Detroit Rock City – KISS

Dive into the high-octane world of KISS with our note-for-note guitar lesson on “Detroit Rock City.” This classic rock anthem is not just a staple of ‘70s arena rock—it’s a masterclass in powerful guitar techniques and unforgettable riffs. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve broken down every nuance of the original track, giving you the tools to play it exactly as heard on the record.

Whether you're an aspiring lead player or a rhythm enthusiast, this lesson delivers a rich mix of techniques that will expand your musical vocabulary, improve your timing, and strengthen your fretting and picking hands. It's more than just learning a song—it's about mastering the methods that made KISS a powerhouse of guitar-driven rock. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

"Detroit Rock City" was released in 1976 as part of KISS’s landmark album Destroyer, and it’s one of the band’s most iconic tracks. The song was co-written by Paul Stanley and producer Bob Ezrin, but it’s the electrifying guitar work of Ace Frehley that truly defines its sound.

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, is widely respected for his melodic phrasing, tasteful bends, and raw, expressive solos. His playing blends blues-based rock with a flamboyant stage presence, inspiring generations of guitarists with his signature vibrato and unforgettable tone. His solos on “Detroit Rock City” are a shining example of expressive, technically sound rock guitar playing that never sacrifices feel for flash.

Song Breakdown & Guitar Techniques

Opening Riff and Rhythmic Precision

The song kicks off with a harmonised twin-guitar intro followed by a syncopated and palm-muted rhythm riff that immediately demands attention. This section builds your timing, alternate picking control, and tightness, especially in a band setting.

Benefits: You’ll improve right-hand discipline and internalise the mechanics of tight, punchy rhythm playing, critical for locking in with a drummer or playing tight live sets.

Verse and Chorus Riffs

The verse riff relies heavily on power chords and sliding transitions, emphasising open-string riffs and syncopated rhythms. This part also tests your chord transitions and timing when dealing with space and groove.

Benefits: Mastering these sections enhances your dynamic control and develops your ability to keep rhythmic energy flowing through chord progressions.

Guitar Solo

Ace Frehley's lead work here is a goldmine of expressive playing. You'll encounter string bending, vibrato, slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons, all within a melodic and memorable solo. The phrasing is classic Frehley—lyrical, emotional, and technically sound.

Benefits: Learning this solo boosts your phrasing, note targeting, and expressiveness. It’s perfect for guitarists looking to make their solos more musical and less mechanical.

Outro and Harmonised Leads

In the final section, you'll explore dual-guitar harmonies and unison bends, both of which add melodic texture and excitement to the track. These are classic elements of the KISS sound and great for those playing in a two-guitar setup.

Benefits: You’ll develop your ear for harmony and synchronisation when playing with another guitarist, key for playing in bands or tracking harmonized parts in recordings.

Why Learn “Detroit Rock City”?

This lesson gives players at an intermediate level a serious boost in multiple areas. You’ll tighten your rhythm skills, expand your lead vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of how rock solos are structured. Whether you're playing along to the original track or jamming with your band, the techniques you’ll learn here are widely applicable across classic rock, hard rock, and beyond.

Learning from a track like “Detroit Rock City” also deepens your appreciation for song construction—how different guitar parts interact and build momentum within a song. And with Ace Frehley’s lead work, you’re absorbing techniques that combine precision with raw energy—a rare combo that separates good players from great ones.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Get ready to channel your inner rock star and bring the spirit of ‘70s arena rock into your own playing. With this “Detroit Rock City” guitar lesson from LickLibrary, you’re not just learning a song—you’re stepping into the boots of a guitar icon.