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Motörhead - Ace of Spades - Guitar Lesson

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Motörhead - Ace of Spades - Guitar Lesson

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Motörhead - Ace of Spades guitar lesson video
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Ace of Spades (Expanded Edition) album cover
Ace of Spades (Expanded Edition)
1980 2:48
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Motörhead Heavy Metal 1980 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Ace of Spades

"Ace of Spades" is a heavy metal track by Motörhead, released as a single in October 1980 and the title track of their album Ace of Spades. Built on a driving, aggressive riff and a relentless pace, it is a foundational piece of heavy metal guitar. Learning it gives electric guitarists a practical introduction to fast picking, power chords, and the raw, stripped-down tone that defined Motörhead's influential sound.

  • The main riff is built on power chords and runs at a fast tempo, making it a strong exercise for right-hand picking speed.
  • Released in October 1980, 'Ace of Spades' became one of the most recognizable riffs in heavy metal history.
  • The song's guitar tone is notably raw and trebly, a good reference point when dialing in a classic heavy metal sound on electric guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Fast Eddie Clarke's weapon of choice, the Les Paul Standard's PAF-style humbuckers delivered warm midrange that cut through Lemmy's bass without shrillness. The guitar's weight and sustain were essential for Motörhead's heavy, sustained riffs played at punishing volume.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Clarke occasionally paired this variant with his stock PAF pickups for the same tonal character, offering a slightly different aesthetic while maintaining the thick, responsive tone needed for Motörhead's raw power.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The JCM800 became the sonic backbone of Motörhead, delivering natural power-tube saturation and tight crunch when pushed hard. Both Clarke and Campbell relied on this amp's ability to compress and break up at volume, eliminating the need for distortion pedals.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Phil Campbell's primary effect pedal, the Cry Baby added expressive dynamics to his lead work while staying true to Motörhead's minimal signal chain philosophy. Its sweep complemented faster, more technical passages without cluttering the band's signature heavy crunch.

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