How DIFFICULT is it to play Iron Maiden songs on Guitar?

Музыка

In this video I attempt to answer a question I get often... the answer is not as straightforward as one might think!
Guitar: Jackson USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas
Plugin: Bias FX 2
DAW: Reaper Audio
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Strings: Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky 9-46
Picks: Ernie Ball Heavy

Пікірлер: 372

  • @gdr1174
    @gdr11742 жыл бұрын

    As good as a person can imitate the sound of a guitarist or band its an entirely different skill from possessing the creativity of that person or group. This is something that keyboard warriors sometimes overlook when they criticise certain musicians online. Anyway as ever another great video demonstrating the skill of Maiden.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great point!

  • @mavsto1
    @mavsto1 Жыл бұрын

    The Hallowed be thy Name riff is my favorite riff to play on guitar, and how I’ve played it has changed over the years as I’ve developed my ear and technique. You demonstrated a great example of the finesse! Love your channel

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton, man!! 🤜🤛

  • @squid667
    @squid6672 жыл бұрын

    This was a very good video. One thing I like very much about their music is that it manages to hit a very fine balance. It is complicated enough to sound elaborate an impressive, but at the same time it is just straight forward enough so that it sounds achieveable. That makes it very inviting and uplifiting, and when I hear it I immediately want to play it myself. It can't be easy to write music like that.

  • @kderinoglu
    @kderinoglu2 жыл бұрын

    Actually when I listen to live recordings of Maiden, especially on isolated channels, one can say the boys are sometimes somewhat sloppy, especially and surprisingly Adrian (who I am a huge fan of, my reason to pickup the Guitar). However, combination of everything creates that amazing Maiden sound and I get so much joy to listen to those live recordings. İt's not like you can do countless takes at the studio to achieve perfection. İt's live, Real and happening at that very moment as it is. That's what Real musicianship to me. By the way, thanks Nico for yet another masterclass.🤘🎸🤴🏼

  • @freddyferrillo9704

    @freddyferrillo9704

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! You definitely understand the concept of what "live" means. I commend you for that. Because it seems that many kids these days dont care if they're watching a concert that is lip-synch & tracks as opposed to a true & live setting. As you stated.....real musicians play turley live. Period! No excuses.

  • @kderinoglu

    @kderinoglu

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@freddyferrillo9704 😀🤘

  • @kderinoglu

    @kderinoglu

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@freddyferrillo9704 I'm guessing you must be at least 40+ Years old, just like me (48). I definitely agree with your comments too, my friend. Cheers!

  • @felphero

    @felphero

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yikes, you wanna talk "sloppy" hear some isolated Steve Harris tracks, I mean it works fine in the mix but man oh man, it's not clean or precise at all

  • @adriankovacs4133

    @adriankovacs4133

    2 жыл бұрын

    Excuse me, did you just call me sloppy? :D

  • @marcelo.bassalo
    @marcelo.bassalo Жыл бұрын

    Riffs are ok for an intermediate guitar player but some of Dave Murray's solos are so fucking fast.

  • @growlerpig
    @growlerpig2 жыл бұрын

    you're right that it's the small details that make the difference and give Maiden songs their singular charm, but: 1. the band themselves ignore (or, to be generous, reinterpret) many of them live 2. when Janick joined he butchered Adrian's feel - you could say he made the songs his own and I've grown to appreciate his playing a lot, but he really stepped all over not just the classic Maiden sound, but the idea that such a thing is that "sacred" anyway and I think we hear echoes of this attitude in their post-2000 records. Of course the songs are played like nobody but them would, but gone is the attention to detail of the Martin Birch days.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    For sure but of course it's different when you're in front of a large crowd and trying to also be entertaining, sometimes there are sound issues, sometimes someone in the band (or the entire band) is having an off night, the tour gets tiring, you get a bit careless or distracted because you go on autopilot... The Janick thing, for better or worse, I think he just decided he would give it his own flair from day one.

  • @Anidawehi

    @Anidawehi

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LicksOfTheBeast Janick Gers brought into maiden even more showmanship. That guy is hyper on stage. Janick gave Iron Maiden an edge because he can surely move around on stage and he stands out. So hyper.

  • @daniloheat
    @daniloheat2 жыл бұрын

    One thing I love of Adrian's playing from the eighties whenever he did the classic blues lick and he started a little behind the beat, accelerate and finish ahead like in numbed of the beast. And doing it live with all the adrenaline pumping is quite a task.

  • @lducati
    @lducati2 жыл бұрын

    I totally agree! It depends how deep you want to dive in. Looking forward to watch more videos like this one! Best!

  • @thyagofurtado
    @thyagofurtado2 жыл бұрын

    There's beauty in simplicity and in executing simple things organically and with feel. And of course, the genius of the band in composing "simple" riffs and reducing things to a point where all instruments have a space in time, frequencies and panning to create these "simple", yet exquisite songs!

  • @andyisalwaysanxious8599
    @andyisalwaysanxious85992 жыл бұрын

    This guys videos are so good. So much info, so inspiring

  • @SgtSteel1
    @SgtSteel12 жыл бұрын

    I like how you explained the difference between just knowing the chords/riffs etc but then getting it to sound right as well.

  • @bloodycotti7954
    @bloodycotti79542 жыл бұрын

    Once again a high-level educational video. Thank you !

  • @michaelanderson1587
    @michaelanderson1587 Жыл бұрын

    HUGE shout out to you. I totally respect your comments regarding your explanation about the little details, hammer ons, palm muting on "Back to the Village" . Your break down of the skill level is spot. Please keep this up.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! I don't intend to stop 😃

  • @miguelbarbedo6419
    @miguelbarbedo64192 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Nico. That was quite insightful. Way too often, the little things are overlooked; yet, they make a lot of difference. Keep it up, man. The ones of us who love music appreciate your work, and your input about Maiden is stunning.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for these kind and encouraging words!! It really means a lot😊🙏

  • @surfdigby
    @surfdigby2 жыл бұрын

    Last week I played Phantom Of The Opera live on stage for the first time. It's a bit of a special song for me, because it was the first Iron Maiden song I ever heard (courtesy of Lucozade), and I was given a short passage from it on my first guitar lesson to help me alternate pick. There were a few wobbles, but overall it went pretty well. It really does highlight how much stamina is a requirement of their playing.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Phantom is very special to me as well. Like you, it was the first thing I ever heard from Maiden 😊 It's not an easy song to pull off live so big CONGRATS! 🤜🤛

  • @Shadefecator
    @Shadefecator2 жыл бұрын

    For me, the conclusion is true for many of the greatest metal bands - be it Iron Maiden or Judas Priest and Accept. There's an underlying simplicity that is augmented by the subtle yet often rather sophisticated skill of the players (and singers). That's one of the biggest reason I love 70's and 80's heavy metal! (Oh, he said more or less the same thing at the end)

  • @RedroomStudios

    @RedroomStudios

    2 жыл бұрын

    you've described it perfectly.

  • @AdhamMGhaly
    @AdhamMGhaly2 жыл бұрын

    Bottom line: Easy to Play, Difficult to Master.

  • @jpm5324
    @jpm53242 жыл бұрын

    Cool video, love your SRV pic in the background!

  • @enriquesoto6534
    @enriquesoto65342 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing, Nico! Quite interesting and insightful!

  • @seancarson6481
    @seancarson64812 жыл бұрын

    Oh! Wow, that back in the village tune. I have always wanted to play that. That little clip you did I am going to work on. Thank you.

  • @windsurf-journey3167
    @windsurf-journey316710 ай бұрын

    Du bist einfach ein guter Typ und ich mag Deinen Content. Ich habe was dabei gelernt und bewundere Dein Gitarrenspiel!

  • @WillVRam
    @WillVRam2 жыл бұрын

    4:03 this hited my heart. Back in 2005 when I received my first guitar, I installed guitar pro 4 and download Hallowed be thy name tab with the help of a friend. I was so addicted in listen to this music that I played it on KZread several times at lan house. So I started to play trying to learn my first riff ever and it was exactly this Hallowef be Thy Name riff. I started at 10 or 11 pm and when I looked to the window of my room,.it was morning already. I will never forget this day. Thank you for this. I liked a lot your approach in details exemplifying everything you say. Subscribed, can't wait to watch more.

  • @andrewmcarthur3843
    @andrewmcarthur38434 ай бұрын

    The main problem is that it never sounds right when playing/practicing with just one guitar

  • @mephisto656
    @mephisto6562 жыл бұрын

    You channel is awesome. Thanks!

  • @maxrav1831
    @maxrav18312 жыл бұрын

    It's all in the phrasing. When I started learning as a kid I thought I had certain riffs off to perfection, then I'd go and jam with a mate and he'd always play them so much better. You can teach yourself to be good technically but to be a musician you have to really listen and soak up the feel of the music.

  • @DBSG1976
    @DBSG19762 жыл бұрын

    The main riff to "The Trooper" made me want to play guitar.

  • @envioustunic6713

    @envioustunic6713

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same here :D

  • @mrchow5047
    @mrchow5047 Жыл бұрын

    very well explained, Adrian Smith adds so much nuance to Maidens sound, when he left, the band felt lacking in this department

  • @matteodelatorre2063
    @matteodelatorre20632 жыл бұрын

    Hi Nico. Really interesting video. When I was young I did not have the ear to pick up music and I would rely on tab books. I gave up learning maiden because many of the tabs were almost impossible to play because they were so bad. I learnt classical and developed my ear and realised the importance of correct finger positions. Even nowadays, I often notice amazing guitarists on you tube playing the right notes, but in very difficult positions. It is great you take the time to demonstrate the correct way - which is often the easiest - because they were not written to be hard. Excellent examples are the beginning of Adrian's Solo in Aces High and the positions he uses in the Sea of Madness solo.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    You make a very good point! I think with some tab books the transcriber might not have been a metal guitarist or perhaps guitar wasn't their main instrument. That's the only way I could ever explain some of those odd choices 😂

  • @demodick

    @demodick

    2 жыл бұрын

    For sure. Probably the worst tab ever was for Megadeth Rust in Peace. The tab for Marty’s solo in tornado must have been transcribed by a pianist. Lol.

  • @juanneman
    @juanneman2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot Nico and horns up!!!!

  • @tonymontana3467
    @tonymontana346710 ай бұрын

    Nice summation, Nicko! Great Maiden guitar playing as usual too!

  • @deeforty
    @deeforty2 жыл бұрын

    Subbed, stumbled across this channel and its amazing, love to see people with a passion for music, your a great player dude, great content.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the encouraging words and for subscribing! Glad you found the channel 😃🤘

  • @envioustunic6713
    @envioustunic67132 жыл бұрын

    hey, i'd like to say that these videos are absolutely insightful and very interesting. I'm only a beginner and know 2 songs and a handful of riffs but these videos are always a joy to watch because it's always inspiring to learn about my most favorite band and that goes for guitar in general, sure I may not be that proficient in the instrument but its always so alluring and enjoyable to the fullest extent to learn about the topic. I love this channel because it teaches lots of general guitar knowledge while being themed around Maiden (My absolute favorite band :D). In short, youre videos are very fun and interesting as well as informative and I give you my most heartfelt thanks for the content you make. Perhaps you might see this comment and I just wanted to express how much i appreciate this channel. Either way, Thank You :D

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That really means a lot - especially because when I make these videos,.I always try to think of what I would have wanted to have had available back when I was starting to learn this stuff (way before the internet). So thank you very much for your encouraging comment and keep practicing!! 😃

  • @envioustunic6713

    @envioustunic6713

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LicksOfTheBeast well I'm glad I could throw some positivity your way :D

  • @SomewhereInTheMaidenverse
    @SomewhereInTheMaidenverse2 жыл бұрын

    You always make your videos easy for non-players, like me, interesting and easy to understand. 👏🤘

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is the best compliment. Thank you!!!

  • @CC-qb9sm
    @CC-qb9sm2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Definitely interesting and insightful!

  • @ioannisdenton
    @ioannisdenton2 жыл бұрын

    Satriani and Dream theater are my fav musicians ! Iron maiden is my First love though, i still listeni to them and as i grew older i appreciate them more musically. Satriani has a TON of nuance in his playing, vibratos slides the area where he picks.. Like you mention for in iron maiden in your video

  • @silverjaw138
    @silverjaw1382 жыл бұрын

    So much of Maidens mojo is feel, and like you said so much of what they do is super subtle. The notes and riffs aren’t terribly difficult but there’s a TON of touch

  • @tillyvick14
    @tillyvick142 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting, especially for those of us that are detail obsessed fans! Thank you Nico!

  • @chrisjohnzo5235
    @chrisjohnzo52352 жыл бұрын

    great video , i enjoyed that!

  • @freddyferrillo9704
    @freddyferrillo97042 жыл бұрын

    Great video Nicko. Just fabulous! And yes....I enjoyed it. I enjoy them all! This channel is my favorite. Out of all the channels I am subbed to....this one is my absolute favorite. And it's because Nico's guitar and music skills are top-notch. And also, his great knowledge of Iron Maiden compositions and music pieces. But most of all....it's because I love Maiden! I've been a major fan since 1981 when I was 14. Thankyou Nico! Keep doing it bro. And I'll keep clicking on! Peace.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton, brother!! Much appreciated 🤘

  • @hexgraphica
    @hexgraphica2 жыл бұрын

    The thing about old maiden music that makes me love it is it's just like a Cosworth: it picks up and goes like a supercar, steers and handles like a sportscar, but without being too flimsy or over articulated I think they can be easily considered part of the cool Britannia era although preceding it by a decade.

  • @lancemiller9998
    @lancemiller99982 жыл бұрын

    Nice Lesson! Thanks!

  • @jasonm3602
    @jasonm36022 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Niko. I love learning Maiden riffs and licks because, well, I love Maiden. Up the Irons!!

  • @suetruett3812
    @suetruett38122 жыл бұрын

    I usually don't have a lot of trouble learning Iron Maiden songs, BUT to learn them correctly is the challenge. Nico has been such a big help in that respect. I want to learn them correctly and do justice to the song and Iron Maiden. All the nuances.. Great lesson here Nico. Could be one of my fav. vrdeos you've done..

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's amazing to read and it encourages me to keep making these kinds of videos. Thank you very much! 😊

  • @suetruett3812

    @suetruett3812

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LicksOfTheBeast you're very welcome..so keep making these awesome videos...

  • @mortenbvre3733
    @mortenbvre37332 жыл бұрын

    your videos are amazing!

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a bunch man!

  • @gerryiannuzzi815
    @gerryiannuzzi8152 жыл бұрын

    You make it look so easy!

  • @Kylora2112
    @Kylora211210 ай бұрын

    I like to think of Maiden as being "challengingly simple." There's not a lot of weird chord voicings, not much for crazy technical riffs, and not much shreddy stuff, so you can focus more on the nuances. Obviously, there's some difficult songs (it's been 25 years and I still can't play Back In The Village or Purgatory well), but Maiden is a lot easier to play than 80s Metallica, to the point where I could definitely jump in with a Maiden cover/tribute band for just about any song (pre-COVID, I tried to put together a Maiden deep cuts tribute band for a venue's Halloween show [local bands do tribute sets], and the group I put together literally played our 60 minute as a first rehearsal...too bad COVID killed that plan, someone's gotta play Judas Be My Guide and Deja Vu live!).

  • @ikea_meatballs_6952

    @ikea_meatballs_6952

    2 ай бұрын

    I seen a maiden tribute band a few months ago and they done Judas be my guide, it was fucking brilliant!

  • @Pewtooyou
    @Pewtooyou2 жыл бұрын

    I've never had much problem learning Maiden tunes...But I'll tell you that " Back in the Village" is a challenge...😊

  • @mikecottondrums
    @mikecottondrums2 жыл бұрын

    interesting take on this one bro! great video as always!

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks broskiiiii!!

  • @gabrieledomingosjardim5358
    @gabrieledomingosjardim53582 жыл бұрын

    Well, as a basic to intermediate player, Iron Maiden songs are quite difficult to me because there's too much soloing. As a self learner, I have a quite good rythym part, but I really suck at soloing, I just can play pretty basic things like Heading Out to the Highway one. And those gallops kill me too. I tried to learn The Wicker Man, the rythym part is quite easy, but that Adrian solo gets me every time I try to play it

  • @tonypoore440

    @tonypoore440

    2 жыл бұрын

    I see that you like Priest as well as Maiden, I grew up playing both all the time. The solos require a little theory and practice. Keep watching Nico and any tutorials you can find on Priest and some music theory and you will be soloing like Glenn, KK, Adrian, and Dave. Try some David Gilmour too, that will help put feeling in your playing.

  • @tenacious_JB
    @tenacious_JB2 жыл бұрын

    Cool video. I had the exact same experience. When I started playing Guitar, the songs didn't look all to complicated to play, but when I practiced them I always had the feeling that something wasnst quite right, with how I played them

  • @LordGrizwold
    @LordGrizwold11 ай бұрын

    Because of you i start to play IM once again. I m big fan of them played them 10 years (in my jam style - so i play my solos - take it like my styled moded). I must thank you! I rediscovered the love with old and new albums once again :) BIG THANK YOU :)

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    11 ай бұрын

    Oh wow! Reading this really made me happy!! Thank you and I'm truly glad you reconnected with this wonderful band and their music 😃 Cheers!

  • @miguelanxomuradolo2638
    @miguelanxomuradolo26382 жыл бұрын

    Simple and excellent video explanation, dude. Those subtile skills of Maiden, as their well pondered palm mutting or their semi inaudible details on riffs and solos, are the cause that makes you never ending learn with them as you progress on guitar, even in easy songs that you was considering you was playing right. It is very grateful to learn with them, as it can sound ok yet in a beginner level, but you will always progress more and more when you return to them, even to the same songs once and another time, as you improve your playing (and discover how good musicians, but without pretensions of virtuosity admiration, they were at a very young age). Best regards!

  • @Haggath
    @Haggath2 жыл бұрын

    Great video once again man! I feel like this is something I am going through at the minute (which is why I commented about practice routines a few weeks ago). I think I am a good player, I have played for almost 17 years now, but I haven't taken the time to sit down and practice properly. I recently booked lessons to get a sort of review on how I am doing as I would like to learn how to play things properly and not try to cut corners. I have hit walls whilst practicing myself, and need to know how to break through those walls with patience instead of just trying to speed up the metronome aimlessly.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Guitar is one of those instruments that it's fun to just jam so it does take a bit of willpower to make actual targeted and focused practice a priority. I think most of us struggle with that to some degree... Booking lessons is a great step as it will force you to work on specific things in between lessons.

  • @Nephilim-81
    @Nephilim-812 жыл бұрын

    Hi. I love this. What a terrific channel. *Subscribed* Thank you 🙏🏻

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! Always happy to hear when someone stumbles upon the channel and finds something worthwhile on it 😊

  • @stilts121
    @stilts1212 жыл бұрын

    The first detail I ever noticed in Iron Maiden songs was that finger roll/mute you mentioned in HBTN. Once you hear something like that, you can't unhear it and it opens a whole new world.

  • @mrmackee123
    @mrmackee1232 жыл бұрын

    Love this guy🤘

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right back atcha!! 🤘

  • @9388mike
    @9388mike2 жыл бұрын

    This channel is very helpful. I'm a beginner and I'm learning Wasted Years hopefully I nail it like Adrian Smith keep up the good work and you earned a new subscriber.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you found the channel and thank you for subscribing! Here are some beginner-friendly tutorials I made (tabs are included in the video description for all three). Cheers! kzread.info/dash/bejne/laGFo6lmkq_Xe9Y.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/hoeqz9xuaLvNYsY.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/dZN1p8SAorCfabA.html

  • @vinithomasi
    @vinithomasi2 жыл бұрын

    great video!

  • @lendonhoffman513
    @lendonhoffman5132 жыл бұрын

    I love this channel

  • @massis1sp
    @massis1sp2 жыл бұрын

    nice thoughts 🎸🤘🏻

  • @MatteoAn93
    @MatteoAn932 жыл бұрын

    Great vid!

  • @caljerm
    @caljerm2 жыл бұрын

    Difficulty is irrelevant - the creativity is what it's all about

  • @Rowlph8888

    @Rowlph8888

    2 жыл бұрын

    Somebody else who gets it! Music is about connecting with the music.The best guitarists are those that create memorable riffs and melodies, that move you emotionally.Therefore Adrian Dave and Jannick are amongst the best guitarists ever, and a lot of those rated ahead of them are nowhere near as good

  • @leonardoberdejo3670
    @leonardoberdejo36702 жыл бұрын

    When I was a teenager I thought that Iron Maiden was very difficult to play because they used a lot of chords and back then I played note for note on just one string, hehe. Then, with a lot of listening and a lot of practice, I quite enjoy it. I need the equalization to enjoy it even regardless of not having reached the domain that you have reached.

  • @PajakTheBlind
    @PajakTheBlind2 жыл бұрын

    Nice job pointing out those different levels one can address when playing. It's something like difference between tabs, classic notation and reading between the lines and getting the bits that aren't there but are expected of you. Although must say the Rime Of The Ancient Mariner felt not enough triplety - at least for my taste ;)

  • @Thirteen31Music
    @Thirteen31Music2 жыл бұрын

    I personally think the little nuance details make the biggest difference in regards to making something sound “right”. As you said its those small things that give the riff/lick/rhythm its vibe/feel which is ultimately what makes it sound like the person you are emulating. Its not what you play - its how you play it.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very good point!

  • @ramosdiaz3575
    @ramosdiaz35752 жыл бұрын

    Nico this video was great, i also felt the same way at the beginning, ive played guitar for more than 15 years and when I was starting out I got scared of playing iron maiden because of how hard it was initially, it wasn't up until your recent tutorial videos that I've started really digging into playing and with the experience I have now I can play almost any riff. Now I'm hooked and started playing album by album, im at piece of mind at the moment, but iron maiden definitely is not for begginers.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome and I'm glad the vids could help break the ice a little in a way! Sometimes it's just that little extra push and everything opens up 🙂

  • @timhiltz6323
    @timhiltz63232 жыл бұрын

    Dance Of Death intro with the clean sounds soothing.

  • @wickscape1
    @wickscape12 жыл бұрын

    that tone is sooooo good

  • @barnettg66
    @barnettg66 Жыл бұрын

    Watching the video confirms they are hard. I've been playing for 40 years and can semi-mimic many of the songs..... but every time I watch a "how to video" I realize that my mimic is completely wrong. As he mentions in the video, there's usually more going on in the Iron Maiden song than my ear and hand can handle simultaneously. And that's why Iron Maiden can make a fine living playing their songs, while I go to work at a normal job and take my pay.

  • @meteoriter1647

    @meteoriter1647

    Жыл бұрын

    Same here I hear ya.

  • @jonathandanielmartinez2949
    @jonathandanielmartinez29492 жыл бұрын

    Nico, THANKS. KILLER VIDEO. I have been trying to play MAIDEN songs since the first album. Takes perfect practice to achieve perfection. Must have the correct information to achieve. Like years & years of planning for gold, one riff at a time. Sometimes the difficulty is in the notes that are barely audible from ambience, like delay & reverb or even modulation.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's always a big challenge in rock and metal and sometimes hitting every single small note is less important than getting the feel, articulation and phrasing right. The overall sound of the thing basically 🙂

  • @antho6449
    @antho64492 жыл бұрын

    Nice video like always, can we have more details about your sound on bias fx like your first preset video your back in the village sound is awesome and your sound in general is amazing

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I'm using the exact same settings as I show in that video. I think the gain on the amp and the drive on the screamer pedal are up just a little bit on the wasted years lick.... otherwise it's my usual preset.

  • @gennarodeleo8542
    @gennarodeleo85422 жыл бұрын

    Ciao Nico, complimenti bel video. Anche per chi non suona la chitarra è chiaro che nelle canzoni dei Maiden non ci sono grandi virtuosismi ma sono comunque abbastanza complicate da richiedere una grande esperienza sullo strumento.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Grazie tante! 😊

  • @DolkkarToyznstuff
    @DolkkarToyznstuff2 жыл бұрын

    Even as a drummer, I found this quite informative. Many thanks.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's amazing to hear! Thank you!

  • @jumpeven6100
    @jumpeven61002 жыл бұрын

    i been playing guitar for a year now ,watched pantera 's dime bag videos and kinda picked up his style of playing ,so i can say i m gonna start learning how to play some iron maiden riffs . playing guitar is like having power, i guess is where they came up with power chords.

  • @benitocharland4028
    @benitocharland40282 жыл бұрын

    Cool vidéo. Been listening to maiden for like 38 years and still can find some details in the songs. Or when i look tabs. I.E. the pre-chorus in 2 minutes to midnight. Never heard those little slide just before main chord.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same here...I still find little things I might have overlooked when preparing for a cover or lesson video. Sometimes even after I made the video I might notice that I missed a detail... Which can be frustrating 😄

  • @pro3gamer685
    @pro3gamer685 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Niko!! I answer for those question; Iron Maiden songs was really difficult, from very easy like ''Iron Maiden'' The Trooper or 2minutes to Midnight, from medium like Brave New World (except Dave Muray intro part) Dream of Mirrors to hard and ultra hard like (hmm i dont know what songs write here). Heaven Can Wait-this is great intro for practicing ;) Greetings my friend, as always you made great work.

  • @blikketty77
    @blikketty772 жыл бұрын

    Dave and Adrian are guys you can tell listened to lots of players from the 60s and 70s, they have a lot of "feel" for lack of a better term. Really unique and fully developed styles, and you make great points about some of the details that lots of players miss when playing these songs. They also both have a pretty unique sense of timing and melody, it's not as simple as the difference between straight and swing and the Iron Maiden "gallop" lol. It's harder to play their stuff and make it sound "right" than it is to play stuff from certain metal bands that came along in the mid to late 80s. Similar to how it's hard for most people to make Van Halen stuff swing properly, vs playing some of the more straight stuff that came from the 2nd generation mid to late 80s melodic rock.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great point about the VH swing!

  • @Anidawehi
    @Anidawehi2 жыл бұрын

    Dave Murray is the most smooth player in IRON MAIDEN.

  • @ke6ziu

    @ke6ziu

    2 жыл бұрын

    And, when Adrian Smith plays, I swear... it looks like he's having a religious experience when he's playing! He's that into it!

  • @demodick
    @demodick2 жыл бұрын

    That phrasing and harmonics are 7:40 could be a 10 min video by itself. It is THAT difference you point out that is what makes Adrian Adrian.

  • @adamkoindustries88
    @adamkoindustries882 жыл бұрын

    I think this video hit the nail on the head. I am a pretty garbage player overall, but I have always managed play something in the ballpark and have fun playing Maiden songs, even if I have never been able to get the little nuances.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    No such thing as garbage players... there are skill levels and most of the time it's a combination of time spent practicing and (to a lesser extent) natural aptitudes but if you play just for fun because it helps you unwind at the end of the day or because it gives you a good endorphin rush that feels good, you're kicking ass! If you find 10-15 mins a day to throw in a little actual practice, in a year you'll be doing so even harder (and you might even get a few of those elusive nuances in there) 😀 Cheers!

  • @Rose.Of.Hizaki
    @Rose.Of.Hizaki2 жыл бұрын

    Back when i was in high school i was studying music - I was total garbage at it, I sucked at music reading but the only thing i could do was play guitar - 20years+ later im still 100% certain that the only reason I didnt get an F was because I played 'The Trooper' for a music recital. Musically Iron Maiden couldnt be further from my comfort zone in terms of the kind of music i listened to. I was big on electronic music, Trance/Dance/House etc etc but part of my course meant that i had to learn an instrument and i didnt fancy piano much and i was already having some guitar lessons through a family friend so it only made sense that i went deeper into the guitar route. True F'in story.

  • @GeoffSaari
    @GeoffSaari2 жыл бұрын

    Great video . Can totally relate as a fellow , although way worse , guitar player .

  • @john-dalemccallum1195
    @john-dalemccallum11952 жыл бұрын

    As an awesomely bad bedroom player of guitar I would say that youhave pretty much hit the nail on the head here. Maiden songs (not all) are generally pretty easy to play the parts and have them sound good. I am really poor on guitar but can play the main parts to say Ghost of the Navigator, anyone that knows the song would instantly recognise what I am playing. I will not be playing it correctly but the notes are in the right order - most of the time! To play the song as they do however is a different matter, I can't get near it and don't have the time to attempt to even try to attain that level. But I don't need to. I'm not in a band, I just play for the fun of playing. It is like the old saying, "Guitar is easy to play but hard to master". I think this is also true of Maiden songs or any other band for that matter...

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    And the thing is you don't have to play them exactly as they do to enjoy playing them. They're fun songs to play along with even just for the fact that it makes you feel good 🙂

  • @biorythmicshifter
    @biorythmicshifter2 жыл бұрын

    And this is why you have my respect, you understand the devil is in the details…nice breakdown, and beautiful playing as always.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hugely appreciated. Thanks brother!

  • @simontron98
    @simontron982 жыл бұрын

    Well yes, that’s the exact answer I’ll say if somebody would ask me, I’m not a pro player, not that technical and so, I just play guitar for fun, and the years (as anything in life) improved something in the way I play, and a lot of maiden songs I could say were “easy” to learn (specially cause maiden uses the same scale in a lot of songs) but if you want to play it Exact as the song is, it gets pretty technical and tricky, the beast is in the details

  • @MikeSingSing
    @MikeSingSing2 жыл бұрын

    It's the same as with most artists i guess. The notes come easy, the details is where the work starts. Best example for that is blues: Most beginner guitar players could play the opening to "thrill is gone" by B.B. King pretty quickly. To nail the details and tone is a truly another story. And one can really tell you put some serious hours into the details of the Maiden guys.

  • @german2501
    @german25012 жыл бұрын

    It depends when you started to play Iron Maiden. I started with Metallica, and it took me 3 months to play One, and then I tried to learn the whole And Justice For All. Till now, Dyers Eve is the only song I can't perform decent enough in the whole album, but yeah, I learned a lot. Now I'm with Iron Maiden, and I'm trying to do the same with Piece Of Mind. (Revelations and Still Life solos left me to learn) but, yes, Iron Maiden is easier for me. There are some songs that are more complex to play tho (Genghis Khan, Sea of Madness, Back In The Village and any Janick Gers solo haha)

  • @danielgonzaleztejedor9486
    @danielgonzaleztejedor94862 жыл бұрын

    Maiden music gave me all dexterity I needed on the fretboard. That was many years ago.

  • @MaggaraMarine
    @MaggaraMarine2 жыл бұрын

    A bit of a nitpick, but check the notes in Hallowed Be Thy Name riff. It should be: E F# G F# G A G F# B G F# G F# E, E F# E F# G F# G B G F# G F# E. And it should also start on the downbeat (and the 2nd phrase starts on a 16th after the downbeat). The way you played it in the video either skipped a note or started it a 16th note after the downbeat, and the notes are not exactly correct. Actually, it seems like you are skipping the 2nd note of the riff (F#), and are going straight from E to G. But there needs to be an F# between those notes - otherwise the rhythm doesn't work properly. (Other than that, it seems like the notes are the same, although it does also seem like you are not playing the E in the beginning of the 2nd phrase after the long E note.) Sorry, it just bothered me too much and no one else was pointing it out.

  • @user-wv5xb8wv5w

    @user-wv5xb8wv5w

    2 жыл бұрын

    Exactly!!!

  • @CtznofEternity

    @CtznofEternity

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good job. Looking for this.

  • @FabianPortilla

    @FabianPortilla

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was about to post the same! But not as well explained as you did.

  • @jbellflower83
    @jbellflower832 жыл бұрын

    Aces high is a personal favorite of mine to play. I haven't tackled the solos yet as I'm just now trying to tackle solos, and generally simpler solos as the long ones I always lose track of what part to play, but I can nail the rhythm guitar on that song.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's an awesome song to play! I still enjoy playing it after more than 30 years 😊 Perhaps this tutorial might be helpful to you: kzread.info/dash/bejne/emiOyrGgeNDbdJc.html

  • @suetruett3812
    @suetruett3812 Жыл бұрын

    I have been playing for over 15 years. That said I find Iron Maiden songs to be either harder than anything or either somewhat easy. Never saying they are easy to play I just seen to find them that way. Nico, this a great video and I watched it to the end to see if you might have some keys to getting the harder Maiden songs down.

  • @Hadogei123456789
    @Hadogei1234567892 жыл бұрын

    Hey, Nico - Really helpful video as usual. My question is, what makes Dave's solos Dave's and what makes Adrian's solos Adrian's? What are their similarities and what are their differences?

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is a good question and a big discussion. I made a video about some of their stylistic differences a while back but I might do a part 2 later in the year or perhaps a live chat could be cool 😊

  • @Hadogei123456789

    @Hadogei123456789

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LicksOfTheBeast looking forward to it!!

  • @Nghilifa

    @Nghilifa

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's a tough one. I'd say that listening to their influences might give you a good indication on what sets them apart. Dave was inspired heavily by Hendrix, whilst Adrian was inspired a lot by Michael Schenker for example.

  • @kderinoglu

    @kderinoglu

    2 жыл бұрын

    I guess Adrian has more phrasing while Dave is on the legato side more. Also their pick-up choices are different on solos. Dave is a neck guy which gives hım a smoother, fluid tone Adrian is definitely a bridge guy with lots of edge and sharpness. And Adrian is a master of bending imo. Dave's bends are short and mix with the notes. Adrian is more like Gilmour, long bends with more emphasis. My two cents.

  • @kderinoglu

    @kderinoglu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very, very good question by the way.

  • @pauloakley2124
    @pauloakley21242 жыл бұрын

    I would say its those finer details that make the difference between success and failure. There are lots of bands in the same Genre's of music but only a few stay at the top. 🤔

  • @craigmitton5047
    @craigmitton50472 жыл бұрын

    I am not gonna lie your pro maiden content feels like visiting the oracle at Delphi. Powerful stuff.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's such a huge (and very kind) compliment. Thank you!!! 🙏

  • @Mornomgir
    @Mornomgir2 жыл бұрын

    I found that the thing about maiden is and always was that they translate flavour and feeling throughout whatever songs they make. be it live or on a fresh studio recording they have always managed to keep that depth. It doesnt matter if one thinks their riffs are hard or easy to play, techinically, it is however rare to find someone that plays their riffs like they should be played. Some of the other contemporary huge bands are good examples of what i mean. Skilled musicians no doubt that has made many kick ass songs but when you listen to their studio albums and see them live there is a loss. There is a loss in feeling a loss in depth. If that is because they overdid their studio stuff or because they simply cant perform it as well live depends on the band. There is also that synergy within the actual band that is just one of a kind and that is not something that can be copied.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    You make some very good points! 😊

  • @friedrudibega6384
    @friedrudibega63842 жыл бұрын

    I was in a cover band in the mid 80s. We played Trooper and Run to the Hills but I was the only lead player. Maiden is a marathon. Usually pooped out at the end missing notes and bends.🤣

  • @hockeyeverything4339
    @hockeyeverything43392 жыл бұрын

    Im a metalhead from the 80s, and while I liked Iron Maiden, I have come to realise how important they are in their influence, and the evolution of metal. Obviously one of the most important metal bands of all time

  • @kaz255
    @kaz255 Жыл бұрын

    Maybe I can add an interesting perspective to this story and question: I am left handed and I've learned guitar in a "normal" way. As a left handed person I always had an edge in fast soloing sections (legato, one or two strings shredding licks especially, more "natural" strength in my left hand fingers for bending) over right-handers, so I could learn most melodic licks including soloing quite easily. However what kills me is right hand technique. It took much more time to learn the galloping for me as a left hander than regular right handers do and Iron Maiden - 80s songs especially - are all about galloping... unfortunately.

  • @saltyapostle44
    @saltyapostle442 жыл бұрын

    You must play for several years before your brain, hand and arm naturally work together to add all the little nuances that make a song sound as naturally played as the recording you are comparing it to - without you having to consciously think about it as you're playing. The correct notes and timing are only about 80% of it. The rest is "feel" and playing experience. Sort of like communication is verbal and non-verbal. It takes both to get it right. I didn't start playing guitar until is was almost 25 years old. It's taken a very long time for me to develop that feel but I'm finally there - after 25 years of hack playing - lol.

  • @suetruett3812
    @suetruett38122 жыл бұрын

    as a guitar player for over 15+ years I strive to be the best I can play. Whether working on my own originals. or learning Iron Maiden songs I want to learn that song as perfectly as I can. I want to keep improving as long as I can and I'm very thankful in finding Nico's channel so I can learn these songs and play them as they're meant to be played.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate your support and encouragement so much!! It's so nice of you to leave thoughtful comments on these videos. I'm glad what I publish here can be in any measure helpful to your playing 🙏🤘

  • @tonypoore440

    @tonypoore440

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LicksOfTheBeast I've been trying to play Iron Maiden for longer than I want to admit. Like you said, playing along with the tapes/cd's, getting really close. Friends saying "man, you got that down" when I knew I was close, but not quite there. I agree with you on your assessment of Iron Maiden's songs, when you grow as a player, you learn the little things about them that help you get it right. I'm still learning at 54 and you are a great help in that process. Thank you for Licks of the Beast, a great channel.

  • @LicksOfTheBeast

    @LicksOfTheBeast

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I'm glad I to know I have been helpful in your ongoing musical journey 😊 Cheers brother 🤜🤛

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