One of the most memorable quotes from Ace Frehley is, “Had I known I would inspire countless guitarists, I would have practiced more!” While he was joking, there’s a kernel of truth in the Spaceman’s statement. Ace,known for his free-spirited and party-loving nature,was never one to obsess over technical precision in his playing. Instead, he embodied a more spontaneous, instinctive approach.
“I’m always honored when fans tell me I’ve influenced them,” Frehley shared with Guitar World in September 2024. “So many musicians have approached me saying, ‘You’re the reason I picked up the guitar,’ and I’m always taken aback by that.”
Indeed,Frehley’s impact is undeniable,inspiring a diverse array of guitarists from John 5 to Tom Morello,and many others who credit him as their motivation to start playing.
While frehley may not have had the technical prowess of Eddie Van Halen or the business savvy of Paul Stanley, he possessed a unique vibe, style, and tone that set him apart. His ability to craft memorable riffs and solos has left a lasting legacy, with many aspiring musicians learning his songs in their bedrooms. Here are six standout moments that showcase his brilliance.
1. Cold Gin – KISS (1974)
Frehley’s affinity for drinking is well-documented, and one of his earliest contributions to KISS was the hard-hitting anthem Cold gin, a perfect fit for raucous singalongs in biker bars.
While rumors circulated that he recorded with an Ovation Breadwinner for the 1974 album,Frehley clarified that he primarily used a red double-cut Epiphone Coronet,similar to the one played by Steve Marriott of the Small Faces.
The iconic riff for Cold Gin reportedly came to Frehley while riding the subway to a rehearsal, and the rest is now part of rock history.
2. Strange Ways – Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Strange Ways features one of Frehley’s most aggressive solos, characterized by its heavy, psychedelic sound.The energy of the performance captures the essence of a wild guitarist, wielding a Gibson Les Paul in front of a roaring Marshall amp, letting the feedback resonate as he plays with abandon.
By this time, Frehley was using his beloved ’73 Tobacco burst Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, outfitted with DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups. This setup allowed him to unleash what Gene Simmons famously dubbed Frehley’s ”dinosaur bends,” culminating in a frenetic and powerful solo.
3. Parasite – Hotter Than Hell
From the same album,Parasite showcases Frehley’s songwriting prowess,even though he initially hesitated to sing. Rather, he let his guitar express the song’s emotions.
This track became a live favorite for KISS until 1976 and made a comeback in the ’90s when Frehley rejoined the band. After his departure in 2002, it became a staple of his solo performances, where he confidently took on the vocal duties.
Musically, Parasite stands out as one of KISS’s heaviest tracks, featuring a crushing riff and an exhilarating solo that highlights Frehley’s unique approach to shredding, characterized by rapid movements across the fretboard.
4. Deuce – Alive! (1975)
The outro solo from Deuce perfectly encapsulates the essence of early KISS and Frehley’s style. While the studio version featured a fading solo, the live rendition from Alive! showcases Frehley unleashing his guitar prowess in a packed arena.
Witnessing him perform this solo live is an unforgettable experience,as he immerses himself in the music,delivering a raw and powerful performance with his ’73 Les Paul Deluxe.
5. Shock Me – Love Gun (1977)
Frehley may not have been known for his technical focus, but he crafted memorable solos that adhered to the “song within a song” philosophy. shock Me marks his debut as a lead vocalist and features a catchy, repetitive riff that leads into a solo that feels like it bursts forth from his amp.
As he explained in a 2024 interview with Guitar World, the solo emerged from Frehley “emptying his head.” He recorded the rhythm parts with a Fender Stratocaster but switched to his Les Paul for the solo, all while plugged into a cranked-up 100-watt Marshall amp.
6. Rocket Ride – alive II (1977)
While Frehley’s technicality may have been questioned, Rocket Ride showcases a different side of his playing. Featured on the studio cuts of alive II, the song includes a distinctive flange effect, a departure from his usual sound.
The mid-song solo may not be technically complex, but Frehley’s use of a wah pedal adds a unique flavor. The concluding solo, though, reveals a more focused side of Frehley as he taps into his blues roots, delivering an expressive and captivating performance.
Shredding legends: Ace Frehley’s Top 6 Unforgettable Guitar Moments with KISS
Ace Frehley,the legendary guitarist of KISS,is known for his electrifying performances and iconic riffs that have inspired countless musicians. His unique style and approach to guitar playing have left an indelible mark on rock music. Here,we delve into six of Ace Frehley’s most unforgettable guitar moments with KISS,highlighting the tracks that showcase his talent and creativity.
1. Cold gin – KISS (1974)
Album: KISS (1974)
Key Features:
- Hard-hitting riff perfect for singalongs
- Frehley’s signature sound with a red Epiphone Coronet
- Inspired by a subway ride to rehearsal
One of Frehley’s earliest contributions to KISS,Cold Gin is a quintessential drinking anthem that resonates with fans. The riff, which Frehley conceived while riding the subway, has become a staple in rock bars, showcasing his knack for catchy melodies.The song’s hard-hitting nature and singalong potential make it a fan favorite.
2. Strange Ways – Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Album: Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Key Features:
- Heavy, psychedelic solo
- utilizes a ’73 tobacco Burst Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
- Characterized by Frehley’s “dinosaur bends”
Strange Ways features one of Frehley’s most aggressive solos, marked by its heavy and psychedelic sound. The performance captures the essence of a wild guitarist, letting loose with his Gibson Les Paul. Frehley’s unique bends and frenetic energy create a memorable listening experience that showcases his raw talent.
3. Parasite – Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Album: Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Key Features:
- Heavy proto-metal riff
- Frehley’s guitar takes center stage
- Live staple for KISS and Frehley’s solo performances
Written by Frehley, parasite is a powerful track that highlights his songwriting skills. The song features a crushing riff and an exhilarating solo that showcases Frehley’s unique approach to shredding. It became a concert staple for KISS and later for Frehley’s solo performances, where he confidently took on the vocal duties.
4. Deuce – Alive! (1975)
Album: Alive! (1975)
Key Features:
- Iconic outro solo
- Live performance showcases Frehley’s energy
- Signature sound with a 100-watt Marshall amp
The outro solo from Deuce epitomizes the essence of early KISS and Frehley’s style. The live version from Alive! showcases Frehley unleashing his guitar prowess in a packed arena. His ability to immerse himself in the music while delivering a powerful performance is a testament to his skill and charisma as a performer.
5. Shock Me – Love Gun (1977)
Album: love Gun (1977)
Key Features:
- Frehley’s first lead vocal performance
- Catchy riff leading into a powerful solo
- Recorded with a fender strat and Les Paul
Shock Me marks Frehley’s debut as a lead vocalist and features a catchy, repetitive riff that leads into a solo that feels like it bursts forth from his amp. The song showcases Frehley’s ability to create memorable solos while maintaining a strong melodic structure,making it a standout track in the KISS catalog.
6. Rocket Ride – Alive II (1977)
Album: Alive II (1977)
Key features:
- Unique flange effect in the riff
- Mid-song solo with wah pedal
- Expressive end solo reflecting blues roots
Rocket Ride showcases a different side of Frehley’s playing, featuring a distinctive flange effect that adds depth to the track. The mid-song solo, while not technically complex, highlights Frehley’s creativity as he employs a wah pedal to create a unique sound. The concluding solo reveals a more focused side of Frehley, tapping into his blues roots and delivering an expressive performance.
Benefits of Ace Frehley’s Guitar Style
- Inspiration: Frehley’s approach encourages aspiring guitarists to embrace their individuality.
- Catchy Melodies: His ability to craft memorable riffs makes songs accessible and enjoyable.
- Expressive Playing: Frehley’s emotive solos resonate with listeners, enhancing the overall musical experience.
Practical Tips for aspiring Guitarists
- Embrace Your Style: Don’t be afraid to develop your unique sound and approach to playing.
- Focus on Melody: Create catchy riffs that stick with listeners.
- Experiment with Effects: Use pedals like wah and flange to add depth to your sound.
Case study: Ace Frehley’s Influence on Modern Guitarists
| Guitarist |
Influence from Frehley |
| John 5 |
Inspired by Frehley’s riffs and stage presence. |
| Tom Morello |
Admires frehley’s creativity and unique sound. |
| Marty Friedman |
Credits Frehley for his melodic approach to solos. |
| Richie kotzen |
Inspired by Frehley’s improvisational style. |
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong KISS fan, witnessing Ace Frehley perform live is an unforgettable experience. The energy he brings to the stage, combined with his iconic guitar solos, creates an electric atmosphere that resonates with fans. His ability to connect with the audience while delivering powerful performances is a testament to his status as a rock legend.
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