Iron Maiden, titans of heavy metal, have carved their name into music history with their electrifying performances and signature sound. A crucial element of this iconic sound is the powerful and intricate guitar work of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers. For generations of guitarists, capturing the “Iron Maiden Guitar” tone has been a holy grail. This guide dives deep into the essential gear used by these legendary musicians, offering insights and options for players at every level to channel their inner Maiden beast.
Dave Murray’s Guitar Arsenal: The Stratocaster and Les Paul Legacy
Dave Murray, the longest-serving guitarist in Iron Maiden, is synonymous with consistency and melodic metal riffs. From the band’s inception to their monumental Legacy Of The Beast tours, Murray’s guitar choices have been pivotal to shaping the Iron Maiden sound. While he started with more budget-friendly and readily available guitars like the Ibanez Destroyer and Charvel Model 2 in the early days, two models have become his staples: the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul.
Murray fondly recalls the early days, mentioning the limited availability of gear and the detective work required to find specific instruments. This scarcity, however, fueled the band’s drive and enthusiasm, focusing on the music rather than the gear itself. Despite humble beginnings, Murray’s sound quickly evolved, driven by his signature guitars.
The Fender Stratocaster: A Versatile Metal Weapon
The Fender Stratocaster, renowned for its versatility, has been a constant companion for Dave Murray. Its bright, articulate tone, combined with the right amplification, can be molded into a powerful metal machine. Murray’s signature Fender Stratocasters, though currently out of production, exemplify this transformation. These guitars combined classic Stratocaster elegance with high-output Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups and the stability of a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
For guitarists seeking to emulate Murray’s Stratocaster sound, numerous options exist across various price points:
Entry Level Stratocaster Options
Squier Bullet Stratocaster Trem Brown SunburstSquier Bullet Stratocaster Trem Brown Sunburst
The Squier Bullet Stratocaster offers an incredibly accessible entry point into the Strat world. While not equipped with humbuckers like Murray’s signature models, it provides the classic Strat shape and feel, perfect for beginners exploring the “iron maiden guitar” style on a budget. Upgrading the pickups later can further enhance its metal capabilities.
Budget-Friendly Stratocaster Choices
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster 3 Tone Sunburst
Stepping up, the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster delivers vintage-inspired aesthetics and improved components. Its versatile pickups can handle a range of styles, including rock and early metal, making it a great choice for players seeking a balance of quality and affordability to approach the “iron maiden guitar” tone.
Mid-Level Stratocaster Recommendations
Fender Vintera 60s Stratocaster PF 3 Tone SunburstFender Vintera 60s Stratocaster PF 3 Tone Sunburst
The Fender Vintera 60s Stratocaster bridges the gap between vintage vibe and modern playability. With hotter pickups than the Classic Vibe series and authentic vintage specifications, this Stratocaster is a solid mid-range option for guitarists wanting a more genuine Fender experience while exploring the “iron maiden guitar” sound.
Professional Stratocaster Options
Fender American Original 60s Stratocaster 3-Colour Sunburst
For professionals and serious enthusiasts, the Fender American Original 60s Stratocaster represents a premium recreation of the iconic 60s Strat. Crafted with meticulous detail and high-end components, this guitar delivers authentic vintage tone and feel, serving as a top-tier platform for achieving a professional “iron maiden guitar” sound, especially when paired with humbucking pickups or overdrive pedals.
Gibson Les Paul: The Warmth and Power Behind the Riffs
Dave Murray’s other prominent guitar is the Gibson Les Paul, particularly the Gibson 60 Les Paul Classic. This guitar, known for its warm, thick tone and sustain, has been a cornerstone of rock and metal for decades. While Les Pauls are often associated with a heavier, warmer tone than Stratocasters, Murray utilizes them to add depth and power to Iron Maiden’s sonic landscape.
Similar to the Stratocaster, Les Pauls are available across different price points, making the “iron maiden guitar” sound accessible to players of all budgets:
Budget-Friendly Les Paul Options
Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT Heritage Cherry SunburstEpiphone Les Paul Studio LT Heritage Cherry Sunburst
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT offers an affordable entry into the Les Paul world. It captures the classic Les Paul body shape and delivers a warm, humbucker-driven tone suitable for rock and metal. This model is excellent for beginners wanting to explore the “iron maiden guitar” sound with a Les Paul style guitar without breaking the bank.
Mid-Level Les Paul Choices
Gibson Les Paul Tribute in Satin Cherry Sunburst
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute provides a genuine Gibson Les Paul experience at a more accessible price point. Made in the USA, it features solid construction, Gibson pickups, and a comfortable neck profile. This guitar is a significant step up in quality and tone, offering a robust platform for achieving a more authentic “iron maiden guitar” sound reminiscent of Murray’s Les Paul tones.
Professional Les Paul Recommendations
Gibson 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS Washed Cherry SunburstGibson 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS Washed Cherry Sunburst
For the ultimate Les Paul experience, the Gibson 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS is a top-tier choice. Recreating the specifications of a legendary vintage Les Paul, this guitar offers unparalleled tone, craftsmanship, and collectibility. While a significant investment, it provides the most authentic vintage Les Paul platform for achieving a professional-grade “iron maiden guitar” sound.
Adrian Smith’s Signature Sound: Jackson Guitars and Versatility
Adrian Smith, who joined Iron Maiden before their second album ‘Killers’, is known for his fluid solos and melodic sensibilities. Like Dave Murray, Smith has an extensive guitar collection, but he is most recognized for his association with Jackson guitars.
While Smith also frequently plays Fender Stratocasters and Les Pauls, particularly in live settings, his signature Jackson guitars have become synonymous with his high-energy playing and precise metal tone. Smith’s signature Jackson models are designed for performance and offer excellent value for players at all levels seeking the “iron maiden guitar” edge.
Jackson Guitars: Designed for Metal Performance
Adrian Smith’s signature Jackson guitars are built for speed, precision, and powerful metal tones. These guitars often feature high-output pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, and fast necks, catering to the demands of modern metal guitarists seeking the “iron maiden guitar” sound.
Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith SDX Laurel Fb Snow White
Jackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith SDXQ Transparent GreenJackson X Series Signature Adrian Smith SDXQ Transparent Green
These Jackson Adrian Smith signature models offer various specifications, including different fingerboard materials and finishes, but all are designed to deliver the high-performance and powerful tone associated with Adrian Smith and the “iron maiden guitar” sound. They are excellent choices for players looking for a guitar built for metal shredding and precise rhythm playing.
Janick Gers: The White Stratocaster and Stage Presence
Janick Gers, the energetic and theatrical guitarist who joined Iron Maiden in 1990, adds another layer of dynamism to the band’s three-guitar lineup. Like his bandmates, Gers frequently relies on the Fender Stratocaster, but his signature is often a white finish, contrasting with Murray and Smith’s sunburst preferences.
While Gers also uses Gibson Les Pauls, particularly for heavier rhythm parts, the white Stratocaster is visually and sonically linked to his exuberant stage presence and energetic playing style. For guitarists inspired by Gers’ stage presence and bright, cutting tone, a white Stratocaster is a key element in capturing the “iron maiden guitar” vibe.
Fender Stratocaster: White Hot Metal Tone
Janick Gers’ preference for white Stratocasters adds a visually distinctive element to the Iron Maiden stage. Sonically, the Stratocaster’s bright and articulate tone complements his dynamic playing and contributes to the band’s overall guitar sound.
Budget-Friendly White Stratocaster Options
Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster MN White Blonde
The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster in White Blonde provides a vintage-inspired white Strat option at a budget-friendly price. Its classic single-coil pickups deliver a bright, articulate tone, suitable for exploring the “iron maiden guitar” sound with a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of Gers’ early Stratocasters.
Mid-Level White Stratocaster Choices
Fender Player Stratocaster MN Polar WhiteFender Player Stratocaster MN Polar White
The Fender Player Stratocaster in Polar White offers a modern Fender take on the white Strat. With its updated pickups and modern playability, it provides a versatile and reliable instrument for players seeking a contemporary “iron maiden guitar” sound with the visual impact of a white Stratocaster.
Professional White Stratocaster Recommendations
Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster White Blonde
For a top-of-the-line white Stratocaster, the Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster in White Blonde delivers premium vintage specifications and authentic 50s Strat tone. Crafted with high-end components and meticulous attention to detail, this guitar is a professional-grade instrument for achieving the most refined and classic “iron maiden guitar” Stratocaster sound in a white finish.
Gibson Les Paul: Black Les Paul Power for Rhythms
Janick Gers also utilizes black Gibson Les Pauls, particularly for rhythm guitar work, as seen during the ‘Book Of Souls’ tour. The Les Paul’s inherent warmth and sustain provide a solid foundation for heavy riffs and power chords, complementing the brighter tones of his Stratocasters.
Budget-Friendly Black Les Paul Options
Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT EbonyEpiphone Les Paul Studio LT Ebony
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT in Ebony offers a budget-friendly black Les Paul option. Its humbucker pickups and Les Paul construction provide a warm, powerful tone suitable for rhythm playing and heavier styles, allowing players to explore the “iron maiden guitar” sound with a Les Paul in a classic black finish.
Mid-Level Black Les Paul Choices
Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker Ebony Vintage Gloss
The Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker in Ebony Vintage Gloss offers a USA-made Gibson Les Paul experience at a mid-range price. With its solid construction, Gibson humbuckers, and sleek black finish, it provides a significant step up in quality and tone for players seeking a more authentic “iron maiden guitar” Les Paul sound for rhythm playing.
Professional Black Les Paul Recommendations
Gibson Les Paul Classic, EbonyGibson Les Paul Classic, Ebony
For a professional-grade black Les Paul, the Gibson Les Paul Classic in Ebony is an excellent choice. Featuring high-quality components, powerful humbuckers, and a classic black finish, this guitar delivers premium Les Paul tone and performance, ideal for achieving a powerful and refined “iron maiden guitar” sound for both rhythm and lead playing.
Beyond Guitars: Completing the Iron Maiden Sound
While guitars are central to the “iron maiden guitar” sound, other instruments and gear contribute significantly to the band’s overall sonic identity.
Steve Harris’s Fender Precision Bass
Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s founder and bassist, is inseparable from his Fender Precision Bass. His galloping basslines are a hallmark of the band’s sound, driven by the punchy and articulate tone of the P-Bass.
Fender Steve Harris Signature Precision Bass
Harris’s signature Fender Precision Bass, though out of production, highlights the key features: a powerful Seymour Duncan pickup, high-mass bridge, and Rotosound flatwound strings. Standard Fender Precision basses across various price points offer similar tonal characteristics, allowing bassists to capture the low-end rumble of the “iron maiden guitar” sound foundation.
Nicko McBrain’s Drum Kits and Paiste Cymbals
Nicko McBrain’s dynamic drumming style, locking in perfectly with Harris’s basslines, is crucial to Iron Maiden’s rhythmic drive. McBrain has used Sonor drums for a significant part of his career and more recently switched to British Drum Co.
British Drum Co. Legend Skye Blue 22British Drum Co. Legend Skye Blue 22″ 4-Piece Drum Kit
McBrain is also a long-time user of Paiste cymbals, known for their bright and cutting sound, perfectly complementing Iron Maiden’s energetic music.
Paiste cymbals, with McBrain’s preferred models like the Reflector Heavy Full Crashes and Signature Reflector Bell Ride, are essential for achieving the full “iron maiden guitar” sound and rhythmic complexity.
Bruce Dickinson’s Shure Microphone
Bruce Dickinson’s powerful and soaring vocals are the final piece of the Iron Maiden puzzle. He reportedly uses the Shure UR2/BETA87C microphone, but Shure microphones in general are industry standards for vocal performance.
Shure SM58 Dynamic MicrophoneShure SM58 Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM58, a versatile and robust dynamic microphone, is an excellent choice for vocalists aiming for a powerful and clear live sound, crucial for capturing the essence of Bruce Dickinson’s vocal style and the overall “iron maiden guitar” sonic landscape.
Conclusion: Your Journey to the Iron Maiden Sound Starts Here
Iron Maiden’s sound is a product of evolution, experimentation, and the individual styles of its members. While their gear choices have varied over the years, the core elements remain consistent: powerful guitars, driving bass, dynamic drums, and soaring vocals.
To capture the “iron maiden guitar” sound, focusing on Stratocasters and Les Pauls with humbucking pickups is a great starting point. Exploring the gear choices of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers, and considering options across different budgets, will guide you on your path to unleashing your inner beast and rocking out in true Iron Maiden style.
