Iron Maiden's sound cannot be overstated. Both guitarists have unique approaches to their instrument, which complement each other well. Smith often brings in a bluesy feel, coupled with melodic lines that sing. His solos often feature a mix of legato runs and carefully selected notes that allow the melody to breathe.

On the other hand, Dave Murray leans more toward rapid-fire techniques like alternate picking and uses a more fluid legato style. Murray also has a knack for incorporating exotic scales like the harmonic minor or Phrygian dominant, adding a touch of the unconventional to the band’s tonal palette.

Together, these two create a well-balanced aural assault that is both sophisticated and raw. This synergy is at its peak in "Back in the Village," where their individual styles and techniques intermingle to create an awe-inspiring sonic tapestry.

Techniques Used:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics (though not heavily)
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions (limited usage)

From the galloping rhythms to the intricate solos, "Back in the Village" encapsulates the prowess of Iron Maiden's guitar duo. For any aspiring guitarist, the song serves as an educational resource to learn, digest, and dissect. The range of techniques used offers a comprehensive overview of what heavy metal guitar playing entails. As a guitar teacher, I always recommend delving into the classic tracks like this one to get a well-rounded understanding of how to employ various techniques and how they can be amalgamated into a cohesive, electrifying piece of music.