Learn to Play AC/DC with LickLibrary.com

At LickLibrary.com, we’re passionate about helping you master iconic guitar pieces in a way that's engaging and easy to follow. Our latest offering, "Learn to Play AC/DC," is a comprehensive course by Stuart Bull that will help you channel the energy and artistry of AC/DC's rock anthems. This course specifically covers the tracks: 'Back In Black', 'Highway to Hell', 'Let There Be Rock', 'Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be', and 'Whole Lotta Rosie'.

Back In Black

One of AC/DC's most iconic tracks, 'Back In Black', will have you navigating the fretboard with skill and precision. This song is played in the key of E minor, using the pentatonic scale. The verses feature classic blues-inspired power chords and the solos are masterclasses in sustained string bending and precise vibrato. Our step-by-step guide analyzes the song's dynamic solos, highlighting lead guitarist Angus Young's innovative combination of major and minor pentatonic scales.

Highway to Hell

'Highway to Hell' will help you learn the power of chord progressions in hard rock. The song follows a G-D-Em progression, with the iconic power chords ringing out over a rhythm that alternates between simple eighth-note downstrokes and a more syncopated pattern in the pre-chorus. The highlight of the song is the guitar solo, where Young employs alternate picking for the fast sections and a series of double stops to accentuate his blues influences.

Let There Be Rock

Our analysis of 'Let There Be Rock' provides an understanding of Young's ability to combine open-string riffs with bluesy bends and a lot of vibrato, providing the track with its gritty and intense sound. The solo in this song is filled with string-bending techniques, octave melodies, and the occasional use of the whammy bar.

Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be

In 'Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be', Young demonstrates a high-energy performance of blues rock. Here, you'll learn how to balance rhythm and lead playing as you switch between power chords and solo sections. The song offers plenty of opportunities to develop your slide techniques, particularly in the legato-filled solo. The alternating power chords and solo licks in this track highlight the power of guitar dynamics.

Whole Lotta Rosie

The last song in the course, 'Whole Lotta Rosie', is an excellent showcase of Young's unique approach to guitar solos, highlighting his galloping rhythms, pre-bends, and sustained vibrato. The song offers a deep dive into Young's alternate picking techniques and his use of slides and legato in the construction of his solos.

Angus Young: A Maestro of Rock

Angus Young's guitar playing defines AC/DC's sound and style. His aggressive, rhythmic attack, blues-influenced licks, and hard-hitting power chords have influenced generations of guitarists. In this course, we analyze his playing style in detail, exploring how he uses chord progressions, alternate picking, and vibrato to create the iconic solos that are synonymous with AC/DC. Young’s signature style combines blues and rock elements in a way that is both raw and sophisticated.


Techniques Used in 'Learn to Play AC/DC'

In "Learn to Play AC/DC", we focus on a variety of techniques that are essential to capturing the style and feel of AC/DC's music. Here is a list of the techniques covered:

  1. Vibrato
  2. Alternate Picking
  3. Legato
  4. Double Stop Bends
  5. Chord Progressions
  6. Slides
  7. Power Chords
  8. Bluesy Bends
  9. Octave Melodies
  10. Syncopated Rhythms
  11. Open-String Riffs
  12. Whammy Bar Tricks
  13. Pre-Bends
  14. Sustain

As we journey through the tracks, we'll show you how to harness these techniques to play AC/DC songs with authenticity and style. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player looking to add more tools to your toolbox, "Learn to Play AC/DC" offers a unique and engaging approach to mastering these timeless rock anthems.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Stuart Bull

As co-founder of LickLibrary and Total Accuracy, Stuart plays a tremendous part of all the goings on in LickLibrary today. Looking at our entire catalogue, the entire contribution from Stuart is phenomenal and has had an impact on tens of thousands of aspiring guitar players the world over. Stuart's professional...

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