7 Iconic STEVE HARRIS Bass Lines from IRON MAIDEN

There are a handful of bass players in the world today who are essentially bass royalty – and one of them is Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. In fact, he’s probably the best-known heavy metal bassist in the world. In today’s video, we break down Iron Maiden's best EVER bass lines!

Wrathchild

“If you don’t like Wrathchild, then you’re not an Iron Maiden fan!” Said the late Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison. A staple of Maiden’s live set to this day, Wrathchild is probably the best known cut from the band’s second album, and has one of the coolest bass intros in the history of metal. With its unmistakable riffing and no-nonsense chorus, it’s been covered by everyone from Devin Townsend to Six Feet Under.

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is an emotionally charged masterpiece that was heavily influenced by the loss of Steve’s father. Despite Maiden fans tending to favor his galloping stuff, it’s remained a firm favorite since their 12th album, Brave New World, was released back in 2000. The 6/8 time feel brings out Steve’s technical ability, while his skills as a songwriter were never in question.

Wasted Years

The lead single from 1986’s Somewhere In Time album, Wasted Years felt like a detour into radio-friendly territory for Iron Maiden, but the brilliant interplay between the bass and the guitars made it an instant classic. A complex guitar line starts this one off setting the stage for Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals.

Phantom of the Opera

Closing the first side of their self-titled debut album, Phantom Of The Opera was early proof that fans had stumbled upon a band worth following. Speaking to Bass Player Magazine, Harris said: “I wrote that in the back room at my grandmother’s house. Lucky enough for me I had me own little room there because the uncles and aunts all left home. I remember thinking at the time that I had something pretty good.” A seven-minute riff-fest – it’s enough to give Andrew Lloyd Webber nightmares.

The Number of the beast

Upon its release in 1982, Maiden’s third album was widely hailed as a masterpiece, and its title track is still one that screams ‘heavy metal’. The Number Of The Beast was inspired by a nightmare Steve had after watching the film Damien: Omen II. And no, that’s not Vincent Price doing the spoken-word intro (Maiden couldn’t afford his fee).

Run To The Hills

From the drum intro to the signature guitar and bass riff, Run To The Hills is prime Iron Maiden. The intro leads straight into the galloping verses, as Bruce Dickenson’s wide-ranging vocal makes for one of the band's catchiest songs. As you hurtle along at a breakneck 176 bpm, be sure to play with as light a touch as possible. This is the key to playing these incessant gallop rhythms.

The Trooper

The opening moments of The Trooper are one of Iron Maiden’s great calling cards. A highlight from the band's fourth album Piece Of Mind, it’s loosely based on the Lord Tennyson poem, The Charge Of The Light Brigade. Harris altered the concept just enough to fit Maiden's raw power. Listen out for the stellar guitar break from Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. The beer they produced in its name isn’t bad, either…