Solo Tone

Dance of Death

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson Adrian Smith Signature San Dimas DK

AmpMarshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

PickupsJackson HSS (bridge humbucker, likely Seymour Duncan JB or similar, as per Adrian Smith's signature models of the era)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2003. Adrian Smith played the first solo on 'Dance of Death' using his Jackson San Dimas DK with a bridge humbucker into a Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II. No explicit evidence of additional pedals for gain; distortion is primarily from the amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo section.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaintight and articulate lead linesharmonic richnesscrunchy, overdriven soundsharp attackmelodic phrasinghigh-output bridge pickup claritydynamic and expressiveslightly scooped but present midscontrolled feedback

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced alternate picking, expressive phrasing with controlled bends and vibrato, and fast position shifts, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Iron Maiden Members, Gear & Sound - Equipboard Iron Maiden: Out of Thin Air - Premier Guitar The Dance Of Death Guitar Solo Guide : r/ironmaiden

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