Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution – AC/DC

Learn to play “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” by AC/DC with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson and unlock the signature style of one of the most iconic rock bands in history. This track, from the classic Back in Black album, is a masterclass in hard rock rhythm playing, expressive lead phrasing, and tight, song-serving technique. Whether you're a beginner getting into rock or a seasoned player looking to refine your fundamentals, this lesson delivers a powerful toolkit of skills that will elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Power Behind Simplicity

AC/DC is famed for their “less is more” approach, and Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution is no exception. The song stands as a testament to how rock guitar doesn’t need to be overly complex to be effective. Through this lesson, you’ll learn how to harness the raw energy of rock using techniques that prioritise feel, timing, and groove. The parts you’ll master are deceptively simple but require great attention to articulation and dynamics.

Rhythm Guitar Techniques

The foundation of the track lies in Angus and Malcolm Young’s rhythm work. Malcolm’s rhythm guitar parts are crisp, punchy, and perfectly in the pocket, providing an excellent framework for students to understand how tight rhythm playing drives a song.

Power Chords

One of the primary techniques in this song is the use of power chords. These simple yet effective two or three-note chords form the backbone of countless rock songs. Learning to play them cleanly with proper muting will massively improve your control and tone. This lesson teaches how to apply them within a structured rhythm part, giving you real-world context.

Palm Muting

To lock into the groove like Malcolm Young, palm muting is essential. You’ll learn how to apply this percussive technique to create tighter, chunkier rhythms. It teaches dynamic control and adds a new texture to your rhythm work, which is especially useful in rock and metal genres.

Slides

Throughout the song, you’ll encounter tasteful slides, particularly when transitioning between chords or embellishing simple riffs. This technique adds movement and flow to your playing and is key to developing smooth phrasing.

Lead Guitar Work

Angus Young’s lead work on this track, though more restrained than in some of AC/DC’s faster songs, still carries the swagger and character he's known for. This lesson walks you through each lick with note-for-note precision, focusing on expressive phrasing and strong vibrato.

String Bending

Angus uses string bending to add vocal-like inflection to his solos. You’ll learn how to execute precise bends, including full and half steps, and how to apply them musically. Mastering this helps you build expression and phrasing control in your solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another key element in this lesson. Angus’s signature wide, controlled vibrato breathes life into sustained notes. Practicing this will greatly enhance your note sustain and emotional delivery.

Double Stops

Angus also incorporates double stops to fatten up the solo lines and give them more harmonic content. This is a great tool for blues and rock guitarists, enabling you to play fuller-sounding phrases with minimal finger movement.

Why These Techniques Matter

Each technique taught in this lesson serves a broader purpose in developing your musicianship:

• Power Chords: Essential for creating solid rhythm foundations in rock and metal.
• Palm Muting: Adds dynamic variety and tightness to rhythm sections.
• Slides: Enhance phrasing and help connect musical ideas smoothly.
• String Bending: Develops pitch control and expressiveness.
• Vibrato: Adds emotion and sustain to soloing.
• Double Stops: Introduces harmony and thickness to lead lines.

These techniques are not just about replicating a song — they’re about internalizing the vocabulary of classic rock and making it your own.

About the Guitarists

Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution features the combined talents of brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Malcolm’s rhythm playing is often heralded as the tightest in rock history, characterised by precise timing, minimalism, and raw power. Angus, meanwhile, brings unmatched energy to his solos, channeling blues influences through a hard rock filter. Together, they shaped the backbone of AC/DC’s sound — no frills, just pure rock and roll.

Their influence spans generations, with countless guitarists citing them as foundational inspirations. Learning their parts is a rite of passage for anyone serious about understanding the essence of hard rock guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops