Learn to Play "Love Hungry Man" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Unlock the smooth, soulful groove of one of AC/DC’s most underrated deep cuts with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Love Hungry Man”. Taken from the band’s legendary Highway to Hell album (1979), this track reveals a different side of the Australian rockers—one that blends laid-back funk-influenced rhythm with sharp blues-rock guitar work. Packed with tasteful playing, tone-rich licks, and subtle technical flourishes, “Love Hungry Man” is a masterclass in restraint, groove, and melodic control.

In this detailed LickLibrary tutorial, we break down every section of the track with precision and clarity. You’ll not only learn how to recreate each riff and phrase exactly as recorded, but also how to develop vital guitar techniques that will elevate your rhythm and lead playing. This lesson focuses on key techniques such as altered tunings, power chords, hammer-ons, and pull-offs—essential skills for guitarists who want to play with more fluidity, creativity, and control. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Altered Tunings

One of the first things to note when playing “Love Hungry Man” is the use of altered tunings. The track features guitars tuned slightly below standard pitch, giving the song a deeper, looser vibe that complements its laid-back groove. Learning to work with altered tunings not only helps you match the original recording more accurately but also opens up new tonal possibilities and helps you better understand the relationship between fretboard shapes and tuning variations.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song’s rhythm guitar parts, creating a thick, punchy foundation without overcomplicating the harmony. In “Love Hungry Man,” Malcolm Young uses them sparingly but effectively, locking tightly with the bass and drums to form a rock-solid groove. This lesson will show you how to voice and mute these chords accurately to match the AC/DC tone. Power chords are essential for any rhythm guitarist, improving your timing, muting technique, and chord switching.

Hammer-Ons

Angus Young’s lead lines in “Love Hungry Man” feature several smooth hammer-ons that help create a flowing, legato feel. A hammer-on is executed by striking a note and then ‘hammering’ a higher note on the same string with another finger without re-picking. This technique is key for building speed and fluency in your playing while reducing unnecessary picking motion. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute hammer-ons cleanly and incorporate them into your blues-rock phrasing to mirror Angus’s expressive soloing style.

Pull-Offs

Complementing hammer-ons, pull-offs are used to articulate descending legato lines. A pull-off involves plucking a note and then “pulling” the fretting finger off to a lower fretted note or an open string. This adds fluidity and speed to your licks while maintaining a natural, connected tone. Angus uses pull-offs to great effect in this track’s subtle lead work, and our lesson will show you how to execute them properly and musically. Mastering pull-offs enhances your dexterity and control and allows you to play more nuanced, expressive phrases.

Why Learn “Love Hungry Man”?

While often overlooked in AC/DC’s discography, “Love Hungry Man” offers a goldmine of groove, tone, and phrasing. It’s not just about loud riffs or blistering solos—it’s about feel. This track provides a unique opportunity to explore the more soulful, funky side of AC/DC’s sound, while honing essential rock guitar techniques in the process.

With LickLibrary’s expert breakdown, you’ll learn how to recreate every nuance of the song, from subtle dynamics and note articulation to chord voicings and solo phrasing. On-screen tab, slow demonstrations, and detailed technique instruction ensure you walk away with a deeper understanding of how to approach both rhythm and lead guitar playing with taste and precision.

Whether you’re looking to expand your repertoire, develop your legato technique, or simply study a more groove-oriented AC/DC track, this lesson is a must for players of all levels.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

Angus and Malcolm Young were a dynamic guitar duo that defined the core sound of AC/DC. Malcolm’s tight, precise rhythm playing was the glue that held the band together, while Angus’s lead guitar work delivered searing solos and melodic hooks with unforgettable energy. In “Love Hungry Man,” their interplay is more subdued but still packed with musical tension and groove. Malcolm’s muted chording sets the track’s funky, syncopated feel, while Angus adds a smoother, more melodic lead approach. Studying this song is a window into how subtlety and taste can speak volumes in rock guitar playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Altered Tunings
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Master the soulful swagger and subtle skill of “Love Hungry Man” and sharpen your control, groove, and phrasing in one of AC/DC’s most unique and overlooked tracks. With LickLibrary’s step-by-step guitar tutorial, you’ll get the tools and guidance needed to play it with confidence—note for note.