Shake A Leg by AC/DC

Take a high-voltage dive into the gritty, energetic guitar work of "Shake A Leg" by AC/DC with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This lesson captures the raw power and rhythmic precision of the Young brothers' performance, breaking it down into manageable segments that let you fully explore and master the iconic style behind one of the most electrifying tracks from Back in Black.

Whether you're a fan of Angus Young’s blistering leads or Malcolm Young’s tight, punchy rhythm playing, this lesson equips you with the techniques and musical vocabulary needed to play the song with confidence and authority. Below, we break down the key techniques used in the song and explain the benefits of learning them through our expert instruction. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists – Angus & Malcolm Young

"Shake A Leg" is a standout track largely driven by the complementary guitar work of brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Angus, the lead guitarist, is renowned for his fiery solos, blues-infused phrasing, and unmistakable stage presence. His aggressive picking and melodic lead style have influenced generations of rock and blues players. Malcolm, often under-appreciated, delivered some of the tightest and most precise rhythm playing in rock history. His contributions to AC/DC’s sound are foundational, offering the relentless drive and groove that make songs like "Shake A Leg" so powerful.

Together, the Young brothers crafted a two-guitar dynamic that is both musically rich and structurally tight. Their approach is perfect for guitarists looking to improve not only their technical skills but also their sense of timing, groove, and musical interaction between lead and rhythm roles.

Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

Power Chords

One of the foundations of Malcolm Young’s rhythm playing, power chords are heavily featured throughout the track. They provide the punchy, aggressive sound that defines much of AC/DC’s music. Learning to execute power chords cleanly and in time is essential for mastering rhythm guitar in rock music.

Benefit: Strengthens hand positioning and muting control, while helping players understand harmonic simplicity and impact.

Palm Muting

Used to add percussive texture to the rhythm parts, palm muting gives you tighter dynamic control and a heavier groove when needed. It's a key part of creating the rhythmic feel AC/DC is famous for.

Benefit: Helps players control dynamics and rhythm articulation, essential for tight, locked-in riff playing.

Slides

Slides add expression and fluidity to both rhythm and lead parts. Angus uses them in lead fills to inject feel and movement, while Malcolm occasionally uses them to transition between chord shapes.

Benefit: Improves fretboard navigation and expressive control.

String Bending

Angus Young’s solos often feature expressive string bends that create vocal-like phrasing. In "Shake A Leg", these bends give his lead parts urgency and emotion.

Benefit: Develops pitch accuracy and finger strength while enhancing musical phrasing.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Quick legato movements, including hammer-ons and pull-offs, help Angus achieve his fast and smooth solo lines. They're used throughout the lead sections to build speed and fluidity.

Benefit: Builds left-hand dexterity and speed for smoother, more expressive solos.

Alternate Picking

Fast and articulate picking, especially in Angus’s lead parts, is achieved through solid alternate picking. This helps maintain precision during quick passages.

Benefit: Enhances control and timing, especially for faster riffs and solos.

Bluesy Bends

Angus Young’s blues background shines through in his phrasing. His signature bluesy bends add soulful tension and resolve, essential for emotional impact.

Benefit: Teaches dynamic control and ear training, improving musical phrasing and expression.

Why Learn "Shake A Leg"?

Studying "Shake A Leg" gives guitarists an opportunity to build both technical and musical chops. You’re not just learning to play a song—you’re learning how to groove, how to phrase, and how to lock in rhythmically like a pro. Whether you’re a rhythm guitarist looking to tighten up your playing or a lead guitarist aiming for fiery, melodic solos, this lesson will push your abilities to new heights.

Our expert tutor walks you through each section of the song step-by-step, with on-screen tablature, slowing down key parts to help you absorb every riff, fill, and lick. You’ll walk away not just able to play the song—but able to understand and apply the techniques in your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Alternate Picking
• Bluesy Bends

Want to explore the full range of Angus and Malcolm Young’s signature sound? Head over to LickLibrary.com and check out the full "Shake A Leg" guitar lesson today. Ready to plug in, turn up, and rock out? Let’s get to it!