Iron Maiden - Strange World: Dennis Stratton's Guitar Solo

My take on Dennis Stratton's perfect solo to one of Iron Maiden's most haunting, dreamy and otherworldly songs!
Includes a cameo by Miles the Daniff.
Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s Gold Top
Plugin: Bias FX 2
DAW: Reaper Audio
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Strings: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10-46
Picks: Ernie Ball Heavy

[@vladpandur1274]

"That's some tasty vibrato!" Miles seems to agree. Great feeling in this solo, perfect fit for the song. Glad to see Dennis Stratton getting some appreciation!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

This is one of the only times Miles just came to lie down there during filming. 😄 He usually gets annoyed with the loud guitar. And thank you very much!!

[@Tony_Kam]

One of my most favorite solos ever!!! Dennis and Dave had a STELLAR partnership! Just listen to those incredible harmonies in the Phantom of the Opera PS: Miles the real MVP! 😂

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh their solos on this song are just outstanding! And yes, Miles is definitely the star of the show, hands down! 😄

[@krisfreouf]

Wait. This is Dennis? I thought it was Dave all these years lol. Awesome job!

[@andriyyurchyna8195]

the first album of iron maiden is one of a kind....everything stands out

[@envioustunic6713]

One of my favorite songs from iron maiden :D and the solo is so atmospheric

[@michaeldean7220]

Lovely stuff as a very atmospheric solo. And nice to see Dennis getting a little love. Come on Rod have you finally forgiven him for listening to The Eagles! ;)

[@NunoGuitarsSilva]

This is one of the most beautiful solos ever... And reminds me of my youth!! Thanks for making this awesome video, you nailed it!! Cheers from Portugal!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! I feel the exact same way ☺️

[@massis1sp]

like many I always imagined it was Dave, it has a lot of melody/feeling .. great job from Stratton 🎸

[@varistentiavarriale293]

I always thought it was Dave as well.

[@christschinwon]

There's just something very iconic about that first solo. The whole album had a rawness and energy you can sometimes only get on a debut record that's been underproduced!

[@korhansoydan]

So true; I allways feel the same considering Kill’em All.

[@michaeldean7220]

Absolutely! Steve rants about Will Malone's effort but as you say combined with Dianno's vocals the album had a rawness that helped it stand out

[@nib000]

Absolute peak maiden for me.. love this song so much.

[@viniciusleaoa]

I'm really glad Dennis played on the record just to play this wonderful solo. That would be enough for me

[@darrenc8776]

Dennis played with 'Iron on maiden' tribute band here in the UK a few times. They were the best cover band I've seen.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I've seen him play some stuff on here and he sounds great!

[@darrenc8776]

Yeah he's great and This solo is just brilliant. He just had a different musical direction from what maiden needed. Adrian joined and thy became heavy metal royalty

[@darrenc8776]

Absolutely nail the solo again btw

[@iuri9794]

This solo is one of that hurts the soul...Actually This Song...

[@juanneman]

Wow beautiful solo, simple and effective.

[@daveking77]

One of maiden's greatest solos, thanks for playing this ❤️

[@tomashardoy5533]

Being a BIG Maiden fan for years and i am still finding jewels like this song every now and then, such a great feeling to be able to still be surprised by a band you’ve heard so much. Up the irons🤘🏻. Pd: nailed the solo!

[@GoZoneGuitar84]

I really love your playing man. Awesome job

[@damiangallego2388]

One of Maiden most melodic and beauty solos. Saddly, Dennis is oftenly unapreciated or forgotten. You nailed it, as usual 😁💪

[@myrskylintu1]

I am just reading Steve Newhouse book. Very interesting read. There are quite a few people still out there that can say that they were members of Iron Maiden. Lots of line-up changes before the first album.

[@Duckyduck1667]

Denis straton is my grandad

[@SanitysVoid]

He should have formed a band with Paul decades ago.

[@roaming740]

woahh thats cool man

[@tarasbulba4949]

I use this solo as my cellphone ringtone and every time someone asks me what this amazing melody is.

[@jonshaw9472]

As a 14 year old kid I was convinced Dave played this solo, I didn't find out it was Dennis until years later..Dennis played some great solos and riffs on this album ..also Dennis's and Adrian's playing on the first two albums are quite similar.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I used to think both were Dave but then you realize that phrasing isn't at all like Dave's 😊 Dennis did a great job on the first album!

[@ioannisdenton]

what an amazing song!!!

[@AndyTheRoo]

Stratton's best solo in Maiden. I know there's not exactly a big sample size but this solo is beautiful

[@jaroroytapel]

His solo in phantom of the opera is also nice.

[@jonshaw9472]

@@jaroroytapel and also remember tomorrow.

[@DownMemoryLaneParis]

Excellent man. Some love for Dennis Stratton. This solo is among the most iconic in Maiden's career.

[@VicNicGuitar]

Nicely played man. I think Dennis had a closer style to Dave in many ways. It shows in solos like this. You played it bang on. It’s a high-feel solo.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

He does have a more structured style than Dave but maybe it wasn't quite distinct enough to make the guitar team as interesting as it was when Adrian came in. Really appreciate the encouragement. Thank you!

[@Hell-Awaits]

Che canzone spettacolare...

[@poplok22]

My house is pretty warm and yet I sit here covered in goosebumps. Absolutely beautiful solo.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hahaha thank you so much!!

[@dlee6266]

I too thought this was all Dave playing the solos. But I agree with some other comments that the vibrato "does" give it away that it's Dennis. Awesome playing! Note for Note! Thanks for sharing.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I thought that too back when I first started learning their songs. Then I realized that this wasn't Dave's playing style at all - not just the vibrato, but the phrasing in general and the tone too. Dennis really did play a wonderful solo here, that's for sure!

[@MCHiphopotamus]

Not only the vibrato but also the solo construction and the fact that Dennis was able to hit the right note when bending, unlike Dave Murry who fails to hit the right not when bending most of the time. Also, Murray is awful at writing solos. He just plays scales in random patterns using legato and hammers/pulloffs.

[@scottycunningham1413]

​@@MCHiphopotamushe's gotten better about his bends in recent years

[@LordPrutsikas]

Great solo and great/very emotional cover....Its a pity that Dennis left Maiden, I think together with Adrian and Dave they would have made a fantastic guitar trio. Adrian brings structure to the solos, Dennis brings huge emotion, and Dave is able to bring spontaneity, craziness and improvisation. This would be a perfect trio.

[@davel7791]

But then who would dance?

[@tehBIT]

The second solo on the soundhouse tapes version is so great, i would argue it wouldve been the best on the album

[@renzo4296]

This is so good, I remember when I first heard this album and song, this is such a classic, absolutely amazing and so much emotion. Thank you so much you're the best.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Reading the comments, I think many of get taken back to our teenage years with this song... I guess it just struck a chord with us in that phase of our lives. 😊 Thank you so much 🙏

[@steveofarrell4886]

Phenomenal solo and you absolutely nailed it. Beautiful, amazing solo!!!

[@CharliesMaidenCovers]

wait what?! i was today years old when i found out its not dave's solo

[@joecasserole9077]

I used to always think it was Dave’s also. I think he may have originally composed it though because they played this song live before Dennis was in the band.

[@jesusguerra1093]

i was about to write the same, based on the tone and the legato it was dave´s for me all the time.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

You probably just did like me on Thin Line. Dave plays the first 4 solos so I always just assumed the last one was his as well even though it clearly sounds like Janick. I let my expectations override my judgement 😄 Next time you'll hear Dave's actual solo in this song, I'm sure you'll realize instinctively that it's a completely different tone, vibe and playing style. Either way, it sure is fun to still discover new little things like this about a band we already know so much about 😊

[@CharliesMaidenCovers]

@@LicksOfTheBeast you're right, thats crazy lol. clearly janicks style

[@4stringz.]

Awesome!!! One of my favorite Maiden songs. I also love the all-Dave version from the Soundhouse sessions (also found on the UK 2-CD release “Best of the Beast”)

[@ghastlynavigator]

Such a hauntingly beautiful solo and song. Great job Nico!!! UP THE IRONS 🤘

[@flaviopace4171]

Nice solo. It’s one of the most epic moment for me on the whole “Iron Maiden” album. But I’ve always thought that solo was by Dave, and the second was played by Stratton. Anyway, nice cover 👍

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I feel the same way and I used to think that was Dave too 🙂

[@Lolo-uz5py]

Dennis 👍👍👍great musicien

[@almin253626]

Amazing :))

[@adolys2282]

Hello dog 😄0:30

[@_Henrique66]

Dennis Stratton did amazing guitar solos on Iron Maiden's debut album, but them were kind of forgotten by most fans.

[@jasoncartwright586]

I have always loved this track from their first album. It's a great balance to their usual pyrotechnics. Your playing was a great reproduction!! An object lesson in a solo where feel eclipses speed when compared to other solos that rely on fast repeating patterns or runs up the neck.

[@suetruett3812]

this solo is absolutely beautiful. Wow, thanks for sharing this one.... Just when you think you've heard the best of Maiden...

[@stavrosmaiden]

This is an incredible overlooked song and what an iconic solo!! As always spot on my friend!!!!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It's always been a highlight of the first album for me. A very unique piece in their repertoire 😊

[@stavrosmaiden]

@@LicksOfTheBeast absolutely!! Great song

[@guitarstorms]

Brilliant bro thank you for all these videos...

[@henningjust]

Ah, one of my favourites 👍

[@coachinho4919]

That's beautiful... Simples and beautiful. I think I can play this one... I'll try

[@MatteoAn93]

Love It!

[@theoutlawtorn]

Goosebumps💥

[@jasonm3602]

Bravo!!

[@hhargos2017]

absolutly wonderful

[@prodxlavender1426]

*Really Amazing ❤️❤️❤️*

[@sheriffm00nbear14]

beyond perfect! love your covers man!

[@CC-qb9sm]

Just fantastic, nicely done! 👍👍👍

[@christhiancarvajal4027]

Excelente, muy bueno!!

[@jonathandanielmartinez2949]

Nico, thanks! Iconic album & a gem of a song.

[@shubhampoudel2011]

Really awesome melody 🙏

[@sinestezia]

Great solo and great cover!

[@matthewearl9824]

I love your stuff. Thank you so much for continuing with the whole legacy of everything that’s iron maiden

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

1000 thanks man!! 🙏🤘

[@ricardo_leoni]

Great solo, great felling!

[@lucas_emirados]

the best song of iron maiden! i have this intro recorded on my insta!! 🤘🤘

[@AndreJeanHenri]

that was awesome Nico, well played ! 🤘For me one of my alltime favourite Maiden tracks, very underrated and a beautiful Dennis Stratton solo !

[@mattmannthree]

For some reason tbe sound of this has always reminded me of an accordion.

[@davel7791]

This song has never been performed with Bruce in the band. How is that possible?

[@maiden4greece572]

M A G I C ...

[@nikeforo2612]

I have always loved this solo. Thanks for this !!!! Cheers from Italy

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Grazie a te e saluti dal Canada 🤜🤛

[@nikeforo2612]

@@LicksOfTheBeast hello. Have you Italian ancestry by the way? 🤔

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Eh si... Sono nato in Italia, cresciuto in Canada, tornato in Italia da grande per una decina d'anni e poi di nuovo un Canada. 😊

[@dorianpod77]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Grande!!

[@nikeforo2612]

@@LicksOfTheBeast wow...that’s why I do like your English...no accent, no inflection...just plain and simple to understand for a non-native English speaker like me. Grazie!

[@teamhumane]

Miles has become a true metalhead 🤣😂 Up the Irons 🤘🏼

[@RepukeinScapegoat]

Can u please do more songs from Iron Maiden’s 1st ep Specifically and Remember tomorrow purgatory and phantom of the opera please thanks

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Here's Phantom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIK5i3mng7WBg9k

[@bd0g5]

Would you be able to do the Transylvania 2nd solo? I was trying to learn the whole first album that one is bit hard to figure out for me.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I'm working on something for that 😊 Dave's solo on that song is one of the few I don't ever play note for note because it's got such a loose improvised feel that I find gets lost when you try to play the phrases note for note. I do get pretty close, I just don't go for exact detail on this one. 😊

[@stephendocherty6735]

Brilliant Nico, this was the first solo I learned to play when I started playing guitar in the 80s and still one of my favourites till this day, you play it with passion, well done mate👍🙂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! It's one of the best moments of that album for me!

[@stephendocherty6735]

@@LicksOfTheBeast You should do a part 2 and do the other solo 😃👍

[@kaikoliveira9435]

Nice dog indeed kkk great cover man !

[@aleket]

I love Adrian Smith, but Dennis Stratton made the best Maiden record

[@comunistanuncatemcomida]

This solo from Dennis Stratton and from Adrian Smith the Prodigal Son are the best solos from the two firsts álbuns. My favourite guitar player from Iron Maiden was Dave Murray but this channel make me realize how good Adrian Smith is amd better guitar

[@alucard2438]

Little rushed at the beginning,but nevertheless,nice. This is why every Maiden member is just as important as any. Even though Stratton didn't stay long with the band,he sure left his mark.Amazing solo

[@dorianpod77]

I don't think it is rushed at all...

[@saulcabrerasantos9214]

beautiful! what do you do to play over a sharp tunning tone of first album?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I just tune by ear to the album 😊

[@blender1188]

I really like the Prodigal Son solos. Less speed more feel.

[@deeforty]

Hi mate, I know you've said you use bias fx, what's your setup? Your tone is great, what interface, speakers ect are you using? Cheers dude, top quality videos as always,

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey! It's all in this video 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bEdnZrpaibqLc

[@Flaming676]

Wow, you nailed it again!!! Btw, how do you tune your guitar for this song or record? It's not A 440hz

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! I usually just tune by ear to the record. It's probably about 5-6 cents sharp of standard A 440

[@Flaming676]

@@LicksOfTheBeast I've searched and they say it's tuned at 448hz Very similar at what you've just said. I'll try it out! Thank you!

[@gennarodeleo8542]

Ho sempre creduto che fosse Dave! Omg

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Credo che la maggior parte di noi pensava che fosse Dave inizialmente 😊

[@gogozeppeli]

Great solo! the soundhouse tapes version is even better

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I actually don't like the first solo on the soundhouse tapes version 🙈🙉🙊

[@nicosteream]

I saw this video several times before noticing the dog...

[@leandrocamiolo7761]

hello!! where you get the backing track????

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I didn't... I'm just playing over the original with my guitar much louder in the mix

[@danielsultimaterockmetal9363]

Great Job Nico, I never realised that was a Stratton solo, also loved the one he did on Phantom of the opera . Would be happy see you recreate that one too please?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I did it sometime last year actually! 🙂 I used the original backing tracks without the guitars so I had to recreate all the guitar parts myself which is always a fun challenge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIK5i3mng7WBg9k

[@danielsultimaterockmetal9363]

@@LicksOfTheBeast fantastic nico, you must have done that one before I subscribed that’s why I missed it, great guitar from start to finish

[@bran2410playsD3]

nice one, you have tabs to share maybe?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I don't have tabs but I'm sure most of the tabs online should be pretty accurate for this one. Or you can try to learn it by ear and check your progress by slowing down this video 😊 The ability to learn by ear will serve you very well and slower, less intricate solos are a great way to start!

[@tombabington7022]

OMG! For the last 14 years I've assumed this was Dave playing the solo. It sounds very similar to a Dave solo (mainly due to the note choice), but thinking about it now, the vibrato gives it away and it's clearly not Dave. I believe the solo before the 2nd verse is Dave's though? Definitely has Dave's legato licks. Good work anyway, amigo

[@juanneman]

Dave is more aggressive in his approach, his solos are busier even in this type of songs.

[@tombabington7022]

@@juanneman Yeah I somewhat agree, although it's not always the case. Powerslave, 22 acacia avenue, deja vu etc are great examples of Dave not being very busy even in slower solos. This is the only time I have got a Dave solo confused with someone else.

[@juanneman]

@@tombabington7022 I agree with you too, mine is a general appreciation, there are always exceptions to the rule, metal greetings.

[@antropomorfizacja]

what is very characteristic about this solo is super fast vibrato playing in all longer notes. Good cover, but it is missing for me

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It is definitely characteristic but I purposely don't play it that way because that fast vibrato on every note... it's a bit too much and I really don't think it sounds very good. 😬

[@comunistanuncatemcomida]

0:12 so you have a cat and know how to play guitar!? Damm you nail so many ragazza 😂

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hahahaha that's not a cat... It's a rather large dog (about 82 kg)! You can see him a bit more at 0:30

[@murilomartins6404]

Love the solo, but puppy cameo stole the show, sorry bruh

[@stephendocherty6735]

Wot are you on about?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh I know I can't compete with Miles... 😄

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@stephendocherty6735 my dog making a few sneaky appearances 😊

[@masonholt651]

Doggy

[@kylebass6652]

Wait you have a dog? 😂

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Haha yeah he's a great dane/English mastiff mix so he's a fairly big boy 😊 I posted an outtake of this on my instagram page where you can see him...