Ace Frehley of KISS | Guitar Moves Interview

You know what a dinosaur bend is? The God Ace Frehley of KISS gave it up for Sweeney at Electric Lady Studios. In a few short minutes, we began to learn how the guitarist helped establish KISS as one of the most recognizable rock bands of the last 50 years. The best part might be how giddy Matt Sweeney gets to play guitar with one of his childhood idols. He’s freaking.
Original air date: September 22, 2016
Matt Sweeney, host of Guitar Moves, is an NYC based producer (Joanna Sternberg “I’ve Got Me”) and composer (Superwolves, Chavez, Red Dead Redemption 2). His guitar playing can be heard on records by Adele, Johnny Cash, Endless Boogie, Neil Diamond, Cat Stevens, The Desert Sessions, Iggy Pop, Tinariwen.
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[@boomgoodPrime]

A little ashamed to say this episode, when originally posted, got me into KISS. I'm glad it finally happened

[@user-pl7lr5dn8q]

onlu the albums with ace are really worth it anyways

[@curtkrone8214]

No shame there. We all find our way to Ace in our own way. All that matters is getting there.

[@brandon1351]

@@user-pl7lr5dn8qidk Lick it up, Asylum, creatures of the night, animalize go alright

[@lanceash]

?????????????????????????????????????

[@xwhite2020]

Nothing to be ashamed about. Kiss is extremely pure rock music. Sure they chased the musical fashions at times and they missed the mark ocasionally but there's some real gold in the big messy discography.

[@theebigjoe]

watching Ace Frehley play Deuce is like watching Moses part the Red Sea.

[@jamesvincent1434]

Without all the drowning Romans💀of course

[@rockthesix1679]

A plumber that doesn't know what he is doing on guitar is the best thing ever. ACE is the real sound of KISS. Dressed to kill is about right...

[@shaem482]

I love uncle ace, I don't care what anyone says about his playing ability or this and that, he's just so fucking great

[@lanceash]

"Uncle Ace." like it.

[@neart2810]

People can say whatever they want about his playing but it sure worked out for him. He even admits he doesnt know what he is doing. Also he influenced alot of guitar players. I think he rocks the hell out of a guitar

[@Francesco0987]

More better then Slash on that Gibson. He really rocks!

[@lboog0907]

@@Francesco0987I would say in his prime w Kiss yes but now he’s still but not as good as the 70s-90s slash still plays well for his age with lots of soul

[@Muppio]

The genuine excitement coming from Matt is so pure

[@P3t3rPizzarelli]

You're right it's so pure and wholesome such an epic big chungus moment that I didn't know I needed but I'm all for it

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5yqqImjbN9kmLcsi=GzcVR9LWEFbZIojO

[@seanstewart8943]

lol i know, he gets so excited for deuce!

[@alan22470]

​@@seanstewart8943Deuce is such an epic first song. Possibly the best debut song from a band, ever. What a statement!

[@beau-2222]

He's so giddy it's almost contagious.

[@sage1682]

I love how Ace isn't shy about grabbing a guitar and playing to show us whats up, where other artists will just wanna talk and barely touch the guitar

[@jondodauno]

Him and dean ween were the best guests. Very down to earth cool ass dudes

[@gamby16a]

Ace is sloppy and a ton of Instagram room rockers have better technique, but Ace is Ace and he's the one who played all that stuff that influenced generations of guitarists. I'm not even a big fan, but i loved seeing him playing up close, talking shop. Fantastic segment.

[@RememberTheRegs]

Same. I've never been a Kiss fan. But recently I've seen a fair few interviews with Ace and he always comes across as down to earth yet no nonsense.

[@daeds.paints]

Exactly my thoughts, most stuff nowadays is too perfect and sterile, to be honest. Not even interesting to the ears. Long live the kings!

[@keenanwhitham4920]

So true! Honestly, though I find sloppy/sleazy playing paired with great riffs and solos has this humanistic vibe to it no-one can replicate, every little noise and imperfection gives rock it's soul and character. Everyone seems to be fascinated with trying to be this technical guitar wizard with inhuman accuracy nowadays. I mean it's Rock N' Roll for fuck sake, not a modern bubblegum pop concert.

[@RememberTheRegs]

​@@keenanwhitham4920 @daeds.paints Compeltely agree there. It's like someone's unique inflections when they speak. Without those, a conversation would be bland, boring and devoid of any emotion or human quality. All that is missing froma lot of music today. There's no character or personality. I notcied that with my own guitar playing. I was trying to be 'perfect' but then what's the point if your own character and style doesn't come through?

[@aleksik4028]

Some stuff needs that "sloppines".

[@CalTheDamned]

This is probably my favourite guitar moves just wish it was longer.

[@theeclectic6015]

People who say Ace is sloppy and some youtube guitar players are cleaner, I have this to say - maybe, but the KZbinrs didn't make up the songs or the riffs. Kiss also wasn't autotuned. Its the creativity of the greats. People are still learning to play while playing their songs. None of these youtube guitarists will be able to say that in 20 years. You literally can't believe anything your ears hear nowadays. I keep telling my kids that EVERYONE in the band actually played their instruments and someone, or someones in the group actually wrote their songs. They didn't just play covers or some studios back catalog while getting autotuned. They aren't some cute girl or boy band found by a marketer first, then the sterile music was created later. They fought and scratched to become great.

[@elwinamaya1889]

Ace’s picking movements are so wild!

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5yqqImjbN9kmLcsi=GzcVR9LWEFbZIojO

[@ottomattix86]

Ace needs more credit. Plain and simple. He absolutely blew my ears off in 08. Caught a stick from the drummer too.

[@ReeseChown]

I adore his sloppy "falling down the stairs" type flow, it's not endless notes crammed into a bar of music. Great unintentional harmonics too

[@robertedwards3822]

I love how ace is so unpretentious. “I don’t know what I’m doing” some guys after they got famous would be trying to put on how great they are but he’s just like I don’t really know the language and I never really learned the right way to play. That is classic. Considering probably my top six favorite guitar solos in my life are from Ace! I am firmly of the opinion that if he hadn’t come along, kiss would’ve been an average band. The magic and alchemy of the four guys in kiss is just one of those magical things that comes along by pure chance. Without ace, there’s no kiss.

[@Alchemister5]

I have never been a KISS fan but I love this interview. Guitar Moves reminds me of learning guitar with my friends growing up.

[@tito.tarantula]

So many famous guitarists admit to "winging it" and not really knowing what they are doing (in a music theory sense)... proof that being musical takes creativity and exploration. Book smarts are good, but playing what you feel is gooder.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Both approaches work, but the best is the merging of the two worlds. .. of which there is plenty of proof of thru time.

[@blastofo]

Theres something called the Berklee curse. If you study music theory for 4 years and get a music degree, you’re cursed to never make it in a band.

[@deanadams2656]

Why can’t Ace play like this now??!? This was really good

[@crispyrobot77]

Matt CONGRATS Bro! The opportunity to play/jam with Ace Frehley (the Ace who launched a Thousand Guitars) is a dream come true that we fellow guitarists will live vicariously through you. TY! Although KI** is done, Ace is just getting started.

[@jnixo9900]

I could listen to this "SLOPPY" style of playing all day long and pick up little bits and pieces. So much more interesting than perfect playing.

[@warshipsatin8764]

jimmy page was sloppy too and is the best rock and roll guitarist of all time imo

[@nicholascarroll8304]

This is pure unadulterated joy incarnate.

[@MickOBrien-MOB]

The Ace is King. Listening and watching him play is like his own language.

[@traviswyant75]

This is such an incredible moment for Matt and it shows, love it!

[@PMC47]

Thanks for reposting Matt. I watched this one a pile of times on the old channel. Ace was my first guitar hero back in the 70s. Mvp of his old band🤘

[@jacobkochutin1436]

Oh man you played Deuce with Ace Frehley...holy shit! 🤘

[@danknight3557]

This was f***n fantastic please don't stop making these videos dude❤ these legends aren't going to be around forever we need as much wisdom as we can get it's so beautiful to see thank you 😍

[@nickhughesorlando]

Great content. KISS fans thank you. I’m 28 and kiss transcends any generational gap

[@MarshallPust]

Boy, Ace really was getting you a couple minutes in; by the end he has having a blast! Matt, you are a treasure

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5yqqImjbN9kmLcsi=GzcVR9LWEFbZIojO

[@oyemimelaza]

I have a Cheshire Cat grin on my face as I'm just finding out about this episode having been made. Can't believe I missed it somehow, unless it's only being uploaded now. Thank you Matt. Long live the real Ace of Spades.

[@ae-ns7dl]

I don't know what im doing - Everyone felt that

[@scaredypicker]

I'm just so so glad they brought this channel back man

[@howardcox2918]

Born in 72,in the KISS Army by 77,Ace was my first poster. The KISS Dynasty album came with s poster,that was my 2nd poster.

[@shable1436]

Ace is the place for the helpful guitar fan😂 Seriously though everyones favorite kiss member, but those pinch harmonics he did was done several years prior by Joe Walsh in funk#49.

[@lanterns]

Ace may or may not realize that he is embracing the "beginner's mind" approach and by doing so has unlocked the secret to being original while also experiencing joy. His mantra "I don't even know what I'm doing!" is Zen to the core.

[@PRADtapes]

These should definitely be longer

[@spiralflash6169]

I’ve watched this video many times, and it’s one of my favorites, because it’s all about Ace’s technique and because Matt is so excited! 😂❤🎸

[@aidanrojas9650]

Nobody does interviews like Matt from Guitar Moves. I love these so much ,keep them coming!!

[@Modernaire]

10:21 beamed into Ace’s head. There’s an interview video of Eddie Van Halen also describing where he gets musical ideas that they seem to just come from… Above. Any looks up in points as if to suggest that it’s coming from a higher power. Other artists even Michael Jackson I know don’t throw any shoes at me. I’m just saying he also described Music like it coming from God and arriving to him. As a creative professional, I’ve experienced in my line of work, a sort of stream of creativity that it’s almost like I’ve reached a level where it flows and then continuously flows and it feels like it’s coming from the beyond. And I am the same way. It’s just a creative personality a certain type where when you work, you work hard and it just all comes to you and then the channels open up and then you may like not do anything for like three weeks to a month or two and then again and you give it your all. How cool is that that Ace is that way he’s just that way! This ace interview is fantastic thank you!🤩

[@crispyrobot77]

Gotta love Ace. Still one of the HOTTEST guitar solos I've ever heard is Ace's solo from "Strange Ways" from "Hotter Than Hell" (1974). Ace's Guitar Solos are Timeless however our time on this Earth is limited. While many people attempt to create tutorials of Ace's guitar solos, very FEW get it right. Ace, if you are listening man, please create a KZbin Series of Tutorials for your Favorite Solos to share with the World. Especially for the Strange Ways solo that NONE of the tutorials I've seen are 100% faithful to your work (most of them lose it after the "dinosaur bend"). Although, KISS has "gone out" with a whimper, YOU can go out with a BANG. Ace, only YOU can prevent Guitar Fires.. and make great Guitar Tutorials. 🎸🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ColonelSandurz]

One of my favorite episodes. Thank you! I love it when they play Shock Me.

[@pourtaghi]

“How’s it go?” 😂

[@bello_bellissimo]

Only three fingers to drop a shooting star I love Ace😭

[@drdrofub4544]

Matt, everything you do kicks ass, but this ep pairs with the Dean Ween episode for being perfectly complementary but completely different style/career-wise. Thank you for the great work of letting these players shine 💪

[@zjs3157]

Man they should’ve kept it going with deuces they both struck lightning for a moment there. Matt’s excitement got my adrenaline going.

[@magnusvanttinen7855]

This is so genuine. The king- Mr Frehley. The Best. Thanks for sharing this

[@darylfish5686]

this is a great episode, ace is such a sweetheart

[@joeykane8628]

His picking hand is nuts

[@johnnypasta9426]

So stoked to be seeing all these videos again! Reminding me of a lot of great lessons 🤘

[@lamontprospect9974]

I never realized what a great guitarist he was. In my opinion, he's the best part of kiss, always was, and always will be. Is incredibly fast and yet he's so humble. This is an amazing interview great job. 🕊️🙏❤️

[@hieronymous7]

Wow - great interview! Private lesson with Ace Frehley - well done! "Singable solos" - great insight! And then it just keeps going! Oh yeah, great restraint when you were playing Shock Me and you didn't stop to ask how does the cool parts - it eventually breaks down but just really great job capturing some magic. So cool to see Ace in this role of teacher! Thank you so much.

[@MotoBaumVirginia]

It just got to be a dream. Come true being able to get lessons from Ace and play some rhythm parts where he solos those iconic solos over your playing. That’s just crazy.

[@jimmyamico4713]

I love Ace Fraley. I can’t wait to see him in person. Someday I am in my 60s and he inspires me to play. I want to talk to him about what Gibson Les Paul to purchase.🇺🇸❤️🤍💙💛💜🙏

[@darklight4970]

My favorite Ace interview!!!

[@Mickey69745]

I love Sweeney's maniacal laughter that he can't help during deuce. That's fucking awesome! I would do the same thing!

[@mungofinalfi4480]

Wow, those 12 minutes went by really fast! I felt like I had watched maybe 3 minutes of the whole thing when it ended. We need more Space Ace!

[@romanf7316]

Awesome interview...Ace is a legend! Get Angus Young on next!

[@dustdevil9614]

My favorite interview of a rock musician of all time

[@siufui3803]

Wow…this channel is amazing…. Happy they bring it back..

[@deztruct0823]

The amount of attitude in every note he plays is just awesome, great episode!

[@bsnf-5]

Good episode, absolute rock living legend

[@poiuytrewdfghjksa]

Glad this is back up

[@jasonrichardson8531]

Love how he goes how does it start then BAM like lightning He snaps instantly into ace of past.

[@rweckert]

That's just absolutely incredible and always was a standard upon much is built. Damn that's a f-ing great interview.

[@dfuller1391]

Man, this episode had me smiling ear to ear the while time. Fucking great stuff fella

[@patcandelora8496]

Ace sounds very lucid here! Very together. Not like he’s gargling mouthwash while talking.

[@britneyspears1932]

ACE PLEASE COME TO COLUMBUS GA PLEASE!!!!WE LOVE YOU HERE 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@Toadonthetable]

Excellent show. Every guitarist should follow Matt Sweeney.

[@kevinhlavati6285]

Wow I knew ace invented rock and roll but i didn't know he invented the toggle switch move to

[@hottdogg9000]

Best thing on KZbin right now. Matt rules.

[@projectmoon13]

Weeedala Weeedala Weeedala Weeedala Weeedala. What’s a Weeedala 😂

[@caseychomiczewski7377]

Wow!!! that was awesome!! I started playing guitar because of Ace.Thank you Ace!!

[@kalobpierson9753]

Man he shreds Ace is great I grew up with there records

[@AudiophileTubes]

GREAT 'interview'!!! ACE is GOD!!!

[@what1864]

i would describe Ace Frehley's playing style as controlled chaos , and it is magical , i assume he was plugged into the marshall in the background ?

[@drdoritoe9152]

Wish matt would make more of these amazing episodes 😅

[@kevinklampe9362]

I've really been focusing on my picking and the way I hit strings thanks to Ace ❤

[@scottromanyshyn450]

Gotta love Ace.

[@davidmerlin3344]

Ace is so unique in his playing style!

[@jimwoodard64]

I always loved Ace's reckless abandon when it comes to playing. He's not caught up in all of the perfection and just wails. That's why from the first time I heard Kiss Dressed to Kill on 8 track, I was a lifelong Kiss fan. I just wanted to rock and roll all nite and party every freaking day!

[@erikmanzano8144]

An Artistic genius will never be able to explain how they do it. They just Do it.

[@Gamevet]

Tommy Thayer didn't have to show Ace anything, when it came to the Kiss final tour he played in. Gene and Paul are full of it.

[@maria-lena5919]

Thnx for this video. It was fun watching u guys jam. 🤘

[@ClifHaley]

Look at his left hand. Look at his right hand. They're like two chickens with their heads cut off running wild and bumping into each other. And yet, they somehow sync up and it sounds badass.

[@davidbrown2945]

His guitar playing is like phil Spector's sound of wall, harmonically rich and loose and juicey

[@aldonova4082]

Awesome

[@evanherb5900]

Ace Frehley just melting in the thumbnail lmao

[@PixieintheMainframe]

By far the most interesting character in that band. I was waiting for that laugh.

[@bellycuda]

3:12 Jeeez he must of thought, THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING, what a buzz to play along with the solo!

[@kevinklampe9362]

BTW That's a much better practice amp Ace is playing on than as of recent! It's easy to misconstrue reality especially if you're trying to and it's not that funny!!This is an iconic innovative unschooled legend which speaks volumes to me because I've never been schooled in guitar terminology rather I merely learned little components via all of my genius virtuoso legendary friends who'd take the time here and there to show a few tricks now and then. Note: I wouldn't be half the guitarist I am today had it not been for them❤

[@teddykayy]

Damn, he is legit just jamming. Great vibe.

[@franktheo2055]

Weedle Weedle Weedle, the Dinosaur Bends, In a prehistoric dance, where time transcends. Its scaly hide, a relic of ancient days, Echoes secrets whispered by the sun’s warm rays. Now That Explains Rock n' Roll ! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 LOL !

[@AlexanderKnollwood]

Beautifully put, good sir

[@TempleOfTheMartyrs]

ACE IS A HUGE INFLUENCE ON OUR BAND

[@garyjackson2617]

Awesome. Ace still has "it"

[@Stevegotit]

How do you do shock me? How’s it start?

[@Randy-jz9ox]

I know man it crushed me to hear that.

[@revelry1969]

This was epic. I remember when it was first released. I learned so much here. Keep these coming. We need some new ones! You gonna get page, angus? These guys are dying. Get to em soon!!!

[@rideout5383]

"Our Father, who shreds guitar, hallowed be thy sound... Thy kingdom is, the land of KISS, on stage as it is on fire... Give us this day our daily chord, and forgive us not practicing as we forgive those that practice against us, and lead us not into complacence, but deliver us from Yngwie, for thine is the Ferrari, powerchord and Les Paul, forever and ever... This may be the most coherent, informative, professional and sober that I have ever noticed Ace at once being. As a lifelong KISS fan and student and player at music, this interview -as if it were even possible - gave me a whole new, or at least renewal, of respect for Ace. Ace Frehley, I love you forever and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have given me heart and soul musically. You have a whole Army of us pulling for you right now, please keep up this greatness because the world still needs you to shock us Snowblind, but not with the cheapest stuff! ACE is back and you told me so! Rock On, fellow soldier and Captain! Matt, congratulations on scoring this coup de grace that will quell any ACE naysayer! Thank you both!! Amen

[@monmixer]

hmm, just learned Deuce again , lol.. I did love this song.

[@jerryolivarez1344]

Rock Royalty. No Ace No Kiss. It's all about his humility towards life and guitar.

[@Nandoproductions898]

Classic! The reason I play guitar

[@user-co5us3ce7k]

Ace is a genius on guitar ❤

[@Alalu]

“OOOOOOOOOO” “Dinosaur Bend”

[@britneyspears1932]

ACE IS A TRUE GUITAR GOD🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@user-rc1qq9pn7k]

To. Be able to sit an jam with Ace would be a awesome time