Riff Tone

Calling Dr. Love

Kiss

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (1970s, likely tobacco burst, as used by Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley on 'Rock and Roll Over')

AmpMarshall Super Lead 100-watt head (Plexi or JMP, 1970s, through Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers (bridge position, period-correct for Ace Frehley, likely stock PAF-style for Paul Stanley)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1976. Gear based on period interviews, photos, and standard Kiss studio setup for 'Rock and Roll Over'. No evidence of pedals in the riff section; distortion from amp. No evidence of effects loop or outboard effects on rhythm/riff section.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchtight, percussive rhythm attackfull-bodied midrangeaggressive bridge pickup bitepunchy and articulatedry, in-your-face soundminimal sustaindistinct pick attackslight amp breakupno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight palm muting and consistent power chord changes at a medium tempo, making it accessible for most players with basic rock technique.

Sources

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons talk classic Kiss tracks, including the lick they ripped off from the Rolling Stones, and the song they nearly gave to Rod Stewart | Guitar World Gilmour Reveals the Secret to His Tone - Boss Heavy Metal | Page 6

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