Heaven's On Fire – KISS

Master the Classic Rock Energy of Heaven’s On Fire

KISS is known for their anthemic rock songs, explosive live performances, and larger-than-life presence. Heaven’s On Fire, released in 1984 on the Animalize album, is a prime example of the band's ability to craft catchy, high-energy rock tunes with a distinct guitar-driven sound. This song features a combination of power chords, dynamic rhythm playing, and signature lead guitar techniques that make it an essential piece for any aspiring rock guitarist.

At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on Heaven’s On Fire teaches you how to replicate the song’s electrifying riffs, powerful chords, and blazing solo work with precision. This breakdown covers the essential techniques used in the song and explains why mastering them will improve your overall playing ability. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques Covered in Heaven’s On Fire

Power Chords

Power chords are a fundamental element of rock and metal music. In Heaven’s On Fire, they drive the song’s main riff and chorus, creating a strong and punchy rhythm. Learning power chords will strengthen your fretting hand, improve your palm-muting technique, and help you develop better control over chord transitions.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds rhythmic precision and dynamics to the song's riffing. This technique helps create the tight, percussive sound heard throughout the verse sections of the song. Mastering palm muting will enhance your ability to control the intensity of your playing, making your rhythm work sound more polished and professional.

String Bending

Bends are an expressive way to add emotion to lead guitar lines. The solo in Heaven’s On Fire incorporates several bends that enhance the melodic feel of the song. Practicing string bending will improve your pitch accuracy and strengthen your fingers, allowing you to play more expressive solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a key aspect of lead guitar playing, adding sustain and character to notes. In this song, vibrato is used to make sustained notes sing with a vocal-like quality. Developing a controlled vibrato will help you add personality to your solos and make your playing sound more professional.

Double Stops

Double stops are frequently used in classic rock solos, adding a rich, harmonic quality to lead lines. Heaven’s On Fire makes use of double stops to create a fuller, more dynamic lead sound. Practicing this technique will enhance your ability to play harmonised lines and create bigger-sounding solos.

Slides

Slides give a smooth, fluid motion between notes and add to the song’s lead guitar phrasing. Learning to execute slides cleanly will improve your legato playing and help you connect different parts of a solo seamlessly.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for maintaining speed and accuracy in fast-paced rock songs. This technique is used in the song’s riffs and solo sections to keep the notes crisp and articulate. Mastering alternate picking will improve your picking-hand control and help you play more efficiently.

The Guitarists Behind Heaven’s On Fire

The lead guitar on Heaven’s On Fire was played by Mark St. John, who joined KISS in 1984. Known for his technical proficiency and fast, fluid playing style, St. John brought a more intricate approach to KISS’s sound during his brief tenure with the band. His work on Heaven’s On Fire showcases a blend of classic rock power and advanced lead techniques, making it a great learning opportunity for guitarists looking to expand their skill set.

Mark St. John was heavily influenced by players like Eddie Van Halen, incorporating flashy techniques such as rapid alternate picking and fluid legato runs. His impact on Heaven’s On Fire gives the song a slightly more refined and virtuosic edge while maintaining the signature KISS attitude.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Below is a list of the key guitar techniques you’ll learn in our Heaven’s On Fire lesson. Click on each technique to explore more about them:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Alternate Picking

If you’re looking to master classic rock guitar playing, learning Heaven’s On Fire will provide you with essential techniques that will elevate your skills. Head over to LickLibrary.com to dive into the lesson and start rocking like KISS today!