The Trooper
Iron Maiden, 1983, from Piece of Mind. Solo by Adrian Smith & Dave Murray.
A harmonized cavalry charge.
'The Trooper' is built on galloping rhythms and harmonized guitar lines that evoke a cavalry charge, and Adrian Smith and Dave Murray drive it with precision. Their twin leads are sharp and melodic, and each takes a solo that adds speed and fire to the song's relentless momentum. The harmonies are tight and powerful, becoming one of the defining sounds of Maiden and of metal as a whole. It remains a live staple and a favorite among guitarists. Listen for how the harmonized riffs mirror the song's story of battle, and how each solo builds excitement before the band returns to the main theme.
The Trooper by Iron Maiden is ranked #164 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Adrian Smith & Dave Murray and the song was released in 1983. It appears on 4 lists, placing as high as #68 (Rolling Stone).
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #18
- Twin Guitars & Harmonies — #13
- The Best Iron Maiden Guitar Solos — #7
Sources
- Rolling Stone: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #68
- Guitar Solo Legends: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — Ranked (2026) — #88
- RAG Music: ギターソロがかっこいい洋楽の名曲まとめ
- Musician Tuts: The 51 Best Guitar Solos Of All Time
Who played the guitar solo on The Trooper?
Adrian Smith & Dave Murray played the solo on Iron Maiden's The Trooper (1983).
What guitar was used on the The Trooper solo?
A fender stratocaster, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does The Trooper rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#164 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 4 of them.