Learn To Play Motörhead: Mastering the Ferocity and Grit

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

For every guitarist aspiring to harness the raw power and aggression of heavy metal, learning to play Motörhead's anthems is an essential rite of passage. This guide is dedicated to dissecting five iconic tracks from Motörhead, providing insights into the techniques, scales, and artistry involved in emulating the legendary sound that defined a genre. This guitar course is taught by Andy James.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Ace Of Spades

Bomber

Iron Fist

Motörhead

Overkill

Lesson Performance Notes

Ace Of Spades

"Ace Of Spades," arguably the most recognizable Motörhead song, is a masterpiece of speed and precision. The track is rooted in the E minor scale, offering a perfect blend of rock 'n' roll and early thrash metal elements. The main riff demonstrates the use of power chords and rapid alternate picking. The solo, chaotic yet controlled, is a testament to 'Fast' Eddie Clarke's aggressive playing style, utilizing rapid-fire phrases, and string bending for added emphasis. It's a lesson in maintaining intensity and energy, especially within the constraints of the song's relentless tempo.

Bomber

"Bomber" showcases Motörhead's ability to incorporate a sense of impending doom in their music. The song, primarily in the A minor scale, features a driving riff that uses power chords to create a forceful, propulsive sound. The guitar solo in "Bomber" is less frenetic than in "Ace Of Spades," but it's equally compelling, with a focus on phrasing and vibrato that adds a melodic quality amid the song's heavy bombardment.

Iron Fist

"Iron Fist" captures the essence of Motörhead’s gritty, no-holds-barred sound. The song, played in the E minor scale, is aggressive and direct, featuring powerful riffs that rely on open-string techniques to add a percussive quality. The solo is a whirlwind, displaying Clarke's penchant for combining scales and arpeggios, using slides and hammer-ons to transition between frenzied passages seamlessly.

Motörhead

The song "Motörhead" is pure, unadulterated rock with a hefty dose of punk's raw energy. Played in the key of E minor, it revolves around a central riff that employs power chords and rapid downstroke picking, capturing the band's signature aggression and speed. The solo is a cacophony of sound, utilizing bends and vibrato to create a sense of chaos while remaining musically coherent and in service to the song's anarchic spirit.

Overkill

"Overkill" is noteworthy for its rhythmic complexity, incorporating galloping rhythms that would later influence thrash metal. The E minor scale provides the foundation for this track, with its main riff making creative use of syncopated rhythms and chord progressions to maintain a sense of urgency. The solo is a masterpiece of control and release, demonstrating Clarke's skill in building tension using a mix of scales, fast legato runs, and his signature aggressive bending.

'Fast' Eddie Clarke's Unforgettable Legacy

The late 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, Motörhead's original lead guitarist, left an indelible mark on each of these songs. His playing style was fierce, yet he maintained a melodic sensibility, ensuring that his solos and riffs were not just fast or heavy, but also memorable. Clarke had a knack for mixing scales and arpeggios, making extensive use of the pentatonic scale, and adding chromatic notes to create tension and excitement. His aggressive string bending and rapid vibrato became integral aspects of his sound, while his control over feedback and harmonics allowed him to coax an array of tones from his guitar. By studying Clarke's contributions, guitarists can learn how to inject emotion and intensity into their playing, qualities that are at the heart of Motörhead’s enduring appeal.

Techniques Breakdown

Each lesson in "Learn To Play Motörhead" delves into numerous guitar techniques pivotal to mastering these songs. Below is a list of techniques explored, each linked to a detailed explanation:

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Galloping Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

By understanding and mastering these techniques, you draw closer to replicating the iconic sound of Motörhead and, more importantly, infusing your guitar playing with a level of ferocity and emotion characteristic of heavy metal's most enduring anthems.