Ace Of Spades – Motörhead

Few songs encapsulate the raw power and rebellious energy of rock ‘n’ roll quite like “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. A cornerstone of hard rock and early heavy metal, this song is not only iconic for its aggressive speed and attitude but also offers a wealth of valuable guitar techniques for players looking to sharpen their skills. At LickLibrary, our note-for-note "Ace of Spades" guitar lesson dives deep into every detail of this high-octane anthem, providing players with a rich opportunity to expand their technical abilities while honouring a legendary track. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in “Ace of Spades”

The guitar playing on “Ace of Spades” is delivered with unrelenting intensity by “Fast” Eddie Clarke, the original guitarist for Motörhead. Clarke was the final piece of the classic power trio that included Lemmy Kilmister and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, and his aggressive tone, fast riffing, and blues-influenced soloing gave Motörhead their razor-sharp sound. His style combined speed, precision, and attitude — creating a raw sound that influenced generations of rock and metal guitarists.

Eddie Clarke’s approach in “Ace of Spades” is deceptively intricate. While the riffs feel fast and furious, they also make use of multiple techniques that are fundamental for aspiring rock and metal players. Learning this song note-for-note through LickLibrary's guitar lesson ensures you not only capture the spirit of the track but also improve your versatility, timing, and technique.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

The main riff of “Ace of Spades” is built around power chords, played with speed and aggression. Power chords are a staple of rock guitar, providing a thick, punchy sound. Learning to use them with tight rhythmic control is essential for playing in rock or metal styles. This lesson helps you refine your accuracy and hand synchronization when executing fast-paced progressions.

Palm Muting

Driving the punchy tone of the verse riff is precise palm-muting. This technique creates rhythmic tension and dynamics, giving the riff its staccato, percussive sound. Mastering palm muting is crucial for developing tight rhythm chops, particularly in fast-tempo genres.

Alternate Picking

The speed of the riffs demands solid alternate picking technique. In our lesson, you'll focus on building fluency and control while keeping your picking consistent across strings. This skill is essential for boosting your speed without sacrificing clarity.

String Bending

Though Motörhead is known for their speed, Clarke’s solo in “Ace of Spades” includes expressive string bending that adds feel and emotion to the track. Bending is a core expressive technique in rock guitar, and this lesson walks you through proper intonation and vibrato control for each bend.

Slides

Eddie Clarke’s lead parts make frequent use of slides, connecting phrases smoothly and adding flair to transitions. Slides improve finger dexterity and help develop a more fluid, vocal quality to your solos.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

To execute the quick melodic phrases in the solo and fills, you'll employ hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques are invaluable for improving speed and smoothness in your phrasing.

Trills

In certain solo sections, trills are used to create rapid-fire note repetition between two frets. Trills are a fantastic way to strengthen your fretting hand and introduce intensity to your playing.

Vibrato

Adding to the expressive nature of the solo is Clarke’s gritty vibrato. It adds emotion and sustain to held notes. In this lesson, we explore how to control and apply vibrato effectively to add character to your leads.

Why Learn “Ace of Spades”?

Learning to play “Ace of Spades” is not just about mastering one of the greatest rock songs of all time — it’s about building a strong foundation in rock rhythm and lead playing. This lesson covers:

• Tight rhythm playing through palm muting and power chords.
• Speed and precision with alternate picking.
• Expressive soloing using bends, vibrato, and slides.
• Improved dexterity with legato phrasing and trills.

Our note-for-note breakdown ensures that every riff, fill, and solo is taught in detail so you can sound just like the record — while sharpening techniques that transfer across genres and songs.

About Eddie Clarke’s Influence

“Fast” Eddie Clarke left an indelible mark on the world of guitar. His blend of bluesy phrasing and punk-inspired aggression made him a unique voice in rock music. His work with Motörhead influenced not only the development of thrash and speed metal but also helped define what it meant to play lead guitar with attitude and purpose. By learning “Ace of Spades,” you’re stepping into the shoes of a pioneer whose playing continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Trills
• Vibrato

Whether you're a hard rock fan, a budding shredder, or someone looking to build a solid guitar foundation, the “Ace of Spades” guitar lesson from LickLibrary delivers the power, attitude, and technical guidance you need to take your playing to the next level.