"Rock Bottom" by Kiss: Guitar Lesson

The Basics: Chords and Scales

When it comes to classic rock anthems that have defined an era, "Rock Bottom" by KISS from their iconic album 'Alive!' stands as a testament to guitar craftsmanship. The song is rooted in the key of A minor, featuring a mix of power chords and barre chords. You've got the standard A5, G5, and D5 power chords, but there's also the introduction of more complex shapes like Cadd9 and G/B. These chords add an extra layer of harmonic complexity that contrasts well with the straightforward rock feel of the song.

The scales in "Rock Bottom" primarily revolve around the A minor pentatonic, though there are moments where the natural minor and blues scales make an appearance. It's a great study in how to utilise different scales to add colour and emotion to a rock song without complicating the fundamental groove.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The guitar solo in "Rock Bottom," played by the band's lead guitarist Ace Frehley, is an epitome of classic rock soloing. The solo starts off using phrases from the A minor pentatonic scale but quickly escalates into a flurry of legato runs, double-stop bends, and a generous amount of vibrato. The dynamic shifts in the solo make it compelling—a rollercoaster of fast runs and slow, emotive bends.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Frehley's approach is how he mixes up techniques. He might start a phrase with alternate picking and smoothly transition into a legato run. This not only keeps the listener engaged but adds a level of unpredictability to the solo, something that Frehley is known for.

Ace Frehley: The Man Behind the Guitar

Ace Frehley is a master of many things, but subtlety is not one of them. He embodies the rock star persona, both on stage and through his guitar playing. His tone is as big as his stage presence—crunchy and full-bodied, primarily achieved using vintage Les Paul guitars through high-wattage Marshall amplifiers. The thing that sets him apart is his ability to use advanced techniques effortlessly, within the framework of KISS's generally straightforward, hard-rocking style. This is not to suggest that KISS's music is simple, but rather that Frehley has a knack for inserting complex guitar work into songs without undermining their foundational rock vibe.

Guitar Techniques Used:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Double-Stop Bends
5. Power Chords
6. Barre Chords
7. Chord Progressions
8. Hammer-Ons
9. Pull-Offs

For aspiring guitarists, "Rock Bottom" is an indispensable tune that encapsulates the essence of classic rock. Its combination of foundational chords and scales with advanced techniques provides a rewarding learning experience. Ace Frehley's distinctive style and penchant for infusing complex techniques into the fabric of KISS's straightforward rock ethos make him a fascinating guitarist to study, and this song is no exception. If you can grasp the range of techniques used here, not only will you expand your technical prowess, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of how to blend the melodic with the technical in the realm of rock guitar. Danny Gill breaks down this classic live album track.