You guys are too kind, seriously! I just hope that with hard work, the channel grows to a point where their management would not automatically delete or ignore any attempt at reaching out someday 😃 Cheers 🤘
I always wondered if they worked out those little motifs but with your analysis of the live versions of Number of the Beast it seems like they are playing off each other. Really cool video thank you.
My guess is that Adrian does this specifically as a compositional technique... but of course it could also be something they agreed to do together or even just something on a subconscious level... 🙂
Dang dude, you are the guitar teacher I wish I had when I was first starting out. I am so glad I found your channel. Keep up the killer tips, tricks, and awesome insights into their style. Indeed this blew my mind.
Wow your comment just made my day man! Especially because I am trying to put out the kind of content I wish I myself had access to when I was learning this stuff as a teenager. It's so great to hear these videos are connecting on that level. Thank you!
@@LicksOfTheBeast hey Nico, Speaking of guitar teacher I wish I had when I first started out, have you thought about putting out any courses on metal guitar theory and tips and tricks and techniques? I would be the first to buy if you do.
@@LicksOfTheBeast oh wow, that would be awesome. I’ve got all the basic theory down and can play most rock and metal songs and even write some of my own but I struggle with the more complex modal and “proggy” type stuff like maiden plays and struggle with triplets and gallop rhythms. I’m trying to focus on that kind of stuff now and improve. Your lessons have helped and would love even more in depth lessons and focused practice lessons. Thanks for everything man.
This is so cool, even for a non-player like me! Adrian and Dave’s guitar work on CSiT is so beautiful (especially Adrian’s). It’s just mesmerizing. I always repeat the 2nd half of Icarus several times, because there is just so much magic there between Adrian’s and Dave’s playing. I love that chemistry that they have, and I think it has a lot to do with why their playing compliments one another’s so beautifully.
That makes me very happy! 😃 Especially because I always have doubts about whether or not I'm even making sense at all (let alone to non-players) when I shoot videos like this LOL. And I totally agree on CSIT and Icarus! There is just something magical that happens with people who play together for such a long time. Rush and ZZ Top are good examples of that too!
@@LicksOfTheBeast Your videos are very informative and you don’t have that pretentious vibe that I have seen in the videos of others. You also have one of the nicest comment sections; it is very refreshing. Maiden-related comment sections can, unfortunately, get pretty heated. I know what you mean about Rush and ZZ Top. Rush is one of my favorite bands of all time. It was also so cool to know that the friendship between the 3 of them was ironclad. Neil’s passing was so devastating to many on so many levels, and I can’t imagine how hard it will always be for Geddy and Alex. I got to see them live a handful of times, and that chemistry they had, both musically and personally, was just undeniable. Geddy and Alex must have such amazing memories. ZZ Top had a way of singing about things so that little kids could listen, but it isn’t until you’re a little older that you start to figure out the meaning behind some of the lyrics. 😂 Dusty Hill sure did make playing bass look like it was the coolest thing of the world. I know he had been suffering from a variety of health issues before he passed. I never did get to see them live.
@@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse THANK YOU! I just don't have the chutzpah to come on here all pretentious when there are people like Rick Beato or Tim Pierce around (we're not worthy...🙇🙇🏼) 😄 And I am sooooo glad that the comments section is always active and mostly full of constructive discussion. I won't delete comments because it's not for me to decide what can or can't be said but I also won't engage in discussions about hating on anyone or anything. This has to be fun or why am I spending literally all my non-working hours on it? 🤪 Oh and for ZZ Top and Rush, I think the relationship between the members made the music incredibly strong for sure. Something that deep is going to permeate everything one does... It's inevitable 😊 I never did get to see either one... Just one of those things where timing never worked out. Often, when they were here I was in Italy and vice-versa... I had tickets to ZZ Top's show last year but then the whole world got turned upside down so that was that...
@@LicksOfTheBeast Humility goes a long way! 😃 Just look at the Maiden guys! I’m sorry that you never got to see Rush, live. Thankfully, there is a ton of professional and fan footage on here. I even found fan footage from shows that I attended as far back as the early 90s. It’s always fun to see that footage. As far as seeing ZZ Top, the pandemic completely crushed everyone’s plans, and that is unfortunate. I am hoping I can see Maiden on the next tour, as I missed the last two tours. With the state of the world right now, it’s all too uncertain. Tomorrow is the big day for Maiden fans! 😃
Tomorrow is THE day indeed!! I haven't even snuck a peek at the leaks as I want to enjoy this one ritualistically with the booklet in hand from the first note. 😁
Nice to point out all the little gems hidden in the music of Maiden. I never knew and just loved it, but this adds an extra layer leading to even more appreciation. You've probably been studying every detail of their latest album as well. Can't wait to hear/see what you've discovered.
That's awesome! Happy to help provide a bit more insight on this great music. As for the new album, I am still just enjoying listening to it and discovering the songs as a fan and nothing more. Usually after that I usually start picking up bits that I wanna jam along with and then I'll start really digging into it. 😊
I always thought it was cool how on Rime of the Ancient Mariner that Dave’s solo picks up exactly where Adrian’s ends. I think it’s the exact same note. Hard to tell that it’s even the beginning of a different solo except the tone is different. Course once it gets going a bit, you can tell it’s Dave.
Dave and Adrian are genius!! I’ve never thought of this similarities in theirs licks…amazing! Thanks again for the video. They are even more enjoyable in RUclips.
I've been playing Maiden songs since I was 15, now I'm 50 and still find great joy in playing their solos from the 80''s era! Not to take away from the new stuff, but the old stuff just has the test of time quality....
I'm same age with same feelings toward their older stuff. They just couldn't be trifled with in the 80s! Modern Maiden is a bit meandering for me but still some great moments!
It's always a pleasure watching your video. First, because you know what you're talking about (in terms of scales, modes and so on; as a guitar player myself I really appreciate!)... and second, because you talk about my favorite guitar players of all time, which is a nice plus.
Thanks so much man! I'm no Rick Beato or Adam Nealy when it comes to understanding music theory but I try to study enough so that I can understand and help explain what is going on in the music we enjoy....and I'm glad to see that it's been helpful to those who watch my videos 🙂 I'm just a big fan of this band, you know? They have given me so much inspiration and so many great memories for more than three decades now.... So I have A LOT to share 😄
I love playing Maiden songs..The numerous parts put together are so brilliant when put together. I have no care to play anything/anyone else for now and I imagine for the forseeable future. I always seem to find a different lick here and there and getting the sound better is all part of Maiden..
They have a lot of differences between them and this is the best way to tie a band, Dave is a spontaneous guitarist that he has worked to be in his sound. Adrian is a melodic guitarist Adrian's solos are incredible in both sound and performance. But let's not forget that they have different guitars and different setups on them ...... The essence is one: Awesome and timeless band.
Dave: Here you go, H... You can copy, just don't do exact the same thing or Arry will chew our asses off... All jokes aside, I do believe they didn't plan it at all, which is one of the reasons why they have always been such a perfect fit... Great video, Nico, once again something I have never realized before
Omg, the hype is real to hear what you have to say about the whole album. 😆 I can’t wait to see your analysis of the songs. I think it’s a great album. I enjoyed every song.
Hahaha thank you, I really appreciate that! Yes I am actually shooting a video about my first impressions tomorrow so it should be out in a few days. Stay tuned!!
I was smiling the whole video! This kind of videos really makes me happy. How must it be to play that good guitar? I am in the category people who never noticed this mirroring, but it’s cool when you show it to us. Also learned a new word, which I had to look up: pedal points. Never heard it before (I play for two years now). My favorite solo in the examples is Dave’s in Somewhere in time. That really the style I like. It would be very cool when the guys hear about your channel and that one day they could answer your questions. You’ll never know.
Love these videos! While I am not a guitarist (I am a drummer) this is so interesting and not just from the Maiden fan´s perspective but overall musically. Thanks so much, keep going!! Up the IRONS!
Fascinating. I'm kicking myself for not noticing this as in depth as you have. All I ever observed was just how well they compliment each other. As I was typing this I was going to ask you if you thought this was intentional or just a byproduct of them being so in sync as a unit naturally from playing together so much until you said at the end it would be fascinating to get their opinion on it. Whatever the answer is, I think you've picked up on a very nuanced detail that I've never heard anyone else mention before that is a key example of what makes them both compliment each other so well. Great stuff!
Thanks so much man! I would love to pick their brains about songwriting and arranging and really ask all the questions about why did you play this here or why did you put that part there... I know I have a TON of unanswered questions 😄
Glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you 🤜🤛 To be honest, I've never even thought about reaching out for an interview as my channel is still relatively unknown. It would give ME plenty but there wouldn't really be anything in it for him and the Maiden camp. Perhaps if someday I am at a point where it's beneficial to them as well... 😊
Not even close! 😆 I am first going to enjoy the album as a fan, then as a guitarist, and then as a musician... But first as a fan so no guitar, just the CD, headphones and booklet with the pictures and lyrics.
I think this is what made Iron Maiden so epic - the Dave/Adrian mirroring and harmonies. When they played on the Hear'N AID I really hoped they would have solos where they did this, instead it seemed like they played the same riff.
Is Adrian’s Caught Somewhere in Time solo one of your favorites? It’s been at the #1 spot for me for a very long time now. Would love to see you break it down fully sometime!
Brilliant, Nico! Now, maybe it isn't a "mirrored lick," but I love how Adrian ends his solo on the same note that Dave begins his solo. I'm not knowledgeable enough to confirm that, but it sounds like it to my ears. UP THE IRONS!!!! Oh, and once Senjutsu comes out, we're ALL waiting for you to figure out the solos and confirm who plays what. :)
I think they did on purpose, thinking about the fluidity of their solos and always tied togheter. BTW This channel is gold for us fans! It would be awesome to know what you think about Senjutsu, like a review. Thank you for what you do Nico! \m/
Hey Nico, I was wondering if you could make a video on how to get the lead tones from the 3 main guitarists of Maiden. Like Dave always has a very glassy fat and watery tone, Adrian has a precise tight tone with a lot of dynamics and Janik has a mid heavy, fat plain tone. While any decent guitar tone can work for any song, it's a lot harder to come up with varying ones that are distinct yet harmonize so perfectly. Especially with maiden when you're trying to play something, having one lead tone won't really suffice and the trio each have their own style of playing on top as well so maybe you can get into that too. But overall, a video from a rig POV would be really helpful since as a guitarist myself, I'm having trouble getting these tones even in the same ballpark. And obviously these tones do change from album to album, but recently I've felt that in their later years, their lead tones have become more refined and distinct so that you can always tell who's who (esp with Janik lol) and what really changes is the mixing rather than the tone itself.
I'm actually using the same sound settings for pretty much everything. If you have Bias FX II you can download my settings in the Tonecloud - just look up Licks of the Beast. A lot of it comes from the playing style more than anything else. There are a lot of little subtleties involved in copying their respective tones like how you pick, the angle of the pick, where you pick, the articulation, fingerings, vibrato style, attack etc etc. I will try to explain a bit better in a future video although it is a bit tricky to describe that sort of thing!
Your closing tought at the end of your exposé is excactly one of the most pertinent question that Murray-Smith should be asked in a guitar magazine... I wonder if someone else found your great observation on their mutual playing... Who decided to explore that original mirror soloing ?!? Was it a suggestion from the producer, band member or it happened naturally? Cool inquest to do🤔 PS I m curently listening to the New album, I ve decided to explore CD # 2 first because I believe that Harris deserve the honors... I m quite enthusiast about Hell On Earth and I find Death Of The Celts has great bass fills and melodies !!!😃👍
You bring up a good point... Most of the musician magazine interviews I have ever read with the guys Maiden have been for the most part very superficial. It's almost as if the interviewer had only the most rudimentary knowledge/understanding of the band's music and that's a shame. I never really learned much of anything from those talks and I always felt frustrated after reading. It would be really great to finally get to really talk shop with these guys and dig deep into their playing and writing. Still digesting the new album but there is definitely going to be a lot to talk about!
Your sound is always fantastic, your picking is a big part of it, but I would like to know how you recreate the sound of each guitarist. I know there are a lot of videos and articles about how to recreate Maiden's sound, but I'd really like to know how you recreate it. You have a fabulous attention to detail and precision. I could imagine a series of videos: the sound of Adrian Smith etc. We could also analyze the evolution of each guitarist's sound.
First of all thank you VERY much for the kind words of encouragement!! They are much appreciated :) So in this video I am using the exact same sound settings for both Adrian and Dave's parts and it's the same settings I use for most of my videos lately. If you use Bias FX II you can download this preset as I made it available in the Tonecloud. It's very basic and simplistic because realistically trying to recreate their sound by using plugins without a really experienced sound engineer to help seems pretty pointless to me. I just couldn't pull it off by myself... Most of it is really in how you approach their playing styles and it's a lot of little subtleties like pick angles, where on the string you pick, phrasing, attack, touch, articulation etc. It took me a long time to get to a point where it's somewhat similar to how they play but I know I'm still far off as my own playing style is a bit different from all three even though they have clearly been a strong influence. A video about the evolution of their tone could be interesting for sure but it would be more about how they play than what gear they use :) Cheers!!
@@LicksOfTheBeast Thank you for your quick and detailed and wise answer. It is true that my comment would have been more relevant to another video where indeed we did not seem to use the same processing for all guitarists, but once again you have just confirmed that the sound of a guitarist is mainly due to his phrasing, the choice of notes and the way of attacking the strings. A lesson for all of us who spend our lives looking for the Grail of the magic amp or pedal :-) Thank you for your dedication, I continue to follow your work with pleasure.
Can you walk through the final guitar part in the song Senjutsu from around the 7:20 mark... really unusual tone and sound. And who is playing it I wonder?
Yup, it's Adrian. The sound you're hearing at the very end sounds to me like whammy bar flutters or it could be a whammy pedal (not sure if you can do flutters with it)
Thank you! I have a feeling they did back in the day. Especially Adrian since he's more of a songwriter/big picture kinda guy. But who knows... Would be great to find out for sure! 😃
Do you have any videos detailing how Maiden, since attaining three guitarists, does solos on two guitars? I notice it both on The Trooper and Evil That Men Do. I think it's Janick and Dave or Janick and Adrian but I can't be sure. It just looks badass.
I think they only do it on those two solos specifically so that they can replicate the little harmonies in the last lick. Infinite Dreams would have been another one like that if they were to play it. It does sound and look really cool although I sometimes wish they'd lock the main licks in just a little tighter 🙂
So… Dave and Adrian are just rehashing each other’s ideas🤔😉😄🤘🏻 but hey, when you are at that level, even stealing ideas sounds brilliant. Or perhaps it is more like a friendly competition where they are trying to overdo each other😎
Very interesting observations, after listening to Iron Maiden for ages, I never broke down these patterns and see the linkage. By the way, where are you from, your accent sounds Greek :)
Glad I could provide some fresh insight then 😃 And I'm Italian but I did have a lot of Greek friends in college so I guess some of the accent might have rubbed off vre 😁
Hey Nico. Dave and Adrian really have this magic, they have their own styles but maybe that is why it is so special. It gives that Maiden vibe. Even in this 3 guitars era when there are 3 solos in a song, I think most of time Gers has last solo. Or Dave and Smith have 2 solo section and Gers last in different section of the song (Where the wild wind blows, Hell on earth). And if the song have only 2 solos 99% it is Dave and Smith. Nico do you know what songs that have 2 solos is Gers with Dave or Adrian? Brave new world is one, but do you know any other? 🙂
@@LicksOfTheBeast Time machine ha! I think it is 3 solos, first that solo with a lot of pedals and maybe another guitar overdub = well that is Mr.Smith, then that lovely time change = Davey, and great solo of Gers last :)
@@LicksOfTheBeast Brighter than a Thousand Suns is: first solo Adrian and second Gers, on Gates of Tomorrow I wasn't sure but I thing both solos are from Gers. So in 3 guitars era I think all (other than these 2) 2 solo songs are Dave and Adrian. fun fact :)
The cold truth is that Steve Harris is the harmony-genius and Dave and Adrian just played them with the all known 3rd higher. That is not the reason why they were great guitarists. Great guitarists were because they really came up with some extremely melodic and catchy solos both of them. SIMPLE Solos that perfectly filled the song attitude and filled each other as well. Solos that were easy-built but very smart-built. NOT virtuoso solos in the style of 80's. Solos that can played almost by everyone.
No, it's definitely the Hallowed Be Thy Name thing 😄 For sure their solos have always been fantastic but that is only one part of being a great player. And here I'm really focusing on them as a team and not as individual guitarists. 🙂 Oh and there is actually a lot more to their harmonies than all 3rds. Some are quite different and much more articulated than that and I'm sure those are not worked out by Steve on his own.
That's what you call a sustained or repeated tone over or against a melody. For example, the Thunderstruck lick has a B pedal tone and the intro to Master of Puppets features an E pedal. Dave and Adrian's licks in Aces High that I show in this video feature an E and B pedal respectively.
@@LicksOfTheBeast - That seems more like the key of the lick and that really hasn't anything to do with the note being played. Just keep it simple and name the note instead of strange theoretical hypotheses. Introduction of oddities only serves to confuse.
This channel is like two semesters' worth of Iron Maiden knowledge!!
More than that I think
I don't always pin comments.
But when I do it's because they're awesome.
@@LicksOfTheBeast Aww, thanks, Nico! Keep up with the great work and content!! 🙌🤘
hahaha, now that about makes my brain hurt, but with Maiden songs it's good hurt!!!
This is the reason I believe Dave and Adrian are genius. The most iconic twin guitars in all time. UP THE IRONS!
I hope to see you interviewing the trio of guitar players from Maiden one day.
They should definitely check out your channel.
Totally agree!
You guys are too kind, seriously!
I just hope that with hard work, the channel grows to a point where their management would not automatically delete or ignore any attempt at reaching out someday 😃 Cheers 🤘
You should invite Dave and Adrian on your channel, with guitars of course:) Dave and Adrian should really do it, it would be a huge video.
Yes!
Just saw this comment... It would be absolutely amazing to be able to interview some of the guys someday! 😊
Oh yeah🤘🏻🙂
I always wondered if they worked out those little motifs but with your analysis of the live versions of Number of the Beast it seems like they are playing off each other. Really cool video thank you.
My guess is that Adrian does this specifically as a compositional technique... but of course it could also be something they agreed to do together or even just something on a subconscious level... 🙂
You're right: I have never heard anyone talk about it until you mentioned it!! 🤩
There are so many little things we absorb and don't really stop to analyze so it's fun to do that with something we're so passionate about 😃
You're amazing and became one of my top RUclipsrs! You're really opening my eyes!
Infinite thanks!!! 🙏🙏🤘🤘
Great video , love the t-shirt!
They are so complementary
A new awesome episode of "What makes this band great"
Dang dude, you are the guitar teacher I wish I had when I was first starting out. I am so glad I found your channel. Keep up the killer tips, tricks, and awesome insights into their style. Indeed this blew my mind.
Wow your comment just made my day man! Especially because I am trying to put out the kind of content I wish I myself had access to when I was learning this stuff as a teenager.
It's so great to hear these videos are connecting on that level. Thank you!
@@LicksOfTheBeast hey Nico, Speaking of guitar teacher I wish I had when I first started out, have you thought about putting out any courses on metal guitar theory and tips and tricks and techniques? I would be the first to buy if you do.
I have only very recently started working on something so hopefully within the next year I will have something on the way 🤞
@@LicksOfTheBeast oh wow, that would be awesome. I’ve got all the basic theory down and can play most rock and metal songs and even write some of my own but I struggle with the more complex modal and “proggy” type stuff like maiden plays and struggle with triplets and gallop rhythms. I’m trying to focus on that kind of stuff now and improve. Your lessons have helped and would love even more in depth lessons and focused practice lessons. Thanks for everything man.
Ace video!! 24 hours and 20 minutes until Senjutsu!!!!!!!!!!
You make playing and understanding Maiden licks so easy.
I love the love you have for my favorite group of all time. Thank you for providing your content!
Big thanks back atcha for your support!!! Cheers! 🤜🤛
This is so cool, even for a non-player like me!
Adrian and Dave’s guitar work on CSiT is so beautiful (especially Adrian’s). It’s just mesmerizing. I always repeat the 2nd half of Icarus several times, because there is just so much magic there between Adrian’s and Dave’s playing. I love that chemistry that they have, and I think it has a lot to do with why their playing compliments one another’s so beautifully.
That makes me very happy! 😃
Especially because I always have doubts about whether or not I'm even making sense at all (let alone to non-players) when I shoot videos like this LOL.
And I totally agree on CSIT and Icarus!
There is just something magical that happens with people who play together for such a long time. Rush and ZZ Top are good examples of that too!
@@LicksOfTheBeast
Your videos are very informative and you don’t have that pretentious vibe that I have seen in the videos of others. You also have one of the nicest comment sections; it is very refreshing. Maiden-related comment sections can, unfortunately, get pretty heated.
I know what you mean about Rush and ZZ Top. Rush is one of my favorite bands of all time. It was also so cool to know that the friendship between the 3 of them was ironclad. Neil’s passing was so devastating to many on so many levels, and I can’t imagine how hard it will always be for Geddy and Alex. I got to see them live a handful of times, and that chemistry they had, both musically and personally, was just undeniable. Geddy and Alex must have such amazing memories.
ZZ Top had a way of singing about things so that little kids could listen, but it isn’t until you’re a little older that you start to figure out the meaning behind some of the lyrics. 😂 Dusty Hill sure did make playing bass look like it was the coolest thing of the world. I know he had been suffering from a variety of health issues before he passed. I never did get to see them live.
@@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse THANK YOU! I just don't have the chutzpah to come on here all pretentious when there are people like Rick Beato or Tim Pierce around (we're not worthy...🙇🙇🏼) 😄
And I am sooooo glad that the comments section is always active and mostly full of constructive discussion. I won't delete comments because it's not for me to decide what can or can't be said but I also won't engage in discussions about hating on anyone or anything. This has to be fun or why am I spending literally all my non-working hours on it? 🤪
Oh and for ZZ Top and Rush, I think the relationship between the members made the music incredibly strong for sure. Something that deep is going to permeate everything one does... It's inevitable 😊
I never did get to see either one... Just one of those things where timing never worked out. Often, when they were here I was in Italy and vice-versa... I had tickets to ZZ Top's show last year but then the whole world got turned upside down so that was that...
@@LicksOfTheBeast
Humility goes a long way! 😃 Just look at the Maiden guys!
I’m sorry that you never got to see Rush, live. Thankfully, there is a ton of professional and fan footage on here. I even found fan footage from shows that I attended as far back as the early 90s. It’s always fun to see that footage.
As far as seeing ZZ Top, the pandemic completely crushed everyone’s plans, and that is unfortunate.
I am hoping I can see Maiden on the next tour, as I missed the last two tours. With the state of the world right now, it’s all too uncertain. Tomorrow is the big day for Maiden fans! 😃
Tomorrow is THE day indeed!! I haven't even snuck a peek at the leaks as I want to enjoy this one ritualistically with the booklet in hand from the first note. 😁
Nice to point out all the little gems hidden in the music of Maiden. I never knew and just loved it, but this adds an extra layer leading to even more appreciation. You've probably been studying every detail of their latest album as well. Can't wait to hear/see what you've discovered.
That's awesome! Happy to help provide a bit more insight on this great music. As for the new album, I am still just enjoying listening to it and discovering the songs as a fan and nothing more. Usually after that I usually start picking up bits that I wanna jam along with and then I'll start really digging into it. 😊
You've got the best YT channel on Maiden. Your playing and tone is spot on. Educational stuff like this one is the icing on the cake.
Thanks a million man!!!
Glad you enjoyed it 🤘
I always thought it was cool how on Rime of the Ancient Mariner that Dave’s solo picks up exactly where Adrian’s ends. I think it’s the exact same note. Hard to tell that it’s even the beginning of a different solo except the tone is different. Course once it gets going a bit, you can tell it’s Dave.
I like that they do that every now and then. It's a very cool technique for dual guitar leads!
Dave and Adrian are genius!! I’ve never thought of this similarities in theirs licks…amazing! Thanks again for the video. They are even more enjoyable in RUclips.
I've been playing Maiden songs since I was 15, now I'm 50 and still find great joy in playing their solos from the 80''s era! Not to take away from the new stuff, but the old stuff just has the test of time quality....
Those songs are imprinted in the memories of youth so they've got a special place in the hearts of people like us 😊
I couldn't agree more.
I'm same age with same feelings toward their older stuff. They just couldn't be trifled with in the 80s! Modern Maiden is a bit meandering for me but still some great moments!
The harmonies are what make maiden so good.
Damn it Adrian, as if I needed yet another reason to think you're the best guitar player ever.
Oh I always loved these links Dave and Adrian made between each others' stuff. Very happy that you mentioned it that great! Thank you!
Glad to know I am making sense enough for this to be relatable to someone with a good ear like you! 😃
It's always a pleasure watching your video. First, because you know what you're talking about (in terms of scales, modes and so on; as a guitar player myself I really appreciate!)... and second, because you talk about my favorite guitar players of all time, which is a nice plus.
Thanks so much man!
I'm no Rick Beato or Adam Nealy when it comes to understanding music theory but I try to study enough so that I can understand and help explain what is going on in the music we enjoy....and I'm glad to see that it's been helpful to those who watch my videos 🙂
I'm just a big fan of this band, you know? They have given me so much inspiration and so many great memories for more than three decades now.... So I have A LOT to share 😄
Nothing is cooler than that.
Focus🎯
😂😂😂😂
I love playing Maiden songs..The numerous parts put together are so brilliant when put together. I have no care to play anything/anyone else for now and I imagine for the forseeable future. I always seem to find a different lick here and there and getting the sound better is all part of Maiden..
Absolutely! I always have a blast playing Maiden songs even after more than 30 years 🤘
@@LicksOfTheBeast haha, I don't have 30 years but I totally understand what you're saying!!
They have a lot of differences between them and this is the best way to tie a band, Dave is a spontaneous guitarist that he has worked to be in his sound. Adrian is a melodic guitarist Adrian's solos are incredible in both sound and performance. But let's not forget that they have different guitars and different setups on them ...... The essence is one: Awesome and timeless band.
Great video. Awesome music theory explanations. Nice to see the new Adrian USA in action. Sounds really good.
Dave: Here you go, H... You can copy, just don't do exact the same thing or Arry will chew our asses off...
All jokes aside, I do believe they didn't plan it at all, which is one of the reasons why they have always been such a perfect fit... Great video, Nico, once again something I have never realized before
Thanks man!!
My guess is this is more an Adrian thing compositionally but it could definitely be just happenstance due to their phenomenal teamwork.
I hope you do a breakdown of days of future past. That main riff is sooooooo good!!!
It really is!
Omg, the hype is real to hear what you have to say about the whole album. 😆 I can’t wait to see your analysis of the songs. I think it’s a great album. I enjoyed every song.
Hahaha thank you, I really appreciate that! Yes I am actually shooting a video about my first impressions tomorrow so it should be out in a few days. Stay tuned!!
I was smiling the whole video! This kind of videos really makes me happy. How must it be to play that good guitar?
I am in the category people who never noticed this mirroring, but it’s cool when you show it to us.
Also learned a new word, which I had to look up: pedal points. Never heard it before (I play for two years now).
My favorite solo in the examples is Dave’s in Somewhere in time. That really the style I like.
It would be very cool when the guys hear about your channel and that one day they could answer your questions. You’ll never know.
And comments like yours make ME happy 😃
Seriously man, thank you so much. I am very glad to hear it was interesting for a fan and guitar player! 🤜🤛
Love these videos! While I am not a guitarist (I am a drummer) this is so interesting and not just from the Maiden fan´s perspective but overall musically. Thanks so much, keep going!! Up the IRONS!
Very interesting stuff which I hadn't noticed before - cheers 👍 so glad I found your channel and fantastic playing also !
Awesome! Thank you very much and I'm glad you found my channel too 🙂
Fascinating. I'm kicking myself for not noticing this as in depth as you have. All I ever observed was just how well they compliment each other. As I was typing this I was going to ask you if you thought this was intentional or just a byproduct of them being so in sync as a unit naturally from playing together so much until you said at the end it would be fascinating to get their opinion on it. Whatever the answer is, I think you've picked up on a very nuanced detail that I've never heard anyone else mention before that is a key example of what makes them both compliment each other so well. Great stuff!
Thanks so much man! I would love to pick their brains about songwriting and arranging and really ask all the questions about why did you play this here or why did you put that part there... I know I have a TON of unanswered questions 😄
@@LicksOfTheBeast you'll have even more of those after you hear the new record! 🤣
I'd say the final parts of the solos in 'Rainmaker' and 'Speed Of Light' can be cited as modern day examples, right? Great video my friend!
I would say that speed of light is a good example because they both end their solos with very similar licks 🙂
Thanks for another great video. Have you ever tried to reach out to Adrian for an interview?
Glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you 🤜🤛
To be honest, I've never even thought about reaching out for an interview as my channel is still relatively unknown. It would give ME plenty but there wouldn't really be anything in it for him and the Maiden camp. Perhaps if someday I am at a point where it's beneficial to them as well... 😊
really glad to. have found your channel thank you
Such a fantastic video! Thank you and Up the Irons! Senjutsu tomorrow!!! 🤘
I bet Nico has already learned all the songs from the new album😁
Not even close! 😆
I am first going to enjoy the album as a fan, then as a guitarist, and then as a musician... But first as a fan so no guitar, just the CD, headphones and booklet with the pictures and lyrics.
I think this is what made Iron Maiden so epic - the Dave/Adrian mirroring and harmonies. When they played on the Hear'N AID I really hoped they would have solos where they did this, instead it seemed like they played the same riff.
This video was too cool! Thanks
Is Adrian’s Caught Somewhere in Time solo one of your favorites? It’s been at the #1 spot for me for a very long time now. Would love to see you break it down fully sometime!
It's my favourite album so I love every note on that thing 😊
I will do a tutorial on it for sure.
@@LicksOfTheBeast great! Hands down the best guitar sound and production of any Maiden album!
I always learn great knowledge from your channel
check Aria band , song called 'Executioner'. solos with the same sence of mirroring.
Brilliant, Nico! Now, maybe it isn't a "mirrored lick," but I love how Adrian ends his solo on the same note that Dave begins his solo. I'm not knowledgeable enough to confirm that, but it sounds like it to my ears. UP THE IRONS!!!! Oh, and once Senjutsu comes out, we're ALL waiting for you to figure out the solos and confirm who plays what. :)
That is a cool technique too. I think Dave and Jan do it on Childhood's End so well that it confused me for decades 😅
Ain't that curious that there are so few pics of them playing each other guitar? I found just two with their Destroyers.
I think they did on purpose, thinking about the fluidity of their solos and always tied togheter. BTW This channel is gold for us fans! It would be awesome to know what you think about Senjutsu, like a review. Thank you for what you do Nico! \m/
Thank you very much!
I will be sharing my first impressions on the album in an upcoming video so stay tuned for that in a few days! Cheers 🤜🤛
Also: Losfer Words at 2:32 and the intro to Wasted Years. Although I don't know who plays this part in Losfer Words.
Hey Nico, I was wondering if you could make a video on how to get the lead tones from the 3 main guitarists of Maiden. Like Dave always has a very glassy fat and watery tone, Adrian has a precise tight tone with a lot of dynamics and Janik has a mid heavy, fat plain tone. While any decent guitar tone can work for any song, it's a lot harder to come up with varying ones that are distinct yet harmonize so perfectly. Especially with maiden when you're trying to play something, having one lead tone won't really suffice and the trio each have their own style of playing on top as well so maybe you can get into that too. But overall, a video from a rig POV would be really helpful since as a guitarist myself, I'm having trouble getting these tones even in the same ballpark.
And obviously these tones do change from album to album, but recently I've felt that in their later years, their lead tones have become more refined and distinct so that you can always tell who's who (esp with Janik lol) and what really changes is the mixing rather than the tone itself.
I'm actually using the same sound settings for pretty much everything. If you have Bias FX II you can download my settings in the Tonecloud - just look up Licks of the Beast.
A lot of it comes from the playing style more than anything else. There are a lot of little subtleties involved in copying their respective tones like how you pick, the angle of the pick, where you pick, the articulation, fingerings, vibrato style, attack etc etc. I will try to explain a bit better in a future video although it is a bit tricky to describe that sort of thing!
Your closing tought at the end of your exposé is excactly one of the most pertinent question that Murray-Smith should be asked in a guitar magazine... I wonder if someone else found your great observation on their mutual playing... Who decided to explore that original mirror soloing ?!? Was it a suggestion from the producer, band member or it happened naturally? Cool inquest to do🤔
PS I m curently listening to the New album, I ve decided to explore CD # 2 first because I believe that Harris deserve the honors... I m quite enthusiast about Hell On Earth and I find Death Of The Celts has great bass fills and melodies !!!😃👍
You bring up a good point... Most of the musician magazine interviews I have ever read with the guys Maiden have been for the most part very superficial. It's almost as if the interviewer had only the most rudimentary knowledge/understanding of the band's music and that's a shame. I never really learned much of anything from those talks and I always felt frustrated after reading. It would be really great to finally get to really talk shop with these guys and dig deep into their playing and writing.
Still digesting the new album but there is definitely going to be a lot to talk about!
Your sound is always fantastic, your picking is a big part of it, but I would like to know how you recreate the sound of each guitarist. I know there are a lot of videos and articles about how to recreate Maiden's sound, but I'd really like to know how you recreate it. You have a fabulous attention to detail and precision. I could imagine a series of videos: the sound of Adrian Smith etc. We could also analyze the evolution of each guitarist's sound.
First of all thank you VERY much for the kind words of encouragement!! They are much appreciated :)
So in this video I am using the exact same sound settings for both Adrian and Dave's parts and it's the same settings I use for most of my videos lately.
If you use Bias FX II you can download this preset as I made it available in the Tonecloud.
It's very basic and simplistic because realistically trying to recreate their sound by using plugins without a really experienced sound engineer to help seems pretty pointless to me.
I just couldn't pull it off by myself...
Most of it is really in how you approach their playing styles and it's a lot of little subtleties like pick angles, where on the string you pick, phrasing, attack, touch, articulation etc.
It took me a long time to get to a point where it's somewhat similar to how they play but I know I'm still far off as my own playing style is a bit different from all three even though they have clearly been a strong influence.
A video about the evolution of their tone could be interesting for sure but it would be more about how they play than what gear they use :)
Cheers!!
@@LicksOfTheBeast Thank you for your quick and detailed and wise answer. It is true that my comment would have been more relevant to another video where indeed we did not seem to use the same processing for all guitarists, but once again you have just confirmed that the sound of a guitarist is mainly due to his phrasing, the choice of notes and the way of attacking the strings. A lesson for all of us who spend our lives looking for the Grail of the magic amp or pedal :-) Thank you for your dedication, I continue to follow your work with pleasure.
Judas priest is the only other band ive heard that does this too, sometimes. In ram it down for example
Can you walk through the final guitar part in the song Senjutsu from around the 7:20 mark... really unusual tone and sound. And who is playing it I wonder?
I think it is Adrian but with a whammy pedal. I believe he used one at the end of his solo in Lord of Light too.
Yup, it's Adrian. The sound you're hearing at the very end sounds to me like whammy bar flutters or it could be a whammy pedal (not sure if you can do flutters with it)
I thought a section was being reversed backwards at the 8:00 mark initially... Very cool atmospheric sound. Thanks for the comments!
You sick man😯
I don't think that they listen each others solo when they are recording their own, but the analysis is fantastic mate, well done!
Thank you! I have a feeling they did back in the day. Especially Adrian since he's more of a songwriter/big picture kinda guy. But who knows... Would be great to find out for sure! 😃
Do you have any videos detailing how Maiden, since attaining three guitarists, does solos on two guitars? I notice it both on The Trooper and Evil That Men Do. I think it's Janick and Dave or Janick and Adrian but I can't be sure. It just looks badass.
Usually Janick will solo with Adrian on older solos like the examples you give.
I think they only do it on those two solos specifically so that they can replicate the little harmonies in the last lick.
Infinite Dreams would have been another one like that if they were to play it. It does sound and look really cool although I sometimes wish they'd lock the main licks in just a little tighter 🙂
So… Dave and Adrian are just rehashing each other’s ideas🤔😉😄🤘🏻 but hey, when you are at that level, even stealing ideas sounds brilliant. Or perhaps it is more like a friendly competition where they are trying to overdo each other😎
Maiden music is on Mozart / Beethoven level. No other metalband comes close. So much thought behind every song and lyrics.
🙌. 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻
Very interesting observations, after listening to Iron Maiden for ages, I never broke down these patterns and see the linkage. By the way, where are you from, your accent sounds Greek :)
Glad I could provide some fresh insight then 😃
And I'm Italian but I did have a lot of Greek friends in college so I guess some of the accent might have rubbed off vre 😁
Hey Nico. Dave and Adrian really have this magic, they have their own styles but maybe that is why it is so special. It gives that Maiden vibe. Even in this 3 guitars era when there are 3 solos in a song, I think most of time Gers has last solo. Or Dave and Smith have 2 solo section and Gers last in different section of the song (Where the wild wind blows, Hell on earth). And if the song have only 2 solos 99% it is Dave and Smith. Nico do you know what songs that have 2 solos is Gers with Dave or Adrian? Brave new world is one, but do you know any other? 🙂
Off the top of my head The Time Machine 🙂
@@LicksOfTheBeast Time machine ha! I think it is 3 solos, first that solo with a lot of pedals and maybe another guitar overdub = well that is Mr.Smith, then that lovely time change = Davey, and great solo of Gers last :)
@@LicksOfTheBeast Brighter than a Thousand Suns is: first solo Adrian and second Gers, on Gates of Tomorrow I wasn't sure but I thing both solos are from Gers. So in 3 guitars era I think all (other than these 2) 2 solo songs are Dave and Adrian. fun fact :)
Gates of tomorrow is Gers only.
And You've missed Blood Brothers : )
I suscribe saludos we loveyou iron maiden
Muchisimas gracias!!
1:30 yes I didnthank you jajaja it is so true
nah...tutta una scusa per sfoggiare il chitarrone nuovo XD
🤣🤣🤣
The cold truth is that Steve Harris is the harmony-genius and Dave and Adrian just played them with the all known 3rd higher. That is not the reason why they were great guitarists. Great guitarists were because they really came up with some extremely melodic and catchy solos both of them. SIMPLE Solos that perfectly filled the song attitude and filled each other as well. Solos that were easy-built but very smart-built. NOT virtuoso solos in the style of 80's. Solos that can played almost by everyone.
No, it's definitely the Hallowed Be Thy Name thing 😄
For sure their solos have always been fantastic but that is only one part of being a great player. And here I'm really focusing on them as a team and not as individual guitarists. 🙂 Oh and there is actually a lot more to their harmonies than all 3rds. Some are quite different and much more articulated than that and I'm sure those are not worked out by Steve on his own.
Why do you keep saying "pedal" or "pedal point"?
That's what you call a sustained or
repeated tone over or against a melody.
For example, the Thunderstruck lick has a B pedal tone and the intro to Master of Puppets features an E pedal.
Dave and Adrian's licks in Aces High that I show in this video feature an E and B pedal respectively.
@@LicksOfTheBeast -
That seems more like the key of the lick and that really hasn't anything to do with the note being played.
Just keep it simple and name the note instead of strange theoretical hypotheses.
Introduction of oddities only serves to confuse.
@@guitarizt68 it's common musical theory language (pedal). Your reply clearly showed you didnt get it (with all respect
Spit
Some nose
Crap
🐐🎸💯🤘