Learn to Play "Touch Too Much" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Channel the high-voltage rock 'n' roll swagger of classic AC/DC with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Touch Too Much”—a standout track from the band’s iconic 1979 album Highway to Hell. With its laid-back groove, infectious riffs, and perfectly dialled-in tones, “Touch Too Much” showcases a more refined side of AC/DC’s songwriting, without losing any of the grit and attitude that define their sound.

In this in-depth LickLibrary lesson, we take you through every section of the song in full detail, helping you master the rhythm parts, melodic fills, and solo sections exactly as recorded. Along the way, you’ll develop essential rock guitar techniques such as power chords, palm muting, string bending, and pull-offs—each technique broken down with clear explanation and practical insight so you can play the song confidently and with authentic AC/DC style. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Covered

Power Chords

AC/DC built their entire rhythm guitar language around the raw, driving sound of power chords. In “Touch Too Much,” power chords are used throughout the main riff and verse sections to lay down a tight, percussive foundation that locks in perfectly with the drums and bass. This lesson will teach you how to voice and mute your power chords effectively, giving you punchy articulation and dynamic control—ideal for playing any rock rhythm guitar part with authority.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a key part of Malcolm Young’s rhythm style, and it’s used in “Touch Too Much” to add clarity and groove to the chord work. Palm muting involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to produce a tighter, more controlled sound. You’ll learn how to apply this technique with precision, helping you lock into the groove and clean up your tone for a tighter overall performance. This is essential for developing a professional-sounding rhythm style.

String Bending

String bending is at the heart of Angus Young’s expressive soloing style. In “Touch Too Much,” he uses bends to accentuate key notes and add vocal-like emotion to his lead lines. This lesson breaks down each bend in detail, showing you how to hit pitch-perfect bends and use them musically within a solo context. Practising string bending not only improves your pitch accuracy and finger strength, but also helps develop your phrasing and personal expression as a guitarist.

Pull-Offs

To keep his solos flowing smoothly and to add speed without excessive picking, Angus incorporates pull-offs into many of his licks. This legato technique involves plucking a note and then “pulling off” the finger to sound a lower note, allowing for fast, fluid lines. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to perform clean pull-offs with control and clarity—an essential skill for developing smooth blues and rock phrasing.

Why Learn “Touch Too Much”?

“Touch Too Much” may not be as overplayed as some of AC/DC’s bigger hits, but it’s a hidden gem packed with rich musical content. The riffs are tight and memorable, the groove is irresistible, and the solo work showcases Angus at his most tasteful. It’s a perfect lesson in rock rhythm and lead guitar, combining straightforward structure with subtle technical details that make a big impact.

This LickLibrary guitar lesson gives you the tools to master the track with ease. With step-by-step guidance, on-screen tab, slow demonstrations, and detailed technique breakdowns, you’ll walk away with not only the ability to play the song, but also the technique and understanding to apply its lessons to your wider playing.

Whether you’re an AC/DC fan or just looking to build your rock guitar vocabulary, this song is a masterclass in musical discipline, groove, and tone.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

At the heart of AC/DC’s unmistakable sound are brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. While Malcolm held down the band’s rhythm section with unmatched timing and tone, Angus brought fiery lead lines and expressive blues-based licks to the forefront. “Touch Too Much” captures this dynamic perfectly, with Malcolm’s rock-solid rhythm work driving the groove, and Angus delivering tasteful lead lines filled with feel and nuance. Studying this track gives players a deeper understanding of both sides of rock guitar—precision rhythm and emotive soloing—all wrapped up in timeless tone and attitude.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Pull-Offs

Bring the swagger and soul of “Touch Too Much” to your playing with our note-for-note guitar lesson. Learn the riffs, lock in the rhythm, and master the bluesy licks that make this one of AC/DC’s most stylish and rewarding tracks to play.