If you’re a bass player and a fan of rock music, chances are you’ve heard “Ace of Spades” by the legendary band Motorhead. Known for its high-energy and aggressive sound, this song is a classic in the world of rock and roll. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play this iconic bassline, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the main parts of the bassline and give you some tips on how to master it.
The bassline of “Ace of Spades” is instantly recognizable and is characterized by its fast-paced, driving rhythm. The key to nailing this bassline is to develop a strong sense of timing and groove. It’s important to note that Lemmy, the bassist and frontman of Motorhead, had his own unique playing style, so don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch to the bassline.
To start learning the bassline, it’s best to break it down into smaller sections and practice each section individually. The main riff of “Ace of Spades” is centered around the E and A strings, with occasional jumps to other strings. Pay close attention to the fingerings and techniques used in each section, as they will greatly contribute to the overall sound and feel of the bassline.
One of the key elements of the bassline is the use of slides and hammer-ons. These techniques help to create a smooth and fluid sound, adding to the overall energy of the song. Practice sliding from one note to another and smoothly transitioning between different positions on the fretboard. Additionally, work on your picking technique to ensure that each note is played clearly and with the right level of intensity.
Remember, learning how to play “Motorhead – Ace of Spades” on bass takes time and practice. Take it slow and focus on mastering each section before moving on. As you become more comfortable with the bassline, try playing along to the original song or jamming with other musicians. The more you play, the better you’ll get, and soon you’ll be able to unleash your own version of this iconic bassline.
Learn to Play Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” on Bass
If you’re a fan of Motorhead and want to learn how to play the iconic song “Ace of Spades” on bass, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, we’ll break down the main bassline of the song, step by step.
Before we get started, make sure your bass is properly tuned and that you have a good understanding of basic bass techniques. “Ace of Spades” is a fast-paced song, so it’s important to have good finger strength and dexterity.
The main bassline of “Ace of Spades” is relatively simple but incredibly catchy. It starts with a series of power chords played on the lower strings. The notes you’ll be playing are A, E, and D on the A string. Begin by sliding your index finger from the 5th fret to the 7th fret on the A string for the A power chord. Then, move your index finger to the 7th fret of the E string to play the E power chord. Finally, move your index finger back to the 5th fret of the A string to play the D power chord.
After playing the power chords, you’ll transition to a galloping rhythm on the E string. This is played by alternating between the open E string and the 2nd fret of the E string. The rhythm is fast and should be played with a heavy, driving feel.
Additionally, throughout the song, you’ll often hear the bassist perform slides up and down the neck. To achieve this, simply use your index finger to slide from one fret to another on the same string. This technique adds a lot of aggression and style to the bassline.
Once you have mastered the main bassline, try learning the fill for the chorus section. This fill is a fast series of 16th note slides that add even more energy to the song. Start by playing the 5th fret of the A string and slide up to the 9th fret. Then, slide back down to the 7th fret and finish the fill by sliding from the 5th fret to the 2nd fret. Repeat this fill several times during the chorus section.
Remember, playing “Ace of Spades” on bass requires precision and timing. Take your time with each section and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. With practice, you’ll be able to rock out to this classic Motorhead song with full force.
Section 2: Mastering the Intro and Verse Riffs
Before diving into the intricacies of the intro and verse riffs of “Ace of Spades,” it is important to have a solid understanding of the song’s structure and overall feel. The intro and verse sections are the backbone of the song and set the tone for the rest of the track.
To play the intro riff of “Ace of Spades” on bass, start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the E string (the thickest string). This note is an A. Use your middle finger to play the 7th fret of the A string (the second thickest string), which is a C. Play these two notes together, creating a power chord. Repeat this pattern four times.
Next, move your index finger one fret down to the 4th fret of the E string, creating an open A power chord. Play this note once, and then move your index finger back to the 5th fret and play the power chord four more times.
After mastering the intro riff, move on to the verse riff, which is similar but with a slight variation. Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the E string and your middle finger on the 7th fret of the A string, just as you did for the intro riff. Play this power chord twice, and then move your index finger to the 3rd fret of the E string, creating a G power chord. Play this once, and then go back to the previous power chord position and play it twice again.
Repeat this pattern throughout the verse sections of the song, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm and smooth transitions between power chords. Pay attention to the dynamics of the riff, such as when to play with more aggression or ease up for a softer touch.
Practicing these intro and verse riffs in isolation will help you build up speed and accuracy. Consider using a metronome to stay in time and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the patterns. Remember to also practice the transitions between the intro and verse riffs to ensure a seamless performance.
Section 3: Nailing the Chorus and Bridge Sections
Once you have mastered the main riff and verse sections of “Ace of Spades,” it’s time to move on to the chorus and bridge sections. These parts of the song add a dynamic change and provide a catchy melodic hook.
The chorus section starts with a powerful, punchy line played on the lower strings of the bass. This part is in sync with the guitars and sets the energy level of the song. Make sure to emphasize each note and play with a driving rhythm. The tempo should remain consistent throughout this section.
“Ace of Spades” features a bridge section that offers a small break from the intensity of the song. During this part, the bassline becomes more melodic and complements the guitar riffs. Pay attention to the changes in timing and focus on maintaining a smooth transition between the sections.
It’s important to remember that staying in the pocket and locking in with the drummer is crucial during these sections. This will help maintain the overall groove and tightness of the song.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch to these sections. Lemmy was known for his unique style and improvisation, so feel free to let your creativity shine.
By mastering the chorus and bridge sections of “Ace of Spades” on bass, you will be able to play the song from start to finish and truly capture the spirit of Motorhead’s iconic sound.
Section 4: Putting it All Together: Playing the Full Song
Once you have practiced the individual sections of “Ace of Spades,” it’s time to put it all together and play the full song. Follow these steps to master playing the entire song on bass:
1. Memorize the Structure
Start by memorizing the structure of the song. “Ace of Spades” follows a basic verse-chorus structure, with an intro and a solo section as well. Familiarize yourself with the order of the sections and practice transitioning smoothly between them.
2. Play Along with a Recording
To get a feel for the rhythm and timing of the song, play along with the original recording of “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. Focus on locking in with the drums and guitar to create a tight and cohesive sound.
Listen closely to the bassline and pay attention to the dynamics and nuances in Lemmy’s playing. Note any variations or fills that he adds throughout the song and try to incorporate them into your own playing.
3. Focus on the Riffs
The main riffs in “Ace of Spades” are the backbone of the song. Spend extra time practicing these riffs and make sure you have them down pat. Pay attention to the palm muting and the precise timing to get the signature sound of the song.
Experiment with different techniques, such as slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, to add your own flavor to the riffs while staying true to the original feel of the song.
4. Master the Solo Section
The solo section in “Ace of Spades” is fast and challenging. Take the time to break it down into smaller sections and practice them slowly, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.
Work on developing your picking technique and accuracy to match the speed and intensity of the solo. Take note of any bends, slides, or vibrato that are used in the solo and practice recreating them to capture the essence of the original recording.
5. Play with Confidence
As you become more familiar with the song and gain confidence in your playing, focus on playing with conviction and energy. “Ace of Spades” is a high-energy song, and it’s important to convey that energy through your playing.
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the song and add subtle variations or improvisations. Make it your own while still staying true to the spirit of the song.
Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and playing “Ace of Spades” on bass. With practice and perseverance, you’ll soon be rocking out to one of Motörhead’s most iconic songs!
