Kiss

The recording

The track’s signature percussive guitar is an acoustic instrument played by producer David Z and run through a noise gate that opens with each hi‑hat click from the Linn LM‑1 drum machine. Additional electric guitar textures were added by Wendy Melvoin and Miko Weaver, and Prince also layered a Roland G‑700 guitar synthesizer for synth‑like tones. The song was produced and engineered by David Z at Sunset Sound, with Prince’s minimalist production approach.

Original gear

Acoustic Guitar (unspecified)

Guitar

Acoustic guitar played by producer David Z, recorded directly and sent through a noise gate that opened in sync with the Linn LM‑1 hi‑hat pattern, giving the percussive rhythm heard throughout the track.

Noise Gate (custom)

Noise Gate

A noise gate was placed after the acoustic guitar; it was triggered by the hi‑hat pulses from the Linn LM‑1 drum machine, allowing the guitar to sound only on each hi‑hat hit.

Electric Guitar (unspecified)

Guitar

Additional electric guitar parts were contributed by Wendy Melvoin and Miko Weaver, recorded through Prince’s studio set‑up; specific guitar or amp models were not documented.

Roland G‑700 Guitar Synthesizer

Synthesizer

Prince used a Roland G‑700 guitar synthesizer on the track, providing the synth‑like textures that complement the acoustic rhythm and electric guitar layers.

Alternatives

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Strum the acoustic guitar with a muted, percussive attack, letting each chord die instantly.
2. 2.Sync your picking to the hi‑hat pattern of a drum machine for the characteristic choppy rhythm.
3. 3.Use a noise‑gate or volume pedal to cut off the sound between hi‑hat hits.
4. 4.Add subtle electric guitar fills using clean tones to complement the acoustic rhythm.
5. 5.If using a guitar synth, program a simple synth patch and trigger it in sync with the main rhythm.