"Powerslave" by Iron Maiden: Guitar Lesson

Introduction

"Powerslave," penned by Bruce Dickinson and released in 1984 as part of Iron Maiden's album of the same name, is a landmark tune in the heavy metal genre. From its captivating chord progressions to the mind-blowing solos, this song is a feast for any guitarist eager to delve into the depths of metal guitar. Let's dissect this powerhouse of a track, focusing on the guitar work of the legendary Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Lick Library tutor, Sam Bell, breaks down this classic song from a classic album.

Chord Progressions

The song is built on a mix of conventional and exotic chords that make for an interesting sound palette. Most notably, the song largely revolves around the Em and D chords, but there's also the dramatic usage of chords like Bb and C, often creating a modal interchange. This blend gives the song its unique color, sitting somewhere between natural minor and Phrygian modes.

Scales

The choice of scales in "Powerslave" also merits discussion. You'll find a blend of the E natural minor scale and the E harmonic minor, especially in the solo sections. These scales are the backbone for the melodies and solos, giving the song both its ethereal and menacing qualities.

Lead Guitarists and Their Roles

Dave Murray's style is fluid and packed with legato runs and bluesy bends, while Adrian Smith is more about precision and melodic richness. In "Powerslave," both guitarists play to their strengths. Dave handles the bluesy, soulful licks and Adrian offers the more aggressive, calculated runs. Together they create an intricate tapestry of guitar work that's as cerebral as it is emotional.

Solo Analysis

The guitar solos in "Powerslave" are particularly noteworthy. Dave kicks it off with a rapid ascending run based on the E harmonic minor scale, his fingers dancing between alternate picking and legato techniques. Pay attention to his excellent vibrato that adds an expressive quality to the high notes.

Adrian then takes over, grounding his part of the solo in the E natural minor scale. Here, you'll find him using two-handed tapping to create a soaring melodic line that seems to cry out from the abyss. Adrian's solo evolves into a faster-paced segment, filled with alternate picking and quick hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Techniques List

Below are some of the guitar techniques employed in "Powerslave." You can click on each technique for a deeper dive into how they are executed:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions

To sum up, "Powerslave" is a phenomenal piece of music that showcases both the technical prowess and emotional depth of Iron Maiden's guitar duo. From the intricate chord progressions to the melting pot of scales and the iconic solos, this song is a treasure trove for guitarists looking to explore advanced techniques and enrich their own musical vocabulary. It truly encapsulates the essence of what heavy metal guitar is all about.