Highway To Hell - Solo by AC/DC

Step into the electrifying world of classic rock with our Highway To Hell – Solo guitar lesson, an in-depth breakdown of one of the most iconic solos in rock history. Taught note for note by LickLibrary’s seasoned instructors, this lesson captures every nuance of Angus Young’s legendary lead playing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or an intermediate guitarist looking to refine your skills, this lesson will elevate your technique and deepen your understanding of blues-based rock soloing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Solo Breakdown

The solo in "Highway To Hell" is a textbook example of expressive blues-rock phrasing, built on classic licks, bold phrasing, and a fiery, energetic delivery. Angus Young’s playing here is raw, emotive, and direct, showcasing the power of simple, well-executed techniques.

Our guitar lesson takes you through each phrase slowly, demonstrating the mechanics of each lick and providing tips on how to get the tone and feel just right. You’ll learn to navigate the fretboard with confidence, control your bends, and internalise phrasing techniques that have influenced countless rock and blues guitarists.

Featured Techniques and Their Benefits

String Bending

A key element of Angus Young’s style is expressive string bending, which adds vocal-like expression to the solo. In this lesson, you'll learn to execute whole-step and microtonal bends with control and pitch accuracy.

Benefit: Helps you develop better ear-hand coordination and adds emotional depth to your solos.

Vibrato

Angus's vibrato is wide and aggressive, enhancing the sustain and feel of every note. We break down how to achieve his signature vibrato and when to apply it for maximum musical impact.

Benefit: Enhances note sustain and adds character to your playing.

Slides

Throughout the solo, slides are used to connect phrases and create fluid motion across the fretboard. Our lesson teaches you how to incorporate slides with precision and timing.

Benefit: Improves fretboard navigation and legato phrasing.

Pull-offs

Pull-offs are used to create faster runs and give certain licks a smoother sound. We guide you through executing clean, even pull-offs at varying speeds.

Benefit: Builds left-hand strength and increases speed without relying solely on picking.

Hammer-ons

The solo features several hammer-ons, which contribute to the solo’s fluidity and dynamic range. You'll practice coordinating your fretting and picking hands for seamless execution.

Benefit: Improves speed and articulation in lead lines.

Bluesy Bends

The use of bluesy bends gives the solo its raw, expressive tone. You'll master semi-tone and whole-tone bends with added vibrato for that authentic blues-rock flavour.

Benefit: Teaches dynamic control and emotional expressiveness in your solos.

Double Stops

Angus often incorporates double stops to thicken his tone and create harmony. We show you how to play these intervals cleanly and use them effectively in your own solos.

Benefit: Expands harmonic vocabulary and strengthens finger independence.

Alternate Picking

While much of the solo uses economy of motion, precise alternate picking is essential for articulation and clarity in quicker licks.

Benefit: Builds accuracy, speed, and rhythmic consistency.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

“Highway to Hell” was recorded by AC/DC during their golden era, with Angus Young on lead guitar and Malcolm Young on rhythm. Angus, with his blistering leads and schoolboy swagger, redefined rock guitar soloing with his aggressive tone, impeccable timing, and showmanship. Malcolm, the unsung hero, laid down the rock-solid foundation that allowed Angus to soar.

Angus’s lead work on this track has influenced generations of players, from hard rock and metal guitarists to modern blues artists. His tone, phrasing, and high-energy solos continue to serve as a masterclass in rock guitar expression. Learning his solos not only gives you technical ability but also insight into how to feel the music.

Why Learn This Solo?

Studying the Highway To Hell solo offers much more than just the ability to replicate an iconic lead. It teaches how to build a solo that’s memorable, dynamic, and emotionally charged without relying on speed or complexity. This lesson will sharpen your phrasing, improve your technique, and show you how to make every note count.

You'll also walk away with transferable skills that apply across styles—from blues and classic rock to modern hard rock. Our instructors ensure that you don’t just learn the notes, but understand the musical decisions behind them.

Techniques Covered

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Alternate Picking