Adrian Smith Style

OK, here we have a lesson in the style of Adrian Smith, guitarist of metal giants Iron Maiden - a band who needs no introduction!

Adrian has a very melodic and composed approach to his solos. He has a great vibrato which is quite wide and medium paced. In Maiden's early years, his style was mainly pentatonic based... just like the blues influenced heavy rock guitar playing of the era. Over the years, I would say that he picked up tricks and ideas from the 80's guitar instrumentalists like Joe Satriani and incorporated it into his own style. In fact, I once read an interview where Smith said that he liked to listen to Joe Satriani before he went into the studio because it inspired him.

Adrian's solos usually have a beginning, middle and end. He doesn't waste many notes and usually keeps it short and sweet and leaves you wanting more.
All in all, I'd say that was the sign of a great solo!

Gear wise, Smith has used Les Pauls, Ibanez Destroyers, Jacksons and Fender Strats. Like his Maiden comrades, he's always used Marshall.

So jump on in and get a load of Adrian's awesome style!

Ben

Tempo: 90bpm

Gear: Marshall JVM 410H. OD1, Orange setting for solos. OD2, Orange setting for rhythm. Clean channel, green setting for clean intro.

Chords: Em, C, G, D

Scales: Em