Kickstart My Heart: Guitar TAB

This collection gives guitarists authentic TAB for the songs that defined a generation of rock players, pulled directly from one of metal's most influential touring events. The 18-song mix spans nine different artists, so students encounter writing styles and riff approaches from multiple composers within a single folio, exposing them to the breadth of the Crüe Fest lineup. For teachers building rock and metal guitar curriculum, having verified TAB from the actual artists eliminates transcription guesswork and keeps practice time focused on execution rather than deciphering tablature.

Raw, aggressive, and exhilarating. This collection pulses with the intensity of live festival performance, from the explosive energy of up-tempo tracks to the crushing weight of heavier grooves. The riffs are designed to grab listeners immediately while rewarding players who dig deeper into articulation, dynamics, and tone control.

Intermediate to advanced guitarists drawn to rock and metal repertoire who want to learn songs from artists they actually listen to. Teachers incorporating rock history and metal guitar into their instruction will find this folio streamlines lesson planning by offering verified TAB across multiple styles within a single collection. Solo players preparing recitals or building a working setlist of contemporary rock material benefit from the breadth and authenticity this songbook provides.

• Lock the rhythm feel first before tackling lead lines or effects. Many of these songs rely on a tight, driving groove; nail the pocket before layering complexity.
• Study how each composer uses amp tone and dynamics to shape their riffs. The difference between a clean tone and distortion, or light drive and heavy gain, defines the character of each track.
• Work backwards from the chorus or hook when learning unfamiliar material. Identify what makes each song memorable, then trace the verse riffs that lead into it.
• Record yourself against the original tracks to check timing and feel. Playing along with the studio versions trains your ear for the exact tempo and phrasing each artist intended.

Use individual tracks as repertoire for rock guitar recitals, selecting pieces that match student ability and performance goals. Assign songs from different artists within the folio to expose students to varied compositional approaches and demonstrate how different players tackle similar musical problems. This collection also works well as a reference for discussing the evolution of metal and hard rock writing across the 1990s and 2000s.

• Reading and executing guitar TAB with accuracy and tempo control
• Playing distorted power chords and open string riffs common to metal and hard rock
• Matching tone and dynamics to stylistic requirements across multiple genres within rock
• Developing rhythm guitar foundation through grooveoriented material
• Understanding riff construction and the role of repetition in rock songwriting
• Recognizing and executing palm muting, string bending, and other electric guitar techniques
• Building familiarity with song structures and arrangement patterns across a wide range of artists