Go Down by AC/DC - Guitar Lesson Description

AC/DC’s Go Down, the opening track from their 1977 album Let There Be Rock, is a powerhouse blues-rock anthem packed with electrifying guitar work and relentless energy. The song showcases the band’s signature raw sound, built around driving riffs, tight grooves, and Angus Young’s unmistakable lead playing.

At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on Go Down dissects the essential techniques that make this song so impactful. This lesson focuses on power chords, syncopated rhythms, string bending, and vibrato—core elements of AC/DC’s explosive guitar style. Learning these techniques will help you refine your rhythm playing, enhance your lead phrasing, and develop the tight, powerful articulation needed for classic rock guitar. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of AC/DC’s hard-hitting rhythm guitar sound. In Go Down, the song’s driving riffs are built on solid, punchy power chord shapes that provide the song with its heavy, groove-laden foundation.

Mastering power chords is essential for any rock guitarist. They allow for a full and powerful sound while keeping chord changes smooth and efficient. Practicing power chord transitions improves left-hand strength, accuracy, and overall fretboard fluency. Additionally, tight palm-muted power chords can add definition and punch to your playing, helping you develop a rhythm guitar style that cuts through a mix.

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation plays a key role in the rhythm of Go Down, creating a dynamic, driving feel that makes the song groove. The interplay between strong downbeats and unexpected accents adds energy and movement to the riffing, making it more engaging and rhythmically interesting.

Learning syncopated rhythms is invaluable for improving timing and rhythmic feel. It helps guitarists develop a better sense of groove and the ability to lock in with a band. Playing with syncopation also enhances musical phrasing, making riffs and solos feel more expressive and natural.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead work in Go Down features expressive string bending, a technique that gives his solos a bluesy, vocal-like quality. By bending notes up to pitch, he injects emotion and dynamic movement into his lead phrases, making them stand out with intensity.

Practicing string bending strengthens finger control and pitch accuracy. Mastering controlled bends allows guitarists to add soul and expression to their solos. It’s a key skill in blues and rock, helping players craft more emotive and dynamic lead lines.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the defining techniques in Angus Young’s playing, and Go Down is no exception. This technique involves subtly bending a note up and down in rapid succession, creating a rich, singing sustain that enhances the expressive quality of solos.

Developing a strong vibrato technique improves note control, sustain, and overall expression. A well-executed vibrato adds life and character to solos, making individual notes stand out and feel more vocal. This technique is essential for crafting a personal playing style and achieving a professional, polished sound.

The Influence of Angus and Malcolm Young

Go Down is a perfect example of the rock-solid chemistry between brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Malcolm’s tight, unwavering rhythm playing drives the track forward, while Angus’s fiery lead work injects energy and attitude. Together, they created one of the most iconic guitar pairings in rock history.

Malcolm Young’s approach to rhythm guitar is legendary for its precision and groove. His stripped-down playing style, focused on tight power chords and impeccable timing, was the foundation of AC/DC’s unmistakable sound. Meanwhile, Angus Young’s blues-infused solos and aggressive stage presence have inspired generations of guitarists. His expressive vibrato, dynamic phrasing, and ability to craft memorable solos make him one of the most influential lead players in rock.

Why Learn Go Down?

Learning Go Down is an excellent way to refine key rock guitar techniques while playing a classic AC/DC track. This song is a great study in power chord riffing, rhythmic precision, and lead guitar phrasing. The combination of syncopated rhythms, string bending, and vibrato will help guitarists develop greater control, articulation, and musical expression.

By mastering this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play Go Down with confidence but also gain valuable skills that apply to many other rock and blues tracks. Whether you’re looking to improve your rhythm playing, add more expression to your solos, or develop the tight, punchy sound of AC/DC, this lesson is a great addition to your repertoire.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

The following techniques are covered in this lesson and can be explored further in the Licklibrary glossary:

• Power Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• String Bending
• Vibrato

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you’ll not only be able to perform Go Down authentically but also develop a solid foundation for mastering other classic rock songs. Get started with this lesson at Licklibrary.com and take your playing to the next level with the power and precision of AC/DC.