If you’re a fan of classic rock and heavy metal, chances are you’ve heard the iconic riff from “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. This fast-paced, hard-hitting riff is a staple for guitarists looking to add some intensity to their playing. In this article, we’ll break down how to play the “Ace of Spades” riff step by step, so you can rock out like a pro.
To start learning the “Ace of Spades” riff, you’ll need to tune your guitar to standard EADGBE tuning. This means your low E string should be tuned to E, your A string to A, and so on. Once your guitar is tuned, place your index finger on the 5th fret of the E string. This is where you’ll start the riff.
Using alternate picking, strike the E string with your pick and quickly release the pressure on the fret to mute the string. Then, move your index finger up to the 7th fret and strike the E string again, repeating the process. Continue this pattern, alternating between the 5th and 7th frets, to play the main riff of “Ace of Spades.”
As you get comfortable with the main riff, try adding some flair to your playing by incorporating palm muting and power chords. For palm muting, lightly rest the edge of your hand on the strings near the bridge to create a tighter, more percussive sound. To play power chords, use your index finger to bar the 5th fret and your ring finger or pinky to play the 7th fret on the A string.
Remember, learning to play the “Ace of Spades” riff takes time and practice. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the finger movements and picking technique. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be shredding through this iconic riff in no time. So grab your guitar, turn up the volume, and let the power of “Ace of Spades” unleash!
Learn to Play the Ace of Spades Riff
If you’re a fan of hard rock and heavy metal, you’ve probably heard the iconic Ace of Spades riff by Motörhead. This classic riff is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to add some badassery to their repertoire. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to play the Ace of Spades riff so you can rock out like Lemmy himself.
Tuning
Before you begin, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. The Ace of Spades riff is played in standard tuning, which is E A D G B E from low to high strings.
The Riff
The Ace of Spades riff consists of three main parts: the intro, the verse, and the chorus. Each part has its own distinct feel and rhythm, so let’s dive in.
Intro:
- Start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string (thickest string).
- Use your middle finger to fret the 7th fret of the same string.
- Strum the open A string (5th string) and the notes on the 5th and 7th frets of the low E string simultaneously.
- Mute the strings with your palm to create a short, staccato sound.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 four times.
Verse:
- Move your index finger to the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Use your ring finger to fret the 9th fret of the same string.
- Strum the A string and the notes on the 7th and 9th frets simultaneously.
- Mute the strings with your palm in a staccato fashion.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 four times.
Chorus:
- Position your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string.
- Use your ring finger to fret the 7th fret of the same string.
- Strum the open A string and the notes on the 5th and 7th frets of the low E string at the same time.
- Mute the strings to create a staccato sound.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 four times.
Once you’ve mastered each part, try playing them together in sequence: Intro – Verse – Chorus. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable with the riff.
Remember to use downstrokes for a punchy sound, and palm mute the strings to add that signature heavy metal crunch. Practice regularly with a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy.
Now that you know how to play the Ace of Spades riff, go ahead and unleash your inner rock god. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to make this iconic riff your own. Rock on!
Master the Basics
To play the ace of spades riff like a pro, it’s important to master the basics of guitar playing. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Learn the guitar fretboard: Familiarize yourself with the names and locations of the notes on the guitar neck. This will make it easier for you to navigate and play different chords and riffs.
2. Practice proper finger placement: Make sure you are placing your fingers on the correct frets and strings. Use the tips of your fingers to press down the strings firmly without touching any other strings.
3. Develop finger strength and dexterity: Regularly practice exercises that help strengthen your fingers and improve your finger coordination. This will make it easier for you to play complex riffs and chords.
4. Learn basic guitar chords: Start by learning some basic open chords like E, A, and D. These chords will form the foundation for many popular songs and will also help you understand chord progressions.
5. Practice alternate picking: Alternate picking is a technique where you use both upstrokes and downstrokes to pick the strings. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy when playing riffs like the ace of spades.
6. Use a metronome: Playing along with a metronome will help you develop a sense of rhythm and timing. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable playing the riff.
7. Be patient and consistent: Learning how to play the ace of spades riff will take time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. With consistent practice and dedication, you’ll be able to master it.
Remember, mastering the basics is crucial for becoming a proficient guitar player. So, take your time, practice regularly, and have fun learning the ace of spades riff!
Develop Finger Strength and Dexterity
To play the iconic “Ace of Spades” riff, it is essential to develop finger strength and dexterity. Having strong and nimble fingers will allow you to play the riff smoothly with precision and speed.
Here are some exercises you can do to develop finger strength and dexterity:
1. Finger Stretches
Start by stretching your fingers before playing. This will help loosen up your muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Gently stretch each finger by pulling it back individually and holding the stretch for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise for all fingers on both hands.
2. Finger Independence Exercises
Practicing finger independence exercises will improve the dexterity and control of each finger. One exercise you can try is placing your fingers on a flat surface and lifting them one by one in a controlled manner. Start with your index finger and gradually work your way to the pinky finger. This exercise will help your fingers move independently and strengthen the individual muscles.
Tip: You can also try playing scales or simple melodies using individual fingers to improve finger independence.
3. Finger Tapping
Finger tapping exercises are great for building finger strength and coordination. Start by tapping your fingers on a flat surface, gradually increasing the speed and intensity. You can also try practicing finger tapping on the strings of your guitar to simulate playing the “Ace of Spades” riff.
Tip: Practice finger tapping on different surfaces to challenge your fingers and build extra strength.
Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises as your finger strength and dexterity improve. Regular practice and consistency are key to developing the necessary finger skills to play the “Ace of Spades” riff like a pro.
Learn the Ace of Spades Riff Note by Note
If you’re a fan of rock music, you’ve probably heard the iconic riff from “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. This legendary song features a fast, driving guitar riff that is instantly recognizable and a staple of many rock guitarists’ repertoires. In this article, we’ll break down the Ace of Spades riff note by note, so you can learn how to play it yourself.
Step 1: Tuning
Before you start learning the riff, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. The Ace of Spades riff is played in standard tuning, which means the strings should be tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E from low to high.
Step 2: Position
To play the Ace of Spades riff, you’ll need to position your hand correctly on the neck of the guitar. Start by placing your index finger on the fifth fret of the E string (the thickest string).
Step 3: The Notes
The Ace of Spades riff is played using power chords, which are made up of three notes: the root, the fifth, and the octave. In this riff, the root note is played on the fifth fret of the E string, the fifth is played on the seventh fret of the A string, and the octave is played on the seventh fret of the D string.
- Start by striking the root note on the fifth fret of the E string with a downstroke using your pick.
- Follow it by striking the fifth note on the seventh fret of the A string using an upstroke.
- Finally, strike the octave note on the seventh fret of the D string with a downstroke.
Repeat this sequence of notes in a fast and steady rhythm, and you’ll be playing the iconic Ace of Spades riff!
Tips for Success
- Start practicing the Ace of Spades riff at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable
- Focus on accuracy and clean articulation of each note
- Use palm muting technique to add more heaviness to the riff
- Experiment with playing the riff with different picking techniques to find what feels most comfortable for you
- Once you’ve mastered the basic riff, try adding variations and improvising to make it your own
Remember, learning to play the Ace of Spades riff note by note takes practice and patience. Stick with it, and before you know it, you’ll be rocking out to one of the most iconic riffs in rock history!
Practice with a Metronome and Play Along to the Original Song
One of the most effective ways to improve your guitar playing skills is to practice with a metronome. The metronome helps you develop your timing and keeps you in rhythm while playing the ace of spades riff. Start by setting your metronome to a slow tempo, and gradually increase the speed as you feel more comfortable playing the riff.
Playing along to the original song is also a great way to practice the ace of spades riff. Listen carefully to the song and try to match the rhythm and timing of the guitarist. This will help you learn how to play the riff in the correct tempo and style.
Here are some steps to help you practice with a metronome and play along to the original song:
- Start by setting your metronome to a slow tempo, such as 60 beats per minute (BPM).
- Listen to the original song and familiarize yourself with the rhythm and timing of the ace of spades riff.
- Practice playing the riff slowly with the metronome. Focus on accuracy and timing.
- Gradually increase the tempo of the metronome as you feel more comfortable playing the riff.
- Continue practicing with the metronome until you can play the riff at the original tempo of the song.
- Once you can play the riff confidently with the metronome, try playing along to the original song. Pay attention to the guitarist’s timing and try to match it as closely as possible.
- Keep practicing regularly to improve your skills and develop your own style of playing the ace of spades riff.
Remember, practice is key when it comes to mastering any guitar riff. By using a metronome and playing along to the original song, you can greatly improve your timing and rhythm, enabling you to play the ace of spades riff with confidence and precision.
