If you love the iconic music of Motörhead and want to learn how to play their classic hit “Ace of Spades” on the acoustic guitar, you’ve come to the right place. While the original version of the song is known for its electric guitar riffs and powerful energy, it can easily be adapted to an acoustic rendition that still captures the essence of the original.
Before diving into the chords and strumming patterns, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the song’s structure and rhythm. “Ace of Spades” follows a simple but catchy pattern, blending aggressive rock elements with a driving beat. Listening to the original recording will provide a good reference point for understanding the song’s overall sound and feel.
Once you have a solid grasp of the song’s structure and rhythm, it’s time to move on to the chords and how to play them on the acoustic guitar. “Ace of Spades” primarily relies on power chords, which are frequently used in rock music for their strong and distinctive sound. Power chords are made up of only two or three notes, giving them a bold and raw quality that suits the song perfectly.
One of the most common chord progressions in the song is E5, D5, and A5. To play these chords, place your index finger on the A string (5th string) of the 2nd fret for E5, the A string of the 5th fret for D5, and the E string (6th string) of the 5th fret for A5. Strum these power chords with a strong and steady rhythm to achieve the characteristic sound of “Ace of Spades.”
Once you have mastered these power chords, you can experiment with variations and embellishments to add your own personal touch to the acoustic rendition of “Ace of Spades.” Feel free to incorporate small fills, hammer-ons, pull-offs, or even palm muting techniques to make the song truly your own. Remember to practice regularly and consistently to develop the necessary dexterity and precision required to play the song smoothly.
Playing “Ace of Spades” on the acoustic guitar is a rewarding and fun experience for any fan of rock music. With dedication and practice, you can master this iconic song and impress your friends with your acoustic rendition of this Motörhead classic.
Learn to play Ace of Spades acoustic
If you’re a fan of classic rock and want to learn how to play one of the most iconic songs in the genre, Ace of Spades by Motörhead, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the main riffs and chords that make up this legendary song.
Basic chords
The song is primarily based on power chords, which are chords made up of just the root note and the fifth interval. Here are the basic power chords you’ll need to know to play Ace of Spades:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| A5 | 1st finger on the 5th fret of the low E string |
| C5 | 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the A string |
| D5 | 1st finger on the 5th fret of the A string |
| E5 | 1st finger on the 7th fret of the A string |
Main riffs
The song starts with a catchy riff that goes like this:
e|-----------------|-----------------| B|-----------------|-----------------| G|-----------------|-----------------| D|-7-7-7-5-3-------|-7-7-7-5-3-------| A|-7-7-7-5-3-------|-7-7-7-5-3-------| E|-5-5-5-3-1-------|-5-5-5-3-1-------|
Repeat this riff several times throughout the verse and chorus sections of the song. The main riff during the instrumental section is slightly different:
e|-----------------|-----------------| B|-----------------|-----------------| G|-----------------|-----------------| D|-9-9-9-8-7-------|-9-9-9-8-7-------| A|-9-9-9-8-7-------|-9-9-9-8-7-------| E|-7-7-7-6-5-------|-7-7-7-6-5-------|
Remember to play these riffs with a lot of aggression and energy to capture the spirit of the song.
Now that you know the basic chords and riffs, you can start piecing together the song and jamming along to the original. Keep practicing and perfecting your technique, and soon you’ll be able to rock out to Ace of Spades on acoustic guitar like a true rock star!
Acoustic Guitar Basics
If you are new to playing the acoustic guitar, there are a few basics that you should know before diving into more advanced techniques. These basics will help you develop a strong foundation and make it easier for you to learn and play songs.
Tuning
One of the first things you should learn is how to tune your guitar. The most common tuning for acoustic guitars is standard tuning, which is EADGBE from the lowest to the highest string. To tune your guitar, you can use an electronic tuner or tune it by ear.
Chords
Learning basic chords is essential for playing the acoustic guitar. Chords are combinations of notes played simultaneously and are the building blocks of songs. Start with simple chords like C, G, D, and A and practice transitioning between them smoothly.
| Chord | Finger Placement |
|---|---|
| C | 1st finger: 1st fret of the B string
2nd finger: 2nd fret of the D string 3rd finger: 3rd fret of the A string |
| G | 1st finger: 2nd fret of the A string
2nd finger: 3rd fret of the low E string 3rd finger: 3rd fret of the high E string |
| D | 1st finger: 2nd fret of the G string StewMac Fret Kisser with Understring File (2655)
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2nd finger: 2nd fret of the high E string 3rd finger: 3rd fret of the B string |
| A | 1st finger: 1st fret of the D string
2nd finger: 2nd fret of the G string 3rd finger: 2nd fret of the B string |
Practice strumming each chord until you can play them cleanly without any muted strings. Once you feel comfortable with these chords, you can start learning more advanced chords and chord progressions.
Acoustic guitar basics also include learning to read guitar tabs and sheet music, understanding rhythm and timing, and developing finger strength and dexterity. Remember to practice regularly and be patient with yourself as you learn these foundational skills.
Mastering the chords
To play “Ace of Spades” acoustic, you need to master several chords. Here are the main chords you’ll need to know:
A major chord
The A major chord is a basic open chord. To play it, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
E major chord
The E major chord is another basic open chord. To play it, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
D major chord
The D major chord is also an open chord. To play it, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
These are the main chords you’ll need to know to play “Ace of Spades” acoustic. Practice switching between these chords smoothly and accurately, and you’ll be on your way to mastering this iconic song!
Rhythm and Strumming Patterns
When playing “Ace of Spades” acoustic, it’s important to get the rhythm and strumming patterns just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve that classic sound:
1. Basic Rhythm
The basic rhythm of the song is a steady, driving beat. It’s important to keep a consistent tempo throughout the song. The strumming pattern is more straightforward, consisting mainly of downstrokes.
2. Palm Muting
Palm muting is an essential technique for this song. It involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to dampen the sound. This gives the song its distinctive muted sound and helps to make the rhythm guitar part more percussive.
Start by using palm muting on all the downstrokes in the strumming pattern. As you become more comfortable, try adding palm muting on the off beats as well to enhance the driving feel of the song.
Remember to experiment with the amount of pressure you apply to the strings when palm muting. Too much pressure can mute the strings too heavily, while too little pressure can result in a thin sound. Aim for a balance that gives you a crisp and defined sound.
Pro Tip: Practice palm muting on open strings first before incorporating it into the song. This will help you get a feel for the technique without worrying about specific fretting positions.
3. Accenting the Beats
To add more dynamics and rhythmic interest to your playing, try accenting certain beats within the strumming pattern. Accenting involves playing those beats slightly louder than the others to give them emphasis.
One way to accent the beats is to use a technique called “chucking.” This involves muting the strings with your fretting hand while you strum. By releasing the pressure on the fretted strings right after strumming, you get a percussive sound. Experiment with chucking on the downstrokes or on specific beats in the pattern to create a more dynamic rhythm.
Note: Chucking can take some time to master, so be patient and start slowly. Focus on accuracy and gradually increase your speed.
By mastering these rhythm and strumming patterns, you’ll be able to capture the essence of “Ace of Spades” acoustic and bring the song to life on your guitar.
Adding the signature riffs
Once you have mastered the chords and basic strumming pattern for “Ace of Spades” acoustic, it’s time to add in the signature riffs that make this song instantly recognizable. These riffs are played during the verses and give the song its distinctive sound.
The Intro Riff
The song starts with a powerful guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Here’s how to play it:
e|—————————————-
B|—————————————-
G|—————————————-
D|——2——0————-2——0—–
A|—0——3——3–0—0——3——-
E|—————————————-
Make sure to use alternate picking (downstroke-upstroke-downstroke-upstroke) to get that fast, aggressive sound.
The Main Riff
The main riff is played throughout the verses and is quite simple but effective. Here’s how to play it:
e|—————————————-
B|—————————————-
G|—————————————-
D|—2-2—0-0—4-4—5-5—————
A|—0-0—0-0—2-2—3-3—————
E|—————————————-
Again, use alternate picking to achieve the desired speed and aggression.
Remember to practice these riffs slowly at first and gradually increase your speed. With some time and dedication, you’ll be able to play these signature riffs with ease and rock out to “Ace of Spades” on your acoustic guitar!
