"Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)" by Iron Maiden: Guitar Lesson

Introduction

"Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)" is an instrumental track by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, appearing on their 1984 album "Powerslave". While Iron Maiden is primarily known for their lyrically-rich compositions and vocal performances, this particular track offers a showcase for the instrumental prowess of the band, especially the two lead guitarists, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. These two guitar maestros blend their different styles seamlessly—Murray with his melodic, blues-influenced solos, and Smith with his technical, precise approach.

Guitar Chords and Scales

The song primarily revolves around power chords, perfect for the heavy and aggressive tone. The chords sequence is predominantly rooted in E, with familiar progressions oscillating between E5, A5, and B5 power chords, emphasising the raw energy that is the backbone of heavy metal.

When it comes to scales, the song utilises the E minor pentatonic and E natural minor scales for solos and riffs. Both scales are foundational for any guitarist interested in rock and metal, and "Losfer Words" is like a textbook on how to employ them effectively.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solos in this track are a blend of emotional expressiveness and technical agility. The phrasing uses a lot of sustained notes to build tension, as well as fast runs to provide a sense of urgency and excitement. Dave Murray kicks things off with an expressive solo that demonstrates his mastery of vibrato, making each note sing. He employs tasteful use of legato techniques, which adds a smooth, flowing characteristic to his solo.

Adrian Smith's section is more technically demanding. He employs a lot of alternate picking, providing clarity and precision to each note. Smith also uses tapped harmonics to add some colour to his solo. Near the end, both guitarists come together for some dual-guitar harmonies, a signature move in the Iron Maiden playbook. This creates a rich, fuller sound that's a hallmark of the Iron Maiden aesthetic.

Lead Guitarists and Their Playing Styles

Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are two distinct entities that form a cohesive unit. Murray's playing is characterised by a bluesy feel, liquid legato runs, and a knack for melody. He rarely ventures into excessively fast licks, opting instead for notes that are emotionally resonant.

Adrian Smith, on the other hand, is the technician of the duo. His playing is clean, articulate, and he’s not afraid to throw in complex runs or advanced techniques like sweep picking. His style offers a nice contrast to Murray's more free-form approach, resulting in a balanced and dynamic guitar section for the band.

Techniques Used in This Song

Below is a list of guitar techniques that you can observe in "Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)":

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Dual-Guitar Harmonies

To truly appreciate and understand the nuances of "Losfer Words," one must dive deep into the techniques used, the emotional peaks and valleys, and the stylistic idiosyncrasies of each guitarist. This song offers a journey through Iron Maiden's prowess, without a single word sung, allowing the guitars to do all the talking—a classic that stands as a masterclass for any aspiring guitarist. Lick Library tutor, Sam Bell, shows you every note, chord, and lick of this classic instrumental.