Kiss Of Death – George Lynch
Unlock the secrets behind one of the most electrifying metal guitar tracks of the 1980s with our in-depth Kiss Of Death guitar lesson, available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. Originally performed by George Lynch with Dokken, “Kiss Of Death” is a masterclass in aggressive, virtuosic guitar playing. In this note-for-note lesson, we break down each section of the song, teaching you the core guitar techniques that define Lynch's signature style and helping you develop the confidence, control, and creativity needed to channel his legendary sound. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Guitarist
“Kiss Of Death” is the opening track on Dokken’s 1987 album Back for the Attack and showcases George Lynch at the height of his powers. Famed for his explosive tone, searing speed, and melodic sensibility, Lynch is considered one of the most innovative guitarists to emerge from the '80s metal scene. His influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who followed, and this track is often cited as one of his finest moments.
Lynch’s approach combines raw aggression with surgical precision, and “Kiss Of Death” is packed with advanced techniques that demand both dexterity and musicality. The LickLibrary lesson teaches you every riff, lick, and solo note-for-note, giving you an authentic taste of George Lynch’s playing style.
Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson
Vibrato
A fundamental aspect of Lynch’s style is his expressive vibrato. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to apply a wide, aggressive vibrato that adds character and intensity to sustained notes. Mastering this will help you develop your own voice on the instrument.
Alternate Picking
The intro riff and many fast passages in the song make extensive use of alternate picking. We’ll show you how to increase speed and precision, giving you the tools to navigate quick passages with accuracy and efficiency.
Legato
Fluid runs throughout the solo feature heavy use of legato techniques including hammer-ons and pull-offs. This not only improves your speed but also enhances your phrasing by reducing picking noise and emphasising melodic flow.
Tapped Harmonics
George Lynch's distinctive tone is often punctuated with dramatic tapped harmonics, and “Kiss Of Death” is no exception. These flashy techniques add harmonic sparkle and are a must-learn for fans of ‘80s metal guitar.
Pinched Harmonics
Lynch frequently adds bite and aggression with pinched harmonics. Learning to control these harmonics with precision will allow you to inject more attitude into your lead playing.
Dive Bombs
Nothing screams '80s metal like dive bombs. Using the whammy bar to plunge notes into oblivion is an expressive technique that emphasises dynamics and drama—both key elements in Lynch’s style.
Palm Muting
Chugging riffs in the verses rely on tight palm muting, providing punch and rhythmic precision. This technique is essential for maintaining clarity and groove in high-gain settings.
String Bending
You’ll also master expressive string bending, a technique that’s central to Lynch’s emotional phrasing. Learning how to bend accurately to pitch enhances musicality and expression in your solos.
Unison Bends
Packed with attitude, unison bends are used to create tension and release in Lynch’s solos. This lesson will help you get these bends in tune and under control, giving you more power in your lead lines.
Whammy Bar Tricks
From subtle vibrato to wild squeals, whammy bar tricks are used throughout the track. Learning these tricks will help you understand how to use the tremolo system musically, not just as a gimmick.
Power Chords
The core riffs in “Kiss Of Death” are driven by aggressive power chords, essential for any rock or metal guitarist. This lesson refines your chordal attack and teaches how to balance heaviness with clarity.
Arpeggios
The solo features searing arpeggios that sweep across the fretboard. You’ll learn how to break down and execute these challenging passages, developing speed and note separation for advanced soloing.
Why Learn “Kiss Of Death”?
Learning this track helps players master a wide range of techniques and improves both lead and rhythm guitar skills. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of phrasing, articulation, and melodic construction—all while building the chops needed for modern and classic metal styles. Whether you're performing live or expanding your solo vocabulary, this lesson provides the foundation to elevate your playing.
Techniques Used in the Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...