“Ace of Spades” is a famous song by the British rock band Motörhead, released in 1980. It is known for its powerful and fast-paced sound, which has made it a classic in the heavy metal genre. One aspect that contributes to its unique sound is the tuning of the instruments used in the song.
“Ace of Spades” is typically played in a standard tuning, which means the strings of the guitar are tuned to the pitches E, A, D, G, B, and E, from low to high. However, there is a slight variation in the pitch of the guitars used for the recording, giving the song its distinctive edge.
The guitars in “Ace of Spades” are tuned down half a step. This means that instead of the standard E tuning for the lowest string, it is tuned to E flat (Eb). Similarly, each of the other strings is tuned down by half a step, resulting in the pitches Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, and Eb.
This slight alteration in tuning gives “Ace of Spades” a darker and heavier sound. It adds tension to the chords and gives the guitar riffs a unique and aggressive character, which perfectly complements the song’s intense energy and powerful lyrics.
Understanding the Ace of Spades Tuning
The Ace of Spades is a popular song by the British rock band Motörhead. The song is known for its fast and heavy sound, and part of its unique sound comes from the tuning of the guitars.
What is the Ace of Spades tuning?
The Ace of Spades tuning is a variation of the standard E tuning, which is EADGBE. In this tuning, the guitars are tuned to D#G#C#F#A#D#. This means that all strings are tuned down a half-step. This tuning gives the guitars a heavier and thicker sound, which perfectly complements the aggressive and energetic nature of the song.
Why use the Ace of Spades tuning?
The Ace of Spades tuning provides a more powerful and aggressive tone. The lower pitch of the strings and the increased tension create a darker and heavier sound, which is ideal for playing heavy metal or hard rock music. This tuning allows for easier power chords and makes it easier to play some of the iconic riffs from the song.
Furthermore, the Ace of Spades tuning can also make it easier to transition between different sections of the song or to play other songs in a similar style. Many other songs by Motörhead use similar tunings, so mastering the Ace of Spades tuning can open up a whole world of possibilities for guitarists looking to explore the band’s discography.
Overall, the Ace of Spades tuning is an essential part of capturing the iconic sound of the song. By tuning down the guitars and embracing the heavier tone, guitarists can recreate the energizing and headbanging experience that defines the Ace of Spades.
The history of Ace of Spades tuning
One of the most iconic songs in rock music, “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead, has a unique tuning that adds to its raw and powerful sound. The song is played in what is known as “E standard tuning,” which is the standard tuning for most guitars.
However, instead of playing in the usual E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, “Ace of Spades” is played in a modified tuning. Lemmy Kilmister, the legendary frontman of Motörhead, used a tuning known as “E♭ standard tuning” or “Eb tuning,” where each string is tuned down by one half-step. This gives the song a deeper and heavier sound.
The use of E♭ standard tuning in “Ace of Spades” is one of the factors that contributed to the song’s unique and distinctive sound. Combined with Lemmy’s aggressive bass playing and driving rhythm, the lower tuning adds an extra punch to the song, making it a favorite among fans and a staple in live performances.
By using E♭ standard tuning, Motörhead created a sound that resonated with audiences around the world and solidified their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The history of “Ace of Spades” tuning is a testament to the importance of experimenting with different tunings and techniques to create a signature sound that stands the test of time.
How to play Ace of Spades in Drop D tuning
If you want to learn how to play the iconic song “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the song’s main riff and show you how to play it in Drop D tuning.
Tuning your guitar to Drop D
Before you start learning the riff, you’ll need to make sure your guitar is tuned to Drop D. Follow these steps to tune your guitar:
- Begin by tuning your low E string (the thickest string) down to a D. You can use a guitar tuner or match the pitch with a reference tone.
- Tune the rest of the strings as you normally would (A, D, G, B, and high E).
Once your guitar is in Drop D tuning, you’re ready to tackle the song!
The main riff
The main riff of “Ace of Spades” is instantly recognizable and is played in a driving, aggressive style. It’s based on power chords and uses a combination of palm muting and palm slides to create a powerful sound.
To play the main riff:
- Start with a power chord shape on the 5th fret of the A string (now a D since you’re in Drop D tuning). Your index finger should be barring both the A and the D strings.
- Slide this power chord shape up to the 7th fret and then back to the 5th fret.
- Repeat this sliding motion several times, focusing on getting a strong, tight sound.
Once you’ve got the hang of the main riff, you can move on to the rest of the song, which follows a similar pattern of power chords and aggressive strumming.
Remember to listen to the original recording for reference and practice playing along with the song to get the timing and feel right. With some practice, you’ll be rocking out to “Ace of Spades” in no time!
Famous songs in Ace of Spades tuning
The Ace of Spades tuning, also known as Open A or Open G# tuning, is a popular alternate guitar tuning used in various genres of music. It features a low E string tuned down to A, enabling a heavier and more powerful sound. Several famous songs have been written and performed using this tuning, showcasing its unique tonal characteristics.
Song 1: “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead
Arguably the most iconic song in Ace of Spades tuning, “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead exemplifies the raw energy and intensity that can be achieved with this tuning. The low and heavy power chords, combined with fast-paced palm-muted riffing, make this song a staple of hard rock and heavy metal.
Song 2: “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix
Another legendary track that utilizes the Ace of Spades tuning is “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix. This song showcases Hendrix’s innovative and experimental guitar playing, with the open tuning helping to create the distinctive and bluesy sound that he was known for.
These are just a few examples of famous songs that utilize the Ace of Spades tuning. It is a versatile and powerful tuning that can be used in a wide range of musical styles, allowing guitarists to create unique and impactful sounds.
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| “Ace of Spades” | Motörhead |
| “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” | Jimi Hendrix |
The advantages of playing in Ace of Spades tuning
Playing in the Ace of Spades tuning is a unique and exciting experience that offers several advantages for guitarists. This tuning, made famous by the legendary Motörhead song, allows musicians to explore new possibilities and create a powerful sound that is instantly recognizable.
1. Distinctive Sound
One of the biggest advantages of playing in Ace of Spades tuning is the distinctive sound it produces. The combination of the open E, B, and G strings results in a heavy, crunchy, and aggressive sound that is perfect for rock and metal genres. This unique tone can add depth and intensity to your playing, making your music stand out from the crowd.
2. Easier Power Chords
Another advantage of Ace of Spades tuning is that it makes playing power chords easier. Power chords are a staple in rock and metal music, and the Ace of Spades tuning simplifies their construction. With the open strings, it becomes effortless to create the low and powerful sound of power chords. This allows guitarists to focus more on their technique and overall performance.
Tip: Experiment with different power chord variations and voicings to explore the full potential of Ace of Spades tuning.
Additionally, the simplicity of power chords in this tuning opens up opportunities for beginners or those transitioning to electric guitar to quickly learn and master basic rock and metal riffs.
3. Creativity and Inspiration
The Ace of Spades tuning can also ignite your creativity and inspire new musical ideas. Its unique sound and simplicity can push you to think outside the box and explore new patterns, melodies, and chord progressions. This tuning invites experimentation and can help you break free from typical guitar playing conventions.
Remember: Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with different fingerings, slide techniques, and scales in Ace of Spades tuning to unlock a world of possibilities.
In conclusion, playing in Ace of Spades tuning offers several advantages for guitarists. Its distinctive sound, ease of playing power chords, and ability to spark creativity make it a worthwhile tuning to explore. So, grab your guitar, tune it to Ace of Spades, and unleash your inner rock and metal god!
