Learn to Play "Shot Down in Flames" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Turn up the gain and get ready to dive into one of AC/DC’s most infectious and hard-hitting rock anthems with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Shot Down in Flames.” Featured on the band’s 1979 Highway to Hell album, this track delivers a perfect storm of punchy riffs, bluesy leads, and tight rhythm work that showcases everything great about the Young brothers’ playing. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s pure AC/DC.

In this detailed LickLibrary lesson, we break down every part of the song—from the opening lick to the final chords—so you can recreate the tone, feel, and phrasing with precision. Along the way, you’ll master essential guitar techniques including double stops, hammer-ons, slides, and power chords—each carefully explained with practical applications in the context of the song. Whether you're honing your rhythm chops or looking to inject more energy into your lead work, this is a lesson that delivers both inspiration and education. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Double Stops

One of the standout features of “Shot Down in Flames” is the use of double stops—two-note combinations that add harmonic punch and grit to lead lines. Angus Young uses them throughout his solos and fills to create a full, aggressive tone without relying on complex harmony. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute double stops cleanly, with proper muting and fretting-hand control, giving your leads that thick, blues-infused edge.

Hammer-Ons

Angus Young’s signature phrasing often includes hammer-ons, and “Shot Down in Flames” is no exception. Hammer-ons allow you to play fast, fluid lines with fewer picked notes, making your solos sound smoother and more expressive. Our lesson walks you through where and how to apply hammer-ons in the song, helping you build speed and strengthen your fretting hand for cleaner, more controlled legato playing.

Slides

To keep the phrasing fluid and expressive, Angus frequently uses slides to transition between notes and positions. These subtle movements add a vocal-like quality to the lead lines and help maintain momentum in solos and fills. You’ll learn how to perform both upward and downward slides with proper timing and technique, adding finesse and attitude to your playing.

Power Chords

Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar in this track is powered by tight, crunchy power chords. These form the foundation of the song’s punchy rhythm work and give it its unstoppable drive. This lesson will teach you how to voice power chords accurately and play them with the kind of timing and energy that made Malcolm a rhythm guitar icon. Practicing power chords will tighten your rhythm playing and help you lock in with any drummer or bassist with confidence.

Why Learn “Shot Down in Flames”?

“Shot Down in Flames” is a brilliant study in high-energy rock guitar, combining straightforward riffing with expressive lead work and tight rhythmic control. It’s a go-to track for guitarists wanting to build solid rock technique while learning how to play with feel, timing, and confidence.

With LickLibrary’s step-by-step breakdown, you'll get in-depth guidance on each section, along with on-screen tab, performance tips, and insight into the unique approach of Angus and Malcolm Young. This lesson not only teaches you the song—it also helps you develop the techniques and musical instincts needed to play it like a pro.

Whether you’re an AC/DC fan or simply looking to expand your rock guitar repertoire, learning “Shot Down in Flames” will sharpen your phrasing, improve your rhythm playing, and give you a solid understanding of what makes great rock guitar tick.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

Angus and Malcolm Young are the backbone of the AC/DC sound—two brothers who redefined rock guitar through raw power and simplicity. Malcolm’s driving, no-nonsense rhythm playing gave the band its tight, percussive feel, while Angus’s blues-drenched lead work brought swagger and soul. “Shot Down in Flames” is a textbook example of their chemistry. Malcolm's clipped, precise chord work gives the track its relentless groove, while Angus unleashes biting leads full of rock 'n' roll attitude. Studying this track helps you understand how tight rhythm and dynamic lead phrasing work together to create iconic guitar-driven music.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• Power Chords

Fire up your amp and capture the no-frills power of AC/DC with our “Shot Down in Flames” guitar lesson. It’s all here—groove, grit, and classic rock tone. Learn every riff, fill, and solo note for note and bring the spirit of Angus and Malcolm Young into your own playing.