Guitar & Bass Tabs
Kix
Learn Kix's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Kix developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
KIX is a quintessential American hard rock band whose loud guitars, punchy riffs, and melodic hooks defined a late-80s rock sound. Formed in the late 1970s, they built a fierce live reputation in clubs and theaters across the U.S., catching the attention of major labels and MTV-era audiences.
Through a string of radio-ready anthems and muscular live performances, KIX became a mainstay of the 1980s hard rock landscape. Their swaggering riffs, harmonized choruses, and bluesy solos helped bridge glam-infused rock and straight-ahead hard rock, influencing a generation of players who learned by ear from their records.
🎸 Want to know what gear Kix used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Blow My Fuse
Kix
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Cold Blood
Kix
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Don't Close Your Eyes
Kix
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Dirty Boys
Kix
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Boomerang
Kix
View Tab →Playing Style
KIX's playing blends blues-infused hard rock with high-energy riffs and big, memorable chorus lines. Guitarists lean on chunky power chords, palm-muted riffs, fast alternate-picking solos, and tasteful string bends, all while bass and drums lock into a tight, punishing groove. The band's sound thrives on tight rhythm parts, expressive leads, and melodic hooks that keep the guitar-front energy driving every track.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic KIX tones come from classic 80s rock rigs: sturdy, humbucker-equipped guitars through high-gain amps and straightforward effects. Expect clean, punchy rhythm tones with bright top-end from chorus or light delay, and soaring lead tones fueled by overdrive and ambience. The result is a bright, aggressive guitar feel that sits perfectly in the mix of big rock choruses.
Why Learn Kix Songs?
Learning KIX songs on guitar builds solid riffing technique, precise timing, and confident stage-ready dynamics. You’ll tackle punchy power-chord progressions, palm-muted riffs, bluesy bends, and memorable melodic solos that reinforce phrasing and feel. The five lessons span beginner-to-intermediate territory, offering approachable yet rewarding challenges that reinforce essential hard-rock skills like rhythm tightness, attack, and phrasing.
Did You Know?
- 1KIX formed in the late 1970s and became a staple of the 80s hard rock scene with a string of radio and MTV favorites.
- 2Lead vocalist Steve Whiteman is renowned for his high-energy stage presence and powerful voice.
- 3Their signature songs, including Don't Close Your Eyes and Blow My Fuse, remain staples on classic rock radio.
5 Kix lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Kix Guitar
Explore Kix 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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If you're learning Kix on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.