“Have A Drink On Me” by AC/DC

If you're a fan of hard-hitting rock guitar and want to take your rhythm and lead playing to the next level, our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Have A Drink On Me” by AC/DC is the perfect choice. This classic track from the Back in Black album is a masterclass in tight riffing, tasteful lead work, and classic blues-rock technique. In this lesson, we break down every lick and phrase, showing you exactly how to play it just like Angus Young.

Whether you're looking to expand your vocabulary of rock rhythm guitar or master those signature lead lines that made AC/DC legendary, this lesson offers a wealth of guitar techniques to study and apply. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

AC/DC’s sound is driven by the powerful guitar partnership between Angus Young and Malcolm Young. Malcolm's tight, groove-oriented rhythm playing laid the foundation for AC/DC’s signature sound, while Angus provided explosive lead guitar work infused with blues influence, rock ‘n’ roll energy, and raw emotion.

Angus Young's playing on “Have A Drink On Me” exemplifies his iconic phrasing, use of blues-based licks, and aggressive tone, all delivered with dynamic showmanship. His influence has inspired generations of players to pursue expressive soloing and tight riff-based playing. Learning to play like Angus not only improves your technical ability but also enhances your feel, timing, and phrasing.

Song Breakdown and Techniques

Intro & Main Riff

The intro of “Have A Drink On Me” sets the tone with a crunchy, syncopated riff built on power chords and tight palm-muting. The rhythm is slightly swung, giving it a bluesy, loose groove. Learning this part will strengthen your right-hand control and your timing—both essential skills for any rhythm guitarist.

Benefit: Mastering this riff will improve your ability to lock in with a drummer, control dynamics, and play rhythm with confidence.

Verse Sections

Throughout the verses, Angus uses slides and hammer-ons to create a melodic lead/rhythm hybrid part. These embellishments add a vocal-like quality to the guitar and keep the part engaging without being overly busy.

Benefit: These techniques help develop fluid motion between notes and make your playing sound more expressive and musical.

Pre-Chorus & Chorus Riffs

The pre-chorus builds tension with more open string riffing and the strategic use of string bending to create attitude. The chorus bursts in with big, open barre chords and raw energy.

Benefit: Learning these parts will refine your chord accuracy under pressure and help you master high-energy transitions between sections.

Guitar Solo

The solo in “Have A Drink On Me” is a tour de force of bluesy bends, vibrato, and classic pull-offs. Angus delivers a fiery yet melodic solo that’s rooted in the minor pentatonic scale but comes alive with expressive nuances and phrasing tricks.

Benefit: Practicing this solo will help you build control, vibrato strength, and phrasing finesse, giving you the tools to make your solos truly sing.

Why This Lesson is Worth Your Time

By studying “Have A Drink On Me,” you're not just learning another AC/DC song—you’re absorbing the essence of rock guitar. The song is a blueprint for blues-influenced hard rock, teaching essential skills such as timing, articulation, phrasing, and tone control. Our Licklibrary.com lesson walks you through each section with detailed guidance, ensuring you learn not just what to play, but how and why to play it that way.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm-Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Pull-Offs

Take your guitar playing to the next level by studying the masters. With our detailed lesson on “Have A Drink On Me,” you’ll sharpen your skills, deepen your musical understanding, and learn how to play with power and style—just like Angus. Ready to rock? Let's plug in and dive in.