Learn to Play “Love Gun” by KISS

Get ready to plug in, crank up your amp, and dive into one of the most iconic hard rock anthems of the '70s with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Love Gun” by KISS. This LickLibrary lesson breaks down every riff, lick, and solo, staying faithful to the original recording and offering you the tools to master a true classic. Whether you're a long-time KISS fan or just starting your journey into rock guitar, this lesson is packed with valuable techniques that will elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About “Love Gun” and Its Guitar Legacy

Released in 1977 on the album of the same name, “Love Gun” stands as a pillar of KISS’s explosive rock sound. The track is a showcase of stadium-ready guitar riffs, searing leads, and tight rhythmic interplay that typifies the glam-infused hard rock style of the era. It's catchy, punchy, and demands attitude – perfect for players looking to sharpen their edge and performance presence.

About the Guitarists – Ace Frehley’s Impact

The guitar work on “Love Gun” was delivered by Ace Frehley, KISS’s original lead guitarist and a defining influence on rock and metal players for generations. Frehley’s playing is known for its raw tone, melodic phrasing, and show-stopping solos that blend blues-based licks with explosive rock bravado. He brought a fiery personality to his solos, making them sing just as much as they shred. Learning Frehley’s parts will not only expand your technical vocabulary but also teach you how to inject style and emotion into your own playing.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

This LickLibrary lesson goes deep into the core of “Love Gun,” covering every section from the main riffs to the lead guitar solo. Each passage is broken down slowly, clearly, and in manageable chunks so that guitarists of all levels can follow along. More than just learning the notes, you'll understand why certain techniques are used and how they shape the sound of the song.

Techniques Covered in “Love Gun”

Power Chords

Power chords are the driving force behind the track's punchy, aggressive rhythm guitar parts. Learning how to play tight and controlled power chords will boost your rhythm skills and give your playing that classic rock foundation.

String Bending

A staple of expressive lead playing, string bending features prominently in Frehley’s solo. Mastering this will help you develop pitch control and add vocal-like phrasing to your lead work.

Slides

Slides add fluidity between notes and are key to creating seamless transitions in the main riff and fills. They give your playing a more connected and polished feel.

Pull-offs and Hammer-ons

These essential legato techniques are found in the faster phrases of the solo. They help increase speed and smoothness in your playing, especially when navigating quick note runs.

Vibrato

Frequent use of vibrato gives the lead lines their character and energy. Developing a strong, controlled vibrato enhances your expressiveness and tone.

Double Stops

The song’s lead section includes tasteful double stops, adding harmonic depth and bite to solos. This technique is invaluable for players looking to fill out their sound when playing lead.

Alternate Picking

Speedy passages in the solo require efficient alternate picking, which improves your precision and stamina in both rhythm and lead playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Used to add aggression and edge to select notes, pinched harmonics are perfect for accenting key moments in your solos or riffs.

Palm Muting

A cornerstone of rock rhythm guitar, palm muting is used throughout “Love Gun” to control dynamics and give riffs a percussive, chunky attack.

Why Learning “Love Gun” Is a Great Investment for Your Playing

Tackling “Love Gun” gives guitarists an immersive experience into the elements of classic hard rock. Not only will you sharpen your chops, but you’ll also pick up techniques that are transferrable to hundreds of other songs. You’ll gain confidence in soloing, tighten up your rhythm work, and most importantly, sound awesome doing it. Whether you're gigging, jamming with friends, or just playing for fun, adding this track to your repertoire will make you a more well-rounded and dynamic guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in “Love Gun”

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Double Stops
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords

Unlock the secrets of Ace Frehley's legendary tone and technique with this must-learn track. The “Love Gun” lesson at LickLibrary isn’t just about playing the song – it’s about evolving your skills, step by step, with expert instruction that brings every note to life.