Back In Black – AC/DC

Learn to play one of rock’s most iconic tracks with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson for Back In Black by AC/DC. This lesson not only breaks down the unforgettable riffs and powerful solos of the song but also provides in-depth instruction on several essential guitar techniques that will benefit players of all levels. Whether you’re a budding guitarist or a seasoned player looking to tighten your rhythm chops, this lesson is a masterclass in classic rock guitar. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and its Legacy

Back In Black, the title track from AC/DC’s 1980 landmark album, is a true cornerstone of hard rock guitar playing. Written as a tribute to late frontman Bon Scott, the song introduced the world to Brian Johnson’s powerhouse vocals and cemented the Young brothers—Angus Young and Malcolm Young—as one of the most dynamic guitar duos in rock history.

The riff-heavy track is a perfect blend of tight rhythm, catchy phrasing, and raw tone. With over a billion streams and countless cover versions, Back In Black remains a rite of passage for guitarists and an enduring part of live rock performance.

Angus and Malcolm Young – The Architects of Rock Riffing

Angus Young, known for his electrifying solos and energetic stage presence, plays lead guitar on Back In Black. His sharp, blues-inspired phrasing and impeccable timing are hallmarks of the track’s lead lines. Meanwhile, Malcolm Young, often under-appreciated, delivers one of the tightest rhythm guitar performances ever recorded. His syncopated, palm-muted riffs and rock-solid timing drive the song’s groove and give the lead lines room to soar.

Their combined influence has inspired generations of guitarists to focus not only on flashy solos but on building strong, rhythmic foundations—an essential component of great songwriting and band dynamics.

Guitar Techniques Taught in This Lesson

In this LickLibrary lesson, we break down Back In Black section by section, teaching the techniques that make the song so powerful and timeless. Here’s a look at some of the key techniques you'll learn:

Power Chords

Used extensively throughout the main riff and verses, power chords are essential to rock guitar playing. They provide a tight, punchy sound that’s easy to move across the neck. Learning power chords will improve your fretting hand strength, muting skills, and overall rhythm accuracy.

Palm Muting

This percussive technique is crucial in replicating Malcolm Young’s tight, chugging rhythm. By slightly resting the palm on the bridge of the guitar, you control the sustain and add a sharp, rhythmic edge to your playing. Mastering palm muting adds dynamic range and groove to your rhythm work.

String Bending

Angus Young’s solos are filled with expressive string bends, bringing out emotion and character in each phrase. Practicing bends helps develop pitch accuracy, finger strength, and overall control over your lead playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques appear in the solo section and are key to achieving fluid, connected note transitions. They improve finger dexterity and make your lead lines smoother and more expressive.

Slides

Slides help you transition between notes and positions seamlessly, adding a vocal-like quality to lead phrases. This technique enhances your control over sustain and intonation.

Vibrato

Angus’s signature vibrato is essential to his expressive solo style. Vibrato adds character and life to sustained notes, making even simple phrases sound more engaging and emotive.

Open String Riffs

The intro and main riff use open string riffs, combining fretted notes with ringing open strings to create a fuller sound. This is great for building right-hand coordination and timing.

Syncopated Rhythms

Malcolm’s rhythm playing features syncopated rhythms that emphasize off-beats and create a compelling groove. Learning syncopation will sharpen your timing and help you lock in better with a band.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique covered in this lesson builds core guitar skills:

• Timing and Groove – Mastering the rhythm parts improves your overall musical timing.
• Expression and Feel – Lead techniques like vibrato and bends let you inject emotion into your playing.
• Coordination and Accuracy – Palm muting, slides, and legato improve synchronisation between both hands.
• Versatility – Techniques like open string riffs and syncopation apply across many genres beyond rock.

Our instructor will guide you through each section of the song slowly and clearly, ensuring you don’t miss any of the nuances that make Back In Black such a masterclass in rock guitar.

Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms