Solo Tone
Aces High (2015 Remaster)
Iron Maiden
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez Destroyer (likely 1975 model, used by Adrian Smith on Powerslave sessions)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1984 Powerslave sessions)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker (bridge position, stock for this era/model)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1984 (Powerslave); Adrian Smith solo; Ibanez Destroyer confirmed for this era; Marshall JCM800 is the documented amp for Maiden's 80s studio tones. No evidence of additional pedals for the solo section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesinging sustainarticulate pick attackclear note separationaggressive bridge pickup biteslight midrange emphasisfast alternate picking clarityminimal ambient washfocused and compressedclassic 80s British metal lead sound
Difficulty
The solo requires fast alternate picking, accurate string skipping, and expressive bending/vibrato at a high tempo, making it challenging for most intermediate players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez Destroyer (likely 1975 model, used by Adrian Smith on Powerslave sessions)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1984 Powerslave sessions)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker (bridge position, stock for this era/model)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1984 (Powerslave); Adrian Smith solo; Ibanez Destroyer confirmed for this era; Marshall JCM800 is the documented amp for Maiden's 80s studio tones. No evidence of additional pedals for the solo section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesinging sustainarticulate pick attackclear note separationaggressive bridge pickup biteslight midrange emphasisfast alternate picking clarityminimal ambient washfocused and compressedclassic 80s British metal lead sound
Difficulty
The solo requires fast alternate picking, accurate string skipping, and expressive bending/vibrato at a high tempo, making it challenging for most intermediate players.
Aces High (2015 Remaster) settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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