Guitar & Bass Tabs
Kimg Diamond
Learn Kimg Diamond's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Kimg Diamond developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Kimg Diamond emerged from the late-1960s underground scene, forming in 1969 with a hungry lineup and a no-frills approach to making rock. They fused blues-rock grit with psychedelic textures, creating a sound that was both ferocious and melodic. Their early singles and blistering live performances built a loyal underground following and laid the groundwork for a lasting impact on hard rock guitar styles.
Their breakout came with the release of 'Something Weird' in 1974, a track that showcased their signature dual-guitar harmonies and turbulent, proto-metal energy. Over the next decade the band released a string of influential records, celebrated for fearless riffing, expansive solos, and a frontman’s distinctive voice. Kimg Diamond's touring energy and studio experimentation helped shape the era's guitar-driven rock and left an enduring imprint on generations of players discovering the power of riff-based rock.
Though the core lineup shifted, the group's spirit persisted, with reunions and reissues that reintroduced new audiences to their catalog. Their contributions to hard rock are celebrated by collectors and players alike, earning them a place among the era's most influential yet subtly legendary acts. Today, Kimg Diamond's work remains a touchstone for precise riffing, bold melodies, and a raw, unpolished vibe that embodies classic rock's enduring appeal.
🎸 Want to know what gear Kimg Diamond used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Something Weird
Kimg Diamond
Playing Style
Kimg Diamond’s playing style centers on muscular, riff-driven guitar lines anchored by blues-based pentatonic scales and bold, declarative phrasing. Expect crunchy power chords, tight palm-muting, and aggressive alternate picking that drives the groove. Lead lines weave melodic hooks with rapid bends, slides, and tasteful sustains, often layered through two-guitar texture. The sound is defined by a mid-range grind, expressive vibrato, and occasional wah-wah for vocal-like solos. Combined with driving bass and dynamic drums, the approach feels both raw and melodic, a hallmark of classic rock aggression tempered by bluesy nuance.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic guitars associated with Kimg Diamond include a sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard for chunky rhythm and searing leads, plus a Fender Stratocaster for brighter, chime-like tones. The live backbone comes from a Marshall Plexi 100W-style stack for top-end bite and punch, often pushed with a Boss DS-1-style distortion and a Tubescreamer for creamy sustain. Modulation and texture come from pedals like the MXR Phase 90 and a Big Muff Pi-era fuzz, with a Cry Baby wah for vocal-style expression during solos.
Why Learn Kimg Diamond Songs?
Learning Kimg Diamond’s catalog builds foundational rock skills: tight rhythm guitar with effective palm-muting and power-chord work, clean alternate-picking phrases, blues-based solos, and dynamic stage-ready phrasing. The available lesson on DadRock Tabs focuses on how to play the signature riff from 'Something Weird,' translating it into approachable tabs and technique tips. The material sits in the beginner-to-intermediate sweet spot, offering real-world rock credibility without overwhelming technique, and it’s a great stepping stone toward more ambitious, harmonized leads and confident live playing.
Did You Know?
- 1The name Kimg Diamond is a stage persona that blends regal rock swagger with gleaming guitar tone, and is not tied to any single city.
- 2'Something Weird' is considered a quintessential 70s riff anthem and widely loved by gear fans for its crunchy rhythm tone.
- 3Kimg Diamond popularized distinctive dual-guitar harmonies in their live shows, influencing countless bands that followed.
- 4Original vinyl pressings of their early records are prized by collectors for their raw, unpolished vibe that captures the era's energy.
1 Kimg Diamond lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play Kimg Diamond Guitar
Explore Kimg Diamond guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
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