Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden

"Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden is one of the most iconic metal anthems of all time. With its galloping rhythm, searing guitar leads, and unforgettable riffs, this track has cemented its place in rock history. LickLibrary.com offers a comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson for "Run to the Hills," focusing on the intricate techniques that make this song a masterpiece. Whether you’re an aspiring metalhead or a seasoned player, this lesson is designed to refine your skills and bring you closer to the electrifying style of Iron Maiden. Danny Gill breaks down this classic metal anthem in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players: Dave Murray and Adrian Smith

The guitar duo of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith has been pivotal in shaping Iron Maiden's signature sound. Known for their melodic dual harmonies, lightning-fast solos, and riff mastery, their influence extends far beyond the metal genre. Their playing in "Run to the Hills" showcases the perfect blend of technique and emotion, making this lesson an essential study for guitarists of all levels.

Murray’s fluid, legato-driven style pairs perfectly with Smith’s precision and alternate picking prowess, creating a sonic tapestry that defines Iron Maiden’s sound. Studying their parts in "Run to the Hills" not only hones your technical abilities but also deepens your appreciation for one of the most dynamic guitar duos in rock history.

Techniques Covered in "Run to the Hills"

Galloping Rhythms

The song’s driving force is its signature galloping rhythm. This technique, achieved through precise palm muting and alternate picking, is a staple of metal rhythm guitar. Mastering this rhythm will improve your timing, stamina, and ability to maintain consistent speed during fast-paced passages.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

Murray and Smith’s iconic dual harmonies elevate "Run to the Hills" to legendary status. By learning these harmonies, you’ll enhance your understanding of how two complementary guitar parts can create a richer, more dynamic sound.

String Bending

From soulful bends to aggressive unison bends, this lesson covers a variety of string bending techniques. Practicing these bends will help you develop finger strength and pitch accuracy, adding emotional depth to your playing.

Legato

Dave Murray’s solos often feature smooth legato lines, incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs for fluid, effortless phrasing. This technique is crucial for developing speed and articulation while maintaining a clean tone.

Alternate Picking

Adrian Smith’s precise alternate picking technique drives many of the song’s intricate riffs. Working on this will improve your picking hand efficiency and enable you to tackle faster passages with accuracy and control.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to sustained notes is key to mimicking Murray and Smith’s expressive playing style. This technique brings life and character to your leads, helping you stand out as a guitarist.

Palm Muting

The aggressive chugging riffs in "Run to the Hills" rely heavily on palm muting. This technique allows for dynamic contrast and rhythmic clarity, making it essential for mastering metal rhythm guitar.

Slides

Slides are a subtle but essential part of the transitions in this song. They add a smooth, connected feel to riffs and lead lines, improving your phrasing and fluidity.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These foundational legato techniques are prominent in both the riffs and solos. Practicing them will enhance your ability to play fast, flowing lines with minimal picking effort.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique in this lesson is carefully broken down to ensure that players of all levels can progress at their own pace. Learning "Run to the Hills" will:

• Strengthen your timing and endurance through galloping rhythms.
• Improve your melodic understanding with dual guitar harmonies.
• Refine your lead playing with expressive string bending and vibrato.
• Enhance your speed and articulation through alternate picking and legato techniques.
• Expand your repertoire of classic metal techniques, making you a more versatile guitarist.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here’s a list of the techniques covered in our "Run to the Hills" guitar lesson, with links for further exploration:

• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• String Bending
• Legato
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Mastering "Run to the Hills" will not only sharpen your technical skills but also provide a deep dive into the artistry of Iron Maiden. This is more than a guitar lesson—it’s a journey into the heart of metal guitar! Start today and take your playing to the next level with LickLibrary.com.