"100,000 Years" by KISS from the Album 'Alive!' - Guitar Lesson

When it comes to the 1975 classic "100,000 Years" from KISS's 'Alive!' album, you're dealing with an epitome of hard rock showmanship paired with musical intricacy. Lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, brings his own flair to this song, making it a lesson in both technical skill and emotive expression. The 'Alive!' album, especially this track, captured KISS at their prime—a full-throttle, larger-than-life performance backed by tight musical compositions. Danny Gill breaks down this classic live track in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chords and Progressions

The main song structure revolves around power chords, setting the stage for Ace's fireworks later on. Power chords are the quintessence of rock music, and this song is laden with it. The chord progressions are relatively straightforward, mainly oscillating between G5, C5, and D5 during the verses and A5, B5, and E5 in the chorus. The simplicity of the chords, primarily using the root and the fifth, allows for the focus to shift towards the vocal melodies and, of course, the iconic guitar solo.

Scales

As far as scales go, Ace Frehley often relies on the minor pentatonic scale, and this song is no exception. The G minor pentatonic provides the foundational scale upon which the solo and various fills are built. The beauty of this scale is in its simplicity—five notes, yet an endless canvas for emotive play.

Solo Analysis

Now, let's delve into the real meat of the song—the solo. Ace Frehley’s solo is a masterclass in phrasing and timing. Starting off with ascending runs on the G minor pentatonic scale, he quickly transitions into a series of bends and vibratos, manipulating the scale but keeping the focus on emotive play. One can't ignore the flair he adds with tapped harmonics, emphasising certain notes to add texture to the solo.

The climax of the solo is where Ace really lets loose. It's a concoction of quick alternate picking runs mixed with double-stop bends. The way he plays these double-stop bends is particularly interesting; instead of the usual approach, he plays them in a staggered fashion, building up tension that's only released as he descends back to the root note, making the audience feel each note. Near the end of the solo, Ace incorporates unison bends that resonate with the song’s underlying chords. The overall effect is breathtaking—a solo that serves as both a technical and emotive pinnacle of the song.

Ace Frehley and His Signature Style

Ace Frehley, also known as the "Spaceman," is known for his unique approach to rock guitar. His style is a blend of bluesy licks, rock 'n roll aggression, and a touch of melodic sensitivity. In "100,000 Years," Ace displays his prowess by mixing different techniques fluidly. His control over the guitar is phenomenal; whether he's doing alternate picking at breakneck speed or letting a note sing with vibrato, Ace’s character is imprinted in every note. It's the kind of guitar work that makes you realise the instrument is not just a tool but an extension of the musician.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Song

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Power Chords

To sum it up, "100,000 Years" serves as a spectacular showcase of both KISS as a band and Ace Frehley as a virtuoso guitarist. This song has been a milestone in the history of rock and will continue to inspire aspiring guitarists for, perhaps, 100,000 years to come.