Learn to Play "Girls Got Rhythm" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Crank up your amp and tap into the high-voltage energy of classic rock with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Girls Got Rhythm” by AC/DC. Taken from their legendary 1979 album Highway to Hell, this track is a masterclass in groove, feel, and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. With its instantly recognisable riff, blues-infused licks, and tight rhythm work, “Girls Got Rhythm” perfectly captures the essence of the Young brothers’ guitar partnership—and now you can learn every part with complete accuracy.

In this in-depth LickLibrary tutorial, you’ll learn how to play each section of the song with confidence and clarity. Our expert instruction will guide you through the rhythm guitar, lead fills, and solos, focusing on the essential techniques that define the AC/DC sound: power chords, hammer-ons, double stops, and string bending. Whether you’re a fan of the band or just want to sharpen your classic rock chops, this lesson will give you the skills and insight to lock into the groove and play with confidence. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Power chords are a staple of Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar style and feature prominently throughout “Girls Got Rhythm.” These two-note chord shapes deliver a punchy, driving tone that forms the backbone of countless rock riffs. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play power chords cleanly and effectively, with attention to muting, attack, and timing. Developing a solid foundation in power chords is key to playing tight rhythm guitar with authority and groove.

Hammer-Ons

Throughout the song, Angus Young uses hammer-ons to add speed, fluidity, and expression to his licks. Hammer-ons are a legato technique that involves striking a fretted note and then bringing another finger down onto a higher fret without picking again. This creates smooth transitions between notes and is essential for creating dynamic blues-rock phrases. In this lesson, we’ll show you how to incorporate hammer-ons into your lead playing, building speed and expression while improving your fretting-hand control.

Double Stops

Double stops—two notes played simultaneously—are used throughout the track to give Angus’s licks added bite and harmonic depth. They help punctuate phrases and add rhythmic emphasis in a way that single-note lines often can’t. In “Girls Got Rhythm,” double stops are used both in the rhythm parts and lead fills to add thickness and raw energy. Learning how to play double stops cleanly will improve your muting technique and help you bring more character and weight to your playing.

String Bending

A key part of Angus Young’s expressive soloing technique is his use of string bending. In this track, string bends are used to create vocal-like phrasing, especially in the lead breaks and solos. You’ll learn how to perform bends with accuracy and control, ensuring you hit the correct pitch and apply the right amount of vibrato. Practising string bending is essential for improving your phrasing and developing an expressive, bluesy lead guitar style.

Why Learn “Girls Got Rhythm”?

“Girls Got Rhythm” is more than just a great rock song—it’s a masterclass in tight, expressive guitar playing. It’s full of essential techniques that are foundational for rock, blues, and beyond, all wrapped up in a catchy, feel-good track that’s as fun to play as it is to listen to. Learning this song helps you develop both rhythm and lead skills, while deepening your understanding of timing, tone, and classic rock phrasing.

With LickLibrary’s detailed breakdown, you’ll get expert guidance on every riff and solo, complete with on-screen tab, slow demonstrations, and explanations of each technique. This is more than a song tutorial—it’s a tool to help you grow as a player and absorb the techniques that have shaped rock guitar for generations.

Whether you’re a dedicated AC/DC fan or simply want to improve your playing through a rock classic, this lesson delivers everything you need to master the feel, groove, and tone of “Girls Got Rhythm.”

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

Angus and Malcolm Young are without a doubt one of the most iconic guitar duos in rock history. Malcolm’s tightly controlled rhythm playing and punchy tone laid the groundwork for AC/DC’s signature sound, while Angus delivered expressive lead work full of bluesy fire and melodic punch. “Girls Got Rhythm” is a brilliant showcase of their chemistry—Malcolm drives the groove with gritty power chords and tight chord stabs, while Angus adds attitude and excitement with slick lead lines and aggressive bends. Learning this track gives guitarists valuable insight into how space, tone, and phrasing can be just as important as speed and flash.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• String Bending

Learn to play “Girls Got Rhythm” with precision and feel, and bring the electrifying sound of AC/DC into your own playing—note for note, riff for riff.