Iron Maiden's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner": Guitar Lesson

The song "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is one of Iron Maiden's classics, a 13-minute opus from their fifth studio album, "Powerslave," released in 1984. If you're a guitarist and a fan of heavy metal, then this track is an essential study. It was written by the band's bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris, and it features some of the finest guitar work in the genre. Sam Bell takes us though every note in this Lick Library tutorial.

Lead Guitarists and Their Contributions

First, let's get into the maestros themselves: Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. These are the guitarists who breathed life into this epic tale. Murray's playing style is known for its fluid legato technique and smooth phrasing, while Smith is more about articulate picking and detailed expression. They perfectly complement each other on this song, providing both texture and melodic brilliance.

Guitar Chords Used

The song employs standard heavy metal chord structures, with the lion's share consisting of power chords. The most frequently used chords are E5, A5, and B5 in various voicings, as well as minor barre chords like Em and Am. These chords lay the foundation over which the melodies and solos dance.

Guitar Scales

The scales predominantly used are natural minor scales, harmonic minor scales, and the good old minor pentatonic. Occasionally, you'll hear some hints of the Phrygian and Dorian modes. These scales provide the ominous, haunting character of the song, essential for narrating a tale of doomed sailors and eternal punishment.

Solo Analysis

The solos in "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" are what guitar dreams are made of. Dave Murray's solo leans towards fluid, almost lyrical lines. You'll notice him employing legato runs and melodic bends that evoke a sense of desperation and gloom, perfectly aligning with the song's thematic elements.

Adrian Smith's solo, on the other hand, is a masterpiece of alternate picking and precise articulation. His choice of notes leans heavily on the harmonic minor scale, introducing an exotic, somewhat Middle Eastern flavour to the music. Smith makes excellent use of staccato picking, which contrasts Murray's more legato approach. This juxtaposition adds an extra layer of complexity to the song, making it endlessly fascinating for the listener and equally challenging for the budding guitarist.

Both solos make judicious use of techniques like tapped harmonics and string bending, adding colour and depth. The solos build to a climax, using ascending and descending runs that incorporate both shredding and melodic phrases, before transitioning back into the main riff.

List of Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Harmonics
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

This is a song that demands your attention as a guitarist. Whether you're a beginner trying to navigate through power chords and simple scales, or an advanced player looking to dissect the intricacies of its solos, "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" has something for everyone. It's not just a song; it's a journey—a musical voyage that serves as a masterclass in heavy metal guitar.