Aces High: How Iron Maiden Created The PERFECT Opening Song

An in-depth, section-by-section look at Iron Maiden's epic opening track, Aces High, from their groundbreaking 1984 album, Powerslave.
Watch my full guitar cover of this song: • Possibly The Best Iron...
The Lado Earth I am playing in this video appears courtesy of my friend Michael A. Check out his awesome music here:
• Raggamuffin (Lyric Video)
open.spotify.c...
Guitars:
Lado Earth Custom
Jackson USA Signature Adrian Smith San Dimas: sweetwater.sjv...
Fender Dave Murray Signature Stratocaster: sweetwater.sjv.io/oqKkPg
Guitar Plugin: Neural DSP Archetype: Petrucci
Bass Plugin: Bias FX II
DAW: Reaper Audio
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: sweetwater.sjv...
Strings: Ernie Ball 9-46 (Adrian): sweetwater.sjv... & 9-42 (Dave): sweetwater.sjv.io/5gdvmn
Pick: Jazz III XL: sweetwater.sjv...

[@LordEriolTolkien]

I can never hear Churchill's speech without then imagining this song

[@AndreComtois]

I know right! Or Vincent Price reciting revelations.

[@gerryiannuzzi5122]

When we saw them open with this in Brooklyn NY 2019 my son and I were blown away. I hadn’t seen or listened to them since 1985 we instantly knew we were in for a great show. I snapped a few pictures of that spitfire and texted my wife the pictures and told her we’re having a blast

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

The Legacy shows were incredible! And it's so cool that you saw them play it on the original tour!

[@tomsorrell4918]

Me too. I saw them in 2022 in Columbus Ohio and prior to that was the 4 times in the 80s. They are truly the Real Deal....

[@Capitan_Chaos]

I was at that show too. I got a video of it too.

[@jeanmichelcommentaire5558]

I started my Iron Maiden journey a month ago. I play guitar for 17 years now i'm 31 but the routine was boring and i was playing the same style and things over and over again. I'm discovering heavy metal with Iron Maiden and it's soooo cool, you can basically learn all the guitar stuff with this band. And your channel is a beauty for that because everything you do is so interresting you help me so much in my new journey thank you !!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Just saw this comment... A little late I know... But I was very happy to read it and I hope you're having a blast discovering and learning to play this great music! Cheers 🤘🤘

[@Savatage1964]

THE definitive Maiden album. If you don't have this in your metal collection... you are severely lacking. I saw them on this tour... high on LSD!!!! Twisted Sister opened. What a Hella fun concert.

[@samright4661]

When I was 15 I went to Tennessee with my parents and bought Powerslave and my 2 Aunts told me told me to listen to my new Record! My parents are from the hills of Tennessee grew up on Gospel and Country music. When the needle dropped and Aces High opened up !!My Aunts was in there 60s . They did like the music until it got heavy. I will always remember that day 😂

[@iraklismoschonas5214]

When I started listening to Maiden, almost twenty years ago, I was listening to several songs, but I hadn’t listened to “Aces High” yet. When I listened to it, I was completely blown away and it immediately became my favorite song of theirs. In 2018, I saw them live in Athens, Greece, they opened the show with “Aces High” and it was one of the happiest live show moments of mine.

[@thomasandersson9605]

I was 14 in 1984 and I got the Powerslave album for christmas that year. Started playing guitar in 1983. Here I am 40 years later still learning Maiden songs. Thank you so much for this channel and the hard work you put into it.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

40 years? Damn I feel old! Great job breakinf this down!

[@jonathanbeyer7852]

Saw that tour in Portland in 85’. Epic!

[@Shadooe]

Aces High is the first Maiden song I ever heard (or saw really) I woke really early one Sat AM to watch cartoons and up in outport Newfoundland in 1984, we only had two TV stations. CBC wasn't on air and was just a test pattern, but NTV was playing music videos. Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna (stuff like that), but then Quiet Riot came on and caught my attention... then Aces High came on next and it was like tunnel vision into the TV screen. Maiden fan ever since and have never looked back.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Ha! Same for me! Seeing Aces High on LAD hooked me in and they've been my favourite band ever since. And also QR was one of the very first bands to catch my attention too and Metal Health was the first album I every bought - it was still their most recent release 😅 Cheers, man!! 🤜🤛

[@33ad1]

Very articulate and wildly descriptive video of a classic hit. Up the Irons 🤘😎

[@forbiddenrng1627]

Aces High was one one the very first songs I have ever listened. This interlude riff before and after a fantastic solo section while seeing this machine gun shooting down the airplane was probably one of the things that made me stay with Iron Maiden for the rest of my life. I just cannnot describe this vibe in any words

[@spaztekwarrior]

I had just graduated high school in ‘84. What a great time for music of all genres. Powerslave is still among my favourite albums of all time. So awesome! 1942 was one of my favourite coin ops of the day :)

[@chrisnauta2467]

The Greatest album opener in all of Metal music! It doesn’t get any better than this folks

[@norrsken9608]

Thank you Nico for this breakdown of one of heavy metals finest moments ever! It’s always a pleasure watching your highly competent breakdowns of Maiden magic! Up the Irons! 🤘

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

My man, thank you so very much! It's HUGELY appreciated and I'm glad you're enjoying and finding value in these videos 🤜🤛 Cheers!

[@norrsken9608]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Love the effort you put into these videos. Cheers!

[@Gorbyrev]

Nico, that Lado Earth is stunning. Bucket list Canadian guitar.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It really is 😊

[@JimmyGrant74]

Your videos are absolutely sensational. Well done

[@CC-qb9sm]

As a fan of many genres of music, I think it speaks volumes that this is not only one of my favorite Iron Maiden albums, and not only one of my favorite heavy-metal albums, but one of my favorite albums period. I’m glad you spent a good deal of time talking about just how perfectly suited all the guitar parts are in relation to the subject matter, so imaginative the instrumentation on this song! Brilliant!! Nicely done, Nico!

[@diyprojecttrophyfibreglass7892]

Powerslave and 1942. The power chords of my youth.

[@dimitriskarageorgiou2778]

Man, you really got it to another level. Congrats, great analysis

[@smaque666]

How did you know I was admiring the guitar??? I've already informed the government that I don't feel safe anymore, but they told me to shut up and enjoy the video...I feel so overpowered...

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Electric Eye...In the sky.... Feel my stare... Always there 👁️‍🗨️🎸

[@mmustikkam]

What a great video! Huge bonus for the little C64/1942 nod 😍

[@stephenwinchester6668]

Your breakdowns really highlight the genius of Iron Maiden. Very awesome!!

[@user-ql1pc7pi9x]

My favorite Maiden album. Just a killer with no filler from start to finish. I remember watching Max TV, a former music channel here in New Zealand, late one Friday night, and Aces High and The Trooper came on back to back. Must've been around 1995. Amongst the dreary grunge soaked playist, these two songs jumped out at me, and it was then that I knew I had to learn to play guitar.

[@AndreComtois]

Saw the powerslave tour in Sudbury Ontario. I couldn't hear properly for three days after. Worth it.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Ouch! 😅 But also kinda worth it, I imagine 🤘🤘

[@AndreComtois]

My were standing next to the amps by the stage for a good view. So it was self inflicted.

[@para1210]

Well, that explains my feelings listening to Iron Maiden preety much 😂

[@pauljj3582]

YUP!!! The Lado is what caught my eye in the thumbnail!

[@imienazvvisko]

I love your explanations! Even if i know something i always end up knowing more after watching then.

[@tkd4uandme]

Great breakdown! Classic tune. Probably my favourite Maiden album.

[@nightfire540]

Dude you get me so hyped to play more Maiden every time!

[@wastedqba]

This is so cool that you had a chance to use Lado Earth for the Aces High. There are not for me, but I always admire how consistent they are (sharp horns for the body and sharp headstock details).

[@michaelstone7514]

I saw them in Radio City Music Hall in NY when the Powerslave album was released. They were spectacular!

[@wizaxed]

Maiden has been one of my longest favorite bands. I was lucky to see them in Vegas in 2016 for the Book of Souls tour. Actually got to meet and take pictures with Niko, Adrian, Dave and Steve (all at different times) as we saw them in the casino at various times. Didn't see Bruce or Janick. Their music is timeless and unmistakable. The first 5 records are true masterpieces!! All are just pure gold!! Up the IRONS!! Thanks for your excellent analysis and breakdown of this killer track! I am really digging your content!!

[@jayheath1971]

I've been listening to, and playing, this song for years, but you managed to unearth some nuances I never noticed before. Bravo.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's awesome! Thank you for watching and for the kind encouragement 😃

[@Darth_Veird]

I am Polish - you couldn't just go to the store and buy the Powerslave in Warsaw.. I was 14 years old. My Dad's friend brought it for me from UK. Powerslave was my first Iron Maiden LP.. I was amazed by the music, the art of the record etc... To this day it is my favourite Iron Maiden album... and few years ago I had a privilege to Nicko at the Toffs fish and chips in Muswell Hill, (London and he signed his autograph on Powerslave CD that I had with me.

[@derricklarsen2919]

You could play it on your synthesizer

[@ioannisdenton]

Fantastic album, back in the village and duelists are 10/10

[@rachaeltownend6872]

Great breakdown of both the song and its imagery! Really nice to see your right hand bass technique coming on too! 🙌

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh thanks so much! Much appreciated - especially coming from someone whose right hand is seriously f'n tight!! Still don't have any stamina or much precision, but working bit by bit... 😅 Cheers! 🤘

[@mizuman1687]

There is room beneath the sun for both these great bands to throw a long shadow my friend

[@MrMvidz]

The perfect metal opener in my opinion. Certainly blew me away when I got this album in 1984.

[@droosa1970]

Great video! Great breakdown. Gives me much more appreciation of this masterpiece. And of course….that Lado Earth is amazing 🤘🏼🔥 thanks

[@JulioSerrano2015]

Great analysis for one of the best openers of all time! Good job man! 😎

[@isaiapanduri6003]

Video come questi mi tengono incollato allo schermo. E non sono neanche un musicista, Nico sei grande.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Ti ringrazio tantissimo! Mi fa davvero troppo piacere 😊

[@nikeforo2612]

Thanks for the detailed "anatomy" of an artwork. I must confess that Powerslave remains my favorite Iron Maiden's album. No tune in it is weak, and all of them have something mesmerizing (my opinion of course). Your video has it all: fine-grained explanations, excerpts from the music video, details about execution, even reference to C64 and old games. There is everything one needs to make a 48-yo guy like me happy on a Saturday morning (central Mediterranean time). Thanks for the time and effort poured in making this. Cari Saluti.

[@joeylodes]

I saw the Powerslave World Slavery Tour 3x’s. Incredible shows.

[@stevemurray8257]

An absolute classic. What a song.

[@SC-dy5dc]

Good stuff - you could comment a bit more on what Nicko’s doing in the song as well!

[@souperdave2009]

Excellent, if i could only listen to one album, it might be this one 🔥

[@derekwalker4622]

40+ years later, and I am still a huge Maiden fan. Up the Irons!

[@TheLotusManFILMs.]

It was the first metal album I ever heard as a 12 year old in 1992, it's still my favourite album of all time.

[@marcopanichi]

Amazing analysis! Congrats Nico!!!!

[@LordEriolTolkien]

Jeez .. I was 16 on release and this is one of the best

[@jamescampbell2829]

Always love your explanation of songs,powerslave is a great album they have always been great story tellers

[@PapaSancho666]

DUDE!!!! Metal and 1942? HELL YEAH!!!! I loved that game and the Powerslave album helped begin the love of guitar. Cheers

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Haha yeah, man!! The hours spent in bars playing those arcades were the best time! 😊 Cheers 🤜🤛

[@bruceklein9917]

New subscriber here. I love the fact that you go more into the theory of the writing. A lot of KZbin guitarists neglect this when teaching songs and as a guitar teacher myself I really appreciate the effort you put in. Long ago I adopted Aces High as MY Iron Maiden song so thank you for this awesome break down.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey thank you so much for watching, subscribing, and leaving some very encouraging words! I always say that if you're going to take the time to learn someone's music note for note (or close to it), you should make sure to get at least one important takeaway that you can then apply to your own music. Looks like we're on the same page about that sort of thing! 🤜🤛 If you're enjoying this, I am doing the same kind of thing with other guitarists I admire on my other channel, Nico's Guitar World. 😊

[@qsviewsrpgs4571]

I'm always astounded by your knowledge and expertise. Your breakdowns and details of these songs and parts are clearly explained and easy to follow.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh thanks so much! Rely glad to know that I'm on the right track with these song breakdowns 😊

[@somarriba333]

I need to take a closer look at that intro riff. I have been playing that riff they way it was published in the "Powerslave/Somewhere In Time" tab book and it's different. They never play that part live so I had no idea of the change and position.

[@albertoacuna3015]

The song in Rocksmith (PS 4 game) have a different intro also

[@hrosemd]

Nailed it. Well done sir.

[@UltraPvnk]

Thanks, Mike!

[@edwardszysorhans573]

If I ever had to pick entrance music for something, this would be my pick

[@BenScott777]

Awesome analysis dude ❤

[@leftymcnally6913]

I sometimes love songs that don't bother with metaphor. The lyrics say exactly what they mean to say. In the states, we call the Men who fought the war "The Greatest Generation". People who didn't waffle, waste time, or mix words. They got up, got it done, that's what these lyrics remind me of.

[@PWRSLV]

This is fascinating stuff. Great job. 1942 rolls!🤘 Up The Irons!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

🙏🙏🤘🤘

[@teemuk1225]

Great video! Someone isolated the bass track here on youtube and there is a lot more nuances in the track than you would think!

[@MetalGildarts]

Love the breakdown! I'm also beginning to understand theory a bit more thanks to you Nico! Grazie Mille! Love ya man.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's fantastic!! Really makes me VERY happy to see!! 😃🤘

[@easterworshipper5579]

i was 14 years old, and seeing bruce in that kgon tshirt (out local radio station) had me over the moon!

[@rockvenom]

awesome as usual Nico!! nicely explained!!

[@WWTormentor]

I’m glad I found you channel and subscribed. This video was so great that made me want to go and watch the aces high video again which I haven’t seen in a long time. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more videos like this.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you very very much!!

[@PsychRian]

excellent breakdown! love it.

[@bluesy4871]

Awesome stuff here, thanks!

[@kristianf1105]

WOW. AMAZING!!! So glad I found this channel! SUBBED

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you found me! 😊 Thanks so much for subscribing and I hope you'll find many useful bits on here. Cheers 🤜🤛

[@TheRainblossoms]

Powerslave is probably my favorite album. Also what's with the 80's Killers deck in the background? Was that a thing? Also I love the 1942 reference. That game was badass in the arcades.

[@michaelpandolfi9765]

Damn you are awesome..I would love the hear you guys play

[@stevewaldman371]

You are very skilled and knowledgeable musician sir.

[@heberdovallejunior5524]

By far you are the best in terms of Maiden analisys and cover.... but, By miles and miles!!! Congrats

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's super kind of you! Thanks so much 🤜🤛

[@crystalplanet023]

Excellent travail comme d'habitude et j'adore quand tu nous fait découvrir toute la technique utilisée par le groupe et qui une fois mise en place donne des morceaux d'anthologie. Pourrais tu faire le même genre de vidéo pour le morceau Back in the village , pas le plus connu mais il a une telle énergie et de bonnes harmonies .

[@1234drums]

Powerslave is still my favorite one, and always will be ❤❤❤❤

[@whackamole4909]

my first Maiden albums was Number of the Beast...but Powerslave was the first Maiden tour I went to.

[@dimelosantitbs]

Your videos are amazing ! Keep up the great work! 🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

1000 thanks!!

[@shawnbruce6934]

Great Video! Thanks!

[@johnwinkler2606]

Killer. I love Iron Maiden's music.

[@StevenWard]

Everyone needs a friend like Mike :)

[@maiden4greece572]

perfection...

[@JessieJames0317]

I always thought the harmonics Adrian hits sounded like an air raid siren or a plane going down.

[@Robbie28]

Would love to be able to play some of maiden’s songs. To me, they are legends.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Start practicing! 😃

[@lorettahookano6139]

Awesome guitar !

[@D3Alm3ida]

master piece,

[@daniel11076]

The opening of The nomad is the best, and inspired me to start writing my book.

[@stevefickinger1282]

Solo is also nice

[@cybermanne]

I can't wait for Rime of the ancient mariner.

[@albertoboccali7437]

Great Nicko. Always on the piece......as an italian way to say

[@stevewaldman371]

this is so interesting. i played drums to this when I was 17.

[@froorocks100]

Bruce said in interview Aces High was the hardest Maiden song to sing

[@MA-ln9rz]

Excellent video

[@MrTimjm009]

The live version is what I grew up listening to first ( I had the live after death double album as one of the first Iron Maiden albums I ever bought so nearly all the songs I first heard , I tried to play like that )

[@spclark1970]

Yep - 1942 - my absolute favorite! Spent hours on the arcade version. No Commodore 64, Atari for me. Actually found this game online somewhere a few years back...

[@biorythmicshifter]

Powerslave is pure magic. They demolished the competition. For me, this one and SIT are the peak eras vocally and that’s not to undermine the brilliance of everything else they’ve released…

[@full-grim]

Great video for a great album/song! Thanks. By the way, you have captured a really clean tone. Can you specify the hardware and software you use?

[@myrskylintu1]

When i first heard it when it came out, the speed of that verse chord pattern was the first thing that caught my attention. It sounded insane. I wondered "how i am gonna play this? there's like half a million chords!" Guitar solos are really timeless, expecially the beginning of Adrian's solo. On a critical note, bottom sounded bit weak after the POM, mix is very bright and clear but with less bottom end. Nico also speeds up at places bit hilariously:), this was obviously recorded without a click but overall, it is a truly timeless classic. There's something on that opening riff sound, it never sounds exactly the same when others play it, it tends to sound bit thin and weak but Maiden makes it sound very thick and strong.

[@lonec1777]

Nice tone.

[@MrRichardgosiawood]

Great video. Love the insights into a song on one of the best albums ever. What is the name of your cover band? Subscribed. Thank you.

[@cybermanne]

Steve Harris composing is on another level. He's created so many masterpieces. Plus he's pretty decent at playing the bass also. Legend.

[@stevefickinger1282]

Adrian also my friend