"Got To Choose" by KISS - Guitar Lesson

"Got To Choose" is a classic track from KISS's "Alive!" album and showcases the band's ability to bring studio music to life on stage. The lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, dazzles with some of the most memorable riffs and licks in the rock genre. Danny Gill dives into the nitty-gritty details of the song, focusing on its chords, scales, and guitar solo in this exclusive Lick Library tutorial.

Chord Progressions and Rhythms

The song primarily employs basic open chords, such as A, D, E, and G. It starts with an A chord, and the verse follows the A-D-G-A progression. These are accompanied by palm-muted down-strokes that help create a rock-driven undertone. The chorus shifts to a E-D-A-G progression, lending an uplifting quality to the song.

Scales

The song mainly revolves around the A Major scale and its relative minor, the F# Minor scale. You will find the A Major pentatonic and F# Minor pentatonic scales especially useful when jamming to this track. Ace often utilizes these scales to accentuate the chords, bringing in bluesy nuances and emotional depth.

Solo Analysis

Now let's talk about the crown jewel: the guitar solo. Ace Frehley makes a grand statement using bends, slides, and vibrato to express each note. The solo begins with a series of string bends that emphasise the pentatonic framework. There's a slight hint of the mixolydian mode, particularly when Ace hits the flattened seventh note.

The solo evolves with quick alternate picking runs that are followed by a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs, showcasing Ace's versatility. He then employs double-stop bends to build tension, only to release it with masterful vibrato. Finally, the solo concludes with some arpeggios outlining the underlying chords, wrapping it up neatly.

Ace Frehley's Signature Style

Ace Frehley is a guitar player's guitarist, showcasing the raw energy that defines rock. His approach to "Got To Choose" is a perfect exemplification of his style—laid back yet articulate, simple yet effective. He doesn't overcomplicate things with unnecessary frills. Instead, he lets the music breathe by laying down a strong rhythmic foundation and using solos to enhance the overall storytelling. His phrasing and sense of melody are things that every aspiring guitarist can learn from.

Techniques Used in "Got To Choose"

• Vibrato: Ace employs this technique masterfully to express and sustain notes.
• Alternate Picking: Useful for fast runs in the solo.
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Used throughout the solo for legato phrasing.
• Double-Stop Bends: Used in the solo to add bluesy elements.
• Palm Muting: Predominantly used in the verse sections to drive the rhythm.
• Chord Progressions: Simple yet effective progressions carry the tune.
• String Bending: Ace frequently employs this to add flair to his solos.

To master "Got To Choose," one needs to understand the essence of Ace Frehley's playing style. It is a fantastic study in rock guitar basics, coupled with the finesse of an experienced musician. It will not only help you improve your technical prowess but will also deepen your understanding of how to convey emotion through guitar playing.