"Watchin' You" by Kiss: Guitar Lesson

Chord Progressions and Scales

Danny Gill digs into the nuts and bolts of "Watchin' You" by Kiss, a quintessential song off their 'Alive!' album. The song primarily relies on a bluesy pentatonic structure but adds color with the use of dominant chords, which really define its character. You'll primarily see E, A, and B chords played throughout, using bluesy licks and riffs to give the song its signature grit. It's in the key of E, so the E Minor Pentatonic scale fits beautifully for most of the riff-based work. You might even catch hints of the E Mixolydian mode when those dominant chords pop up.

Lead Guitar and Solo Analysis

When talking about the guitar in this track, Ace Frehley's work is what catches the ear. The lead guitarist's impact can't be understated, as he adds layers of complexity that transform the song into a rock 'n' roll manifesto. Frehley's solo is more structured than it may first appear; it starts off with fast runs and intense bends, making extensive use of the Minor Pentatonic scale. His phrasing is terrific and the dynamics are carefully controlled, going from full-throttle intensity to more subdued moments. The solo does not shy away from chromaticism, adding passing notes to create tension before resolving them with grace. His tone, that mix of crunch and clarity, is worthy of a lesson in itself.

Ace Frehley's Playing Style

Ace Frehley's style is raw and energetic, but it's also thoughtful. His use of vibrato is signature, and he's a player who knows when to let a note ring out and breathe. He embraces several techniques that, when combined, serve to create a sonic landscape that's complex yet accessible. Frehley is a master of conveying emotion through his guitar, and "Watchin' You" is a perfect example of his prowess.

Guitar Techniques

Alright, now the part you've been waiting for: the techniques used in this iconic song. There's a lot to unpack, so let's dive in.

• Vibrato: The soul of any note lies in its vibrato, and Frehley utilises this to add emotion and depth to his leads.
• Alternate Picking: Speed and precision are the hallmarks of this technique, and it is used extensively in the solo's fast runs.
• Legato: Smooth transitions between notes are achieved through hammer-ons and pull-offs.
• Unison Bends: These are used to add a vocal-like quality to the solo, as two strings are played but one is bent to match the pitch of the other.
• Harmonics: Natural harmonics are occasionally sprinkled in for added texture and flair.
• Power Chords: The backbone of the song's rhythm, giving it that chunky rock feel.
• Palm Muting: Used in the verses to create a chuggy rhythm section beneath the vocals.
• Slides: Frehley employs slides to effortlessly move between frets, adding fluidity to his phrases.
• String Bending: A key technique for adding expressiveness, particularly in the solo section.

Hyperlinked Techniques for Easy Reference

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Unison Bends
• Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending

"Watchin' You" by Kiss is a masterclass in rock guitar, and there's something in there for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned player. This song encapsulates the raw energy and technical prowess that define Ace Frehley as one of the genre's most influential guitarists.