"The Duellists" by Iron Maiden: Guitar Lesson

Guitar Chords and Scales

Iron Maiden's "The Duellists," from their 1984 album "Powerslave," is an excellent track that shows off the prowess of guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. The song begins with a clean guitar intro that quickly transitions into a distorted galloping rhythm. The underlying chord progressions heavily utilize power chords based around the E natural minor scale. You'll find a mix of E5, A5, D5, and C5 power chords that create the driving force behind the song. The chorus brings in the E minor, D, and C major chords, providing a melodic anchor to the piece.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solos are where the song shines, and boy, they do not disappoint! Murray and Smith each have distinct styles that blend perfectly. Murray's solo, the first one you hear, incorporates a mix of E natural minor and E harmonic minor scales, giving it a slightly exotic feel. He loves his legato lines, so you'll hear plenty of hammer-ons and pull-offs that fluidly traverse the fretboard. Murray also incorporates classic techniques like vibrato and string bending to add emotional weight to his solo.

Adrian Smith follows, showcasing his penchant for melody and technicality. His solo starts off with a bluesy bend before diving into a barrage of alternate-picked 16th notes. Smith’s choice of scale leans more towards E Mixolydian, injecting a brighter feel that contrasts Murray’s darker, more emotional phrases. The melodic contour of Smith's solo uses a combination of whole and half-step intervals, giving it a structured yet spontaneous feel.

Lead Guitarists and Their Playing

Dave Murray is known for his soulful and fluid legato-based approach. His influence from blues and rock music is evident, especially when he uses deep bends and rich vibrato. On the other hand, Adrian Smith's style is a bit more technically focused. He incorporates alternate picking, string skipping, and a greater range of scales into his solos, which results in a more complex and intricate sound. The contrast between the two styles works wonderfully, making "The Duellists" a fantastic track to analyse for aspiring lead guitarists.

Techniques Used

The song employs a diverse range of techniques that showcase the mastery of both guitarists. Below is a list hyperlinked for further understanding:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting

In summary, "The Duellists" is a treasure trove for any guitarist looking to dissect the art of metal guitar playing. From its intricate solos to its powerful chord progressions, the song encapsulates the essence of Iron Maiden's dual-lead guitar work. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, studying this song can provide a wealth of knowledge in technique, tonality, and melodic construction. Sam Bell breaks down this powerful track, note for note.