Song Rig

Aces High

Dave Murray · Powerslave · 1984

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

One of Maiden's most relentlessly fast tracks — the twin-guitar unison picking attack is bright and precise. Murray's Stratocaster tone here is slightly tighter than earlier albums, reflecting the cleaner production of Powerslave.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (bridge-middle or bridge pickup)
2Marshall JCM800 2203
3Boss GE-7 Equalizer (slight mid boost at 1-2kHz)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass5

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

JCM800 with the input gain fairly hot — Powerslave was recorded with JCM800s rather than the older JMPs, giving a slightly more defined preamp distortion. The GE-7 is a common trick Murray used to add presence and cut through the twin-guitar arrangement.

Technique

How to Play It

Unison picking with Adrian Smith at near-maximum picking speed — the unison (rather than harmony) approach creates an even heavier, more compressed sound than harmonising would. Murray sits very slightly back in the mix underneath Smith's lead lines.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Strat → JCM800 clone (Ceriatone, Plexi Palace) or Marshall DSL → Boss GE-7 for presence boost. At this speed, pick angle and grip matter as much as the gear.

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