Powerslave
Iron Maiden, 1984, from Powerslave. Solo by Dave Murray & Adrian Smith.
The title track's long instrumental middle section is where Maiden's twin guitarists really stretch out. After a quieter, atmospheric break, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith each take a solo, contrasting Murray's fluid legato with Smith's more composed, melodic approach, before harmony lines draw them back together. The Egyptian-flavored riffs and changes in tempo give the song a sense of drama that suits its theme. It shows how Maiden's two-guitar partnership thrived on contrast as well as unison. Listen for the shift into the slower middle section, and how each soloist builds on the mood left by the other before the gallop returns.
Powerslave by Iron Maiden is ranked #149 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Dave Murray & Adrian Smith and the song was released in 1984. It appears on 4 lists, placing as high as #5 (All About The Rock).
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #15
- Twin Guitars & Harmonies — #12
- The Best Iron Maiden Guitar Solos — #2
Sources
- All About The Rock: Top 10 Best Heavy Metal Guitar Solos of All Time — #5
- DigitalDreamDoor: 200 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #7
- WatchMojo: Top 10 Heavy Metal Guitar Solos — #10
- Classic Rock (Louder): The 100 greatest guitar solos in rock — #57
- Planet Rock: The 75 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #70
- Guitar Solo Legends: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — Ranked (2026) — #89
- Digital Dream Door: 250 Greatest Rock Guitar Solos — #143
- Lefty Fretz: 53 Best Metal Guitar Solos Of All Time
Who played the guitar solo on Powerslave?
Dave Murray & Adrian Smith played the solo on Iron Maiden's Powerslave (1984).
What guitar was used on the Powerslave solo?
A fender stratocaster, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does Powerslave rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#149 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 4 of them.