Detroit Rock City – Solo by KISS

Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of classic rock guitar with the Detroit Rock City – Solo guitar lesson, available exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This note-for-note breakdown explores every detail of the legendary guitar solo from KISS’s iconic track Detroit Rock City, providing invaluable insights into the techniques and stylistic elements that make this solo a standout piece of rock guitar history. Whether you're a fan of the band or looking to sharpen your soloing skills, this lesson will elevate your playing and deepen your understanding of rock guitar vocabulary. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Ace Frehley’s Iconic Style

The solo in Detroit Rock City was performed by Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS. Known for his fiery stage presence and melodic phrasing, Frehley played a crucial role in shaping the sound of 1970s hard rock. His solos combined blues-based phrasing with rock 'n' roll attitude, making him one of the most influential guitarists of his era. Frehley's tone, touch, and taste inspired generations of players, from classic rockers to metal shredders. His approach to soloing – combining singable melodies with technical flair – is on full display in Detroit Rock City, making it an essential study for any aspiring guitarist.

Solo Overview: What You’ll Learn

The Detroit Rock City solo is a masterclass in phrasing, control, and energy. Through this Licklibrary lesson, you'll learn how to break down and execute every lick, bend, and phrase as performed by Frehley. The solo blends melodic content with aggressive lead techniques that are both accessible and musically engaging. Our expert tutors walk you through each section slowly and clearly, ensuring that players of varying skill levels can follow along.

Key Techniques Explored in This Lesson

String Bending

String bending is used heavily throughout the solo to add expression and vocal-like phrasing. You'll learn how to control the pitch of your bends precisely and integrate them seamlessly into licks. Mastering this will improve your ability to emote through your guitar and add personality to your solos.

Vibrato

Frehley’s expressive use of vibrato gives life to sustained notes. This lesson teaches how to add controlled vibrato to your playing, giving your notes a professional sheen and enhancing your overall tone.

Slides

Slides are used in the solo to connect phrases and shift positions fluidly. Learning this technique helps improve fretboard navigation and makes your solos sound more cohesive and polished.

Legato

Several phrases incorporate legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. These smooth transitions are essential for speed and fluidity, and this lesson helps you strengthen your fretting hand coordination and phrasing.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

A key feature of Frehley's soloing, double stops and double stop bends create a rich, harmonised sound. These techniques add fullness and complexity to your solos, a staple in classic rock guitar vocabulary.

Unison Bends

The unison bend is a dramatic, vocal-like technique used for intensity and emphasis. In this lesson, you'll learn how to perform them in tune and with confidence, enhancing the emotional impact of your lead playing.

Alternate Picking

Speed and clarity in this solo are enhanced by alternate picking. This lesson breaks down the picking patterns to help you build accuracy and speed, crucial for executing rapid-fire licks cleanly.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Used in fast runs and melodic embellishments, hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for fluid motion between notes. You'll strengthen your fretting hand and improve your efficiency in lead passages.

Why This Lesson is Valuable

Studying this solo offers far more than just learning how to replicate a famous lead break. It teaches you phrasing, timing, and emotional dynamics, all essential elements of great lead guitar. Each technique is explained in a practical, musical context, helping you understand not just how to play a lick, but why it works. You'll gain insights into how to construct your own solos, develop your tone, and build a more expressive and professional-sounding lead guitar style.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Rock City – Solo guitar lesson is a must-learn for fans of KISS, classic rock, and expressive guitar solos. Ace Frehley’s approach is both accessible and inspiring, making it a perfect study for players looking to bridge the gap between technical skill and musical expression. With detailed instruction and breakdowns, Licklibrary ensures that you don’t just learn this solo — you master it.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Legato
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Alternate Picking