"She" by Kiss: Guitar Lesson

The song "She" by KISS, especially in its live version from the 'Alive!' album, offers an adrenaline-pumping journey that resonates well with rock fans and guitarists alike. The band's lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, has been widely acknowledged for his raw power and straightforward yet melodic approach to guitar playing. In "She," Ace brings a lot of these elements to the forefront. Danny Gill demonstrates all the nuances of this classic album track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Chords and Scales

"She" is predominantly based on basic rock chord structures, making extensive use of power chords. These are often rooted in E, A, and B — the quintessential building blocks of rock music.

The song predominantly revolves around the E minor pentatonic scale. This is a common scale in rock music, and Ace uses it both for the song's rhythm and the blistering solo. While the pentatonic is the primary scale, there are moments of modal interplay, specifically the usage of the Mixolydian mode, which gives some passages a bluesy flair.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo section is where Ace Frehley really shines. He starts off with a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs, gradually ascending the E minor pentatonic scale. What makes it unique is his touch and feel. Ace doesn't overly complicate his solos; they are melodically rich and serve the song rather than overshadow it.

He uses plenty of bends, especially whole-step bends, to add emotional weight to his phrases. These are often punctuated with subtle vibratos, making each note sing. A distinguishing feature is the use of double-stops, often sliding into them for added emphasis.

About halfway into the solo, Ace throws in some tapped harmonics, a technique not overly common in the KISS repertoire but very effective in adding sonic variety to the solo. He ends his solo with a series of rapid alternate picking licks, diving down to the lower end of the fretboard, providing a solid conclusion.

Ace Frehley and His Signature Style

Ace Frehley’s playing, particularly in this song, is a fantastic representation of his style. Known for his straightforward, no-frills approach, Ace focuses on melody and raw power. He's not one to sweep-pick through arpeggios or blaze through modes; he prefers pentatonic-based licks, heavy riffs, and solos that speak more in phrases than in intricate patterns. This approach makes "She" accessible for beginner and intermediate players while still offering nuanced techniques for more advanced guitarists to study and appreciate.

List of Techniques Used in "She"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Tapped Harmonics
• String Bending

Overall, "She" is a classic track that brings together many elements of Ace Frehley's signature guitar style. From the rich blend of power chords and pentatonic licks to the emotive solo, it serves as a masterclass in rock guitar that players of all levels can appreciate. Whether you're new to the world of KISS or a seasoned rock veteran, there's something in this track for everyone.