Ex. 1 Parasite Intro Riff |---------------------------| |---------------------------| |---------------------------| |---------------------------| |---1-2-3---3-3-3-----------|
Repeat the exercise two times.
2. Outro Riff: Parasite
The outro showcases Ace’s love for simple, driving power chords and repeating motifs.
Ex. 2 Parasite Outro |---5-----5-----5-----------| |-3-3---3-3---3-3-----------| |---6---1-1---1-1---2-------|
Repeat the riff to build your timing and precision.
3. Lead Guitar Phrasing
Ace’s solos are melodic yet explosive. Try this exercise to master his lead guitar phrasing:
Ex. 3 Lead Solo Example |-5---5--7-7----------------| |-5---5--5-5--3-------------| |-3---3----3-4-5--5-3-4-5--5|
4. Riffs and Bends
Ace’s signature licks often include expressive bends and compact pentatonic runs.
Ex. 4 Ace Lead Lick |-3--3-5--5-3-5-------------| |--2-3-5--------------------| |-3-------------------------|
5. Shock Me: Bending for Expression
Ace mastered the art of bending notes for emotional effect—a technique you’ll hear in “Shock Me”.
Ex. 5 Shock Me Lick |-2---2---------------------| |-3--2-2--3--2-2------------| |-2--2-2--2--2-2------------| |-0--2-2--0--2-2------------| |-----0-0-----0-0-----------| |-----2/b-2/b---------------|
(“b” means bend)
Ace’s Pentatonic Power
Ace loved using the E minor pentatonic scale both for rhythm and blistering solos. Here are the notes:
- E, G, A, B, D
Try playing this scale shape, and you’ll be one step closer to Ace’s style!
Ex. 6 E Minor Pentatonic Scale (12th Fret) |--------------------------- |--------------------------- |-----------------------12-14- |----------------12-14-------- |-----------12-14------------- |------12-15------------------ -----------12-15------------| -12-15----------------------| --------------------------| --------------------------| --------------------------| --------------------------|
E6 Continued -15-12-----------| ------15-12------| -----------14-12-| -----------------| -----------------| -----------------| E6 Continued -----------------| -----------------| -----------------| -14-12-----------| ------14-12------| -----------15-15-|
Ace often used this scale in the solo for “Love Gun”—a great place to start if you’re practicing his lead work.
Lead Guitar Licks and Solos
Ace’s go-to solo moves use classic pentatonic boxes with expressive bends. Here are some lead licks to add to your toolkit:
Ex. 8 Basic Ace Lead Guitar Licks |--5---5---5---5-----------| |--5---5---5---5-----------| |-7/b-7/b-7/b-7/b----------|
Ex.9 Part Of Aces go to Guitar Solo ------5-----6----7------8---- ----5-----6----7------8------ -7/b--8/b-9/b-10/b----------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Ex.9 Continued. -------9--------10-----11---- -----9------10------11------- -11/b-12/b-13/b-------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Ex. 9 Continued ---------12-------13----14---------15-- -----12-------13----14---------15------ -14/b-------15/b--16/b-------17/b------ --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Ex.9 Continued. -----------15-------------15------------15-| ------15-------------15------------15------| -17/b---------17/b-------------17/b--------| -------------------------------------------| -------------------------------------------| -------------------------------------------|
How to Practice Ace’s Style
- Play along with the “Kiss Alive” album—Ace’s work is a masterclass in classic rock lead guitar.
- Master the pentatonic scale. If you know this, you’re halfway to playing like Ace.
- Focus on phrasing and bends. It’s not just about speed; it’s about soul.
Final Thoughts & Tribute
Ace Frehley touched countless lives with his innovative playing, infectious energy, and creative spirit. I was grateful to meet him earlier this year and to witness firsthand the humility and passion behind the legend. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, studying Ace’s techniques and riffs will deepen your understanding of rock guitar—and remind you why we play in the first place.
Have fun, and keep Ace’s legacy alive every time you plug in and play. R.I.P., Ace Frehley
A Tribute to Ace Frehley: Legendary Guitarist, Lifelong Inspiration
Last month, the world lost a true guitar legend: Ace Frehley. For me—and for countless others—Ace wasn’t just a musician; he was the reason I picked up a guitar as a young kid in Upper Michigan in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Today, I want to share a tribute and lesson on Ace’s iconic lead guitar style, celebrating his riffs, pentatonic licks, signature bends, and legendary sustain.
Earlier this year, I was blessed to meet Ace in person, and I even handed him a slide made by my own company. Rest in peace, Ace Frehley. You inspired generations, and your music lives on.
Ace Frehley’s Signature Techniques
Ace’s playing combined raw power, melodic phrasing, and emotional intensity. Let’s break down some of his hallmark techniques so you can weave a little of his magic into your own playing.
1. Classic Riffs: Parasite
Ace’s intro riff for “Parasite” is instantly recognizable and encapsulates his punchy, rhythmic approach. Practice the riff as transcribed below:
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