Learn 'Kiss Kiss' On Guitar: MGK Tutorial

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the catchy, rebellious vibes of Machine Gun Kelly's (MGK) hit, "Kiss Kiss"? This guitar tutorial is your golden ticket to mastering the song's key elements, from the riff that gets stuck in your head to the chords that drive the emotion. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your musical journey, this guide will break down "Kiss Kiss" into manageable steps, making it easy and fun to learn. Let's get started and turn you into an MGK guitar hero!

Understanding the Basics: Gear Up and Tune In

Before we strum our first chord, let's talk about the essentials. First off, you'll need an electric guitar and an amplifier. While an acoustic guitar can work, the song's energy is best captured with the electric guitar's distinct sound. The guitar tutorial focuses on playing the electric version. Next, make sure your guitar is properly tuned to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, e). A tuner is your best friend here! There are plenty of free tuner apps available for your phone. Use a pick – it'll make your strumming cleaner and more consistent. As for effects, "Kiss Kiss" doesn't heavily rely on them, but a bit of overdrive or distortion can add some grit to the sound, bringing you closer to MGK's style. If you have a capo, set it aside; it's not needed for this song, so let's keep it easy for you guys!

Now, let's dive into the core of the song. "Kiss Kiss" primarily uses a few simple chords, making it accessible to guitarists of all levels. The main chords you'll encounter are G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). Don't worry if you're not familiar with these chords; we'll cover the finger positions in detail below. The rhythm is moderately paced, making it easier to follow along. The song's structure is fairly straightforward, typically following a verse-chorus-verse-chorus pattern, with a bridge section to add some variation. The song is in the key of G major, which means that the G major chord will be the "home" chord, and other chords will harmonically relate to it. The simplicity of these chords is perfect for beginners, letting you focus on the rhythm and the transitions between chords. Throughout this guitar tutorial, we'll break down each part step-by-step, ensuring you not only learn to play "Kiss Kiss" but also build a solid foundation in your guitar playing.

Chord Breakdown: Your Guide to the "Kiss Kiss" Chords

Alright, let's break down the chords you'll need to play "Kiss Kiss." Remember, practice these chords slowly at first, focusing on clean transitions and accurate finger placement.

G Major: This is your foundation chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings. Make sure all the notes ring out clearly; avoid muting any strings. This chord often feels the most comfortable, especially if you're accustomed to other common chords.
C Major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all strings except the low E string. Focus on keeping your fingers curved, so they don't accidentally mute adjacent strings. This chord might feel like a stretch initially, but with practice, it will become easier.
D Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all four strings (D, G, B, and high E). This can be a challenging chord for beginners, but don't give up! Consistency is critical. It sounds more complicated than it actually is.
Em (E minor): Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. This chord is relatively easy to play.

Remember to practice transitioning between these chords. Start by alternating between two chords (e.g., G and C) and then gradually add the others. Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo, starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable. This is a crucial guitar tutorial step for developing muscle memory and playing the song smoothly. Make sure you can switch between these chords, and practice them until you can transition between each smoothly. The guitar tutorial will get easier the more time you put in. Don't worry if it takes time; everyone learns at their own pace.

Rhythm and Strumming: Capturing the Groove

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about the rhythm and strumming pattern of "Kiss Kiss." The song has a mid-tempo feel, making it approachable for most guitarists. The strumming pattern is relatively simple, focusing on downstrokes and a few upstrokes to create a driving rhythm. Listen carefully to the original recording to understand the nuances of the strumming pattern. It's often helpful to play along with the song to get a feel for the rhythm.

Verse Strumming: The verses typically use a straightforward down-down-up-down-up pattern. Count along: "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and." Strum downwards on beats 1, 2, and 3, and upwards on the "and" of beats 2, and 4. This pattern is repeated throughout the verses, giving the song a consistent pulse.
Chorus Strumming: The chorus usually intensifies the strumming slightly, often employing a more aggressive down-down-down-up-down-up pattern. This will give it more energy. Focus on the strong downstrokes and use the upstrokes to add some syncopation.

Practice these strumming patterns slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and timing. Use a metronome or a backing track to keep a steady beat. Experiment with different strumming styles, and try to replicate the energy of the original song. Varying the pressure on your strumming hand, and experimenting with the placement of the pick on the strings can also create subtle variations in sound. Developing a good sense of rhythm is key to playing any song well, so dedicate time to this aspect of the guitar tutorial.

Song Structure and Progression: Putting It All Together

Let's put the chords and rhythm together and look at the song structure. "Kiss Kiss" typically follows a familiar verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure.

Verse 1: The verse usually begins with G, transitioning to C, and then to D, and then back to C, then repeats. This sets the stage for the narrative. The lyrics are delivered over these chords, and the strumming pattern established in the rhythm section is applied here.
Chorus: The chorus often uses the same chords as the verse, but with a more energetic strumming pattern. The chorus usually starts with G, and repeats the same chord progression as the verse. The chorus is the catchy hook, the part everyone remembers, and the high-energy section.
Verse 2: Verse 2 mirrors the first verse, both in chord progression and lyrics. The same strumming pattern is used, creating a familiar pattern.
Chorus: After the second verse, the chorus repeats, reinforcing the main theme and hook of the song.
Bridge: The bridge introduces a change of pace, the chords may change, or the strumming pattern may be tweaked, adding a brief moment of variation before returning to the familiar chorus.
Outro: The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus or a simpler instrumental section based on the main chord progression. Listen to the song closely to hear these changes. By knowing the guitar tutorial song structure, it's easier to follow along. Practice playing through the entire song, transitioning smoothly between each section. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you to memorize the song's layout.

Advanced Techniques and Tips: Taking Your Playing to the Next Level

Once you are comfortable with the basics, let's explore some advanced techniques to spice up your "Kiss Kiss" performance.

Adding Variations: Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms in the verses and choruses. You could try adding a slight syncopation, or a little more emphasis on the upstrokes or downstrokes. Don't be afraid to experiment, and find what sounds best to you.
Adding Fills and Licks: Listen closely to MGK's guitar parts to identify any fills or licks that you can incorporate into your playing. These can add flair and personality to your performance.
Experimenting with Effects: As mentioned earlier, while "Kiss Kiss" doesn't heavily rely on effects, experimenting with some can add some edge to your guitar playing. A touch of overdrive or distortion can add some grit to the sound, bringing you closer to MGK's style.
Practice with a Metronome: Always use a metronome to improve your timing and consistency. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This allows you to listen back and identify areas for improvement. This guitar tutorial can help you focus on your weaknesses.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Overcoming Challenges

Let's address some common challenges and how to overcome them.

Chord Transitions: The most common hurdle is transitioning between chords quickly and smoothly. The best way to overcome this is to practice. Start slow, and focus on clean transitions. Then gradually increase the tempo.
Strumming: Finding a good strumming rhythm can be difficult. Listen to the original recording and pay attention to the nuances of the strumming pattern. Practice with a metronome, and try different strumming patterns until you find one that sounds right.
Finger Pain: If you are new to playing the guitar, your fingertips might hurt. This is normal. Over time, your fingertips will develop calluses, and it will become less painful. Take breaks when needed, and don't push yourself too hard.
Staying Motivated: Learning a song can take time and effort. Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals. Celebrate your successes, and don't be afraid to take breaks when you need them. Remember, the guitar tutorial can be a lot of fun!

Conclusion: Rock On and Keep Practicing!

Congratulations! You've made it through this guitar tutorial and are well on your way to playing "Kiss Kiss" by MGK. Remember, the key to mastering any song is consistent practice and dedication. Keep practicing the chords, strumming patterns, and transitions. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! The more you play, the better you'll become. Music is all about enjoying the process. So, grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and rock on! We hope this guitar tutorial has been helpful, and that you enjoy playing