Learn to Play "I Was Made For Lovin' You" by KISS

Unleash your inner rock star with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS, available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This iconic rock-disco hybrid from 1979 is an electrifying track that’s not only fun to play but also packed with essential guitar techniques every guitarist should have in their arsenal. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your skills or an advanced player polishing your style, this lesson breaks down each section of the song in detail — from the punchy rhythm work to the melodic lead lines. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song & Guitar Work

Originally featured on KISS’s Dynasty album, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” stands out as one of the band's most commercially successful and stylistically unique songs. Fusing rock guitar elements with a disco groove, it challenged traditional genre boundaries. The guitar work in this track is a masterclass in balancing power chords with funk-infused rhythms, subtle lead licks, and tone control.

The main riff drives the groove with a tight, rhythmically controlled feel, supporting a lush harmony and infectious vocal melody. As the song progresses, layered guitars build tension and release, culminating in a memorable solo that’s tasteful rather than flashy — proving that sometimes less truly is more.

Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

Our lesson for “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” covers several core guitar techniques that help shape your sound, improve your control, and boost your overall musicality. Here's a breakdown of the techniques focused on in this lesson and how they benefit you as a guitarist.

Power Chords

Used throughout the verse and chorus sections, power chords give the song its punchy, rhythmic drive. Learning to play power chords cleanly and accurately will strengthen your fretting hand and improve your ability to lock in with a rhythm section — a must-have skill for any rock guitarist.

Palm Muting

The verses feature tight palm-muted riffs that contribute to the dynamic flow of the track. Mastering palm muting not only adds texture to your playing but also sharpens your rhythmic precision and control over note separation.

Slides

The pre-chorus and fills throughout the song use slides to transition between chord shapes and lead phrases smoothly. This technique helps you develop fluid movement across the fretboard and adds a vocal-like quality to your playing.

String Bending

While the solo in “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” isn’t overly technical, it incorporates tasteful string bending to create emotional expression and melodic tension. Perfecting your bends improves your pitch accuracy and enhances your soloing vocabulary.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

These two essential techniques appear in the song's lead sections, enabling smoother and more legato phrases. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs increases your finger independence and speed, making your lead lines sound more fluid and connected.

Vibrato

The solo ends with expressive vibrato, an important technique for adding sustain and emotional depth to your notes. A well-executed vibrato helps distinguish your phrasing style and gives your solos a professional touch.

Chord Progressions

The harmonic structure of the song follows classic rock chord progressions with a twist of disco flavor. Studying these progressions enhances your understanding of songwriting and harmonic movement, enabling you to compose and improvise more effectively.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

While KISS is often associated with spectacle and theatricality, their musicianship shouldn’t be underestimated. The studio version of “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” features Paul Stanley on rhythm guitar and vocals, with session legend Vinnie Poncia overseeing production. While lead guitar on the track has often been attributed to Bob Kulick, Paul Stanley’s rhythm parts drive the song’s groove-heavy sections.

Paul Stanley’s rhythm playing showcases his tight, controlled technique and pop-rock sensibility, emphasizing musical feel over technical flash. Bob Kulick, known for his session work and melodic phrasing, brings tasteful lead lines that balance perfectly with the song's danceable rock vibe.

Both players reflect the versatility and professionalism that shaped KISS’s evolution into mainstream rock legends, making them influential figures in rhythm and lead guitar playing alike.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of the key techniques taught in our lesson for “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”. Click each link to learn more about the technique:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Chord Progressions

Unlock the full lesson now at LickLibrary.com and take your guitar playing to the next level with a song that blends attitude, groove, and iconic guitar work. Whether you're jamming in your room or performing on stage, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” will become a cornerstone of your repertoire.