What Do You Do For Money Honey – AC/DC

Take a deep dive into the blistering rock energy of AC/DC’s “What Do You Do For Money Honey” with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This hard-hitting track from the iconic Back in Black album showcases a masterclass in gritty rhythm guitar playing, dynamic lead licks, and raw rock ‘n’ roll power. Our lesson faithfully breaks down every riff, chord, and solo, giving guitarists of all levels a chance to step into the shoes of one of rock’s most legendary guitar duos. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

“What Do You Do For Money Honey” features the powerful guitar work of Angus Young and Malcolm Young, two of the most influential players in rock history. Malcolm’s tight, relentless rhythm work underpins the entire track with surgical precision, while Angus delivers searing lead lines filled with attitude, energy, and flair.

Angus Young is known for his explosive stage presence and fiery blues-infused solos, often relying on expressive bends, vibrato, and aggressive picking techniques. Malcolm Young, though less flashy, was the backbone of AC/DC’s signature sound—his rhythm playing is a study in groove, clarity, and unwavering time feel. Together, they created a guitar interplay that is as tight as it is timeless, making this song a perfect study in rock rhythm and lead guitar synergy.

Rhythm Guitar Techniques

At the heart of this track is Malcolm Young’s iconic rhythm work, defined by power chords and aggressive palm-muting. The intro and verse riffs rely on tight, percussive strumming that demonstrates how essential palm muting is for creating drive and groove. Practicing this technique helps guitarists develop better control over their picking hand and enhances dynamic playing across genres.

Power chords, the staple of rock guitar, form the backbone of the rhythm sections. Learning to lock in power chords with palm-muted strums trains players to maintain rock-solid timing and clarity, especially in high-gain environments. The subtle shifts in chord voicings also emphasise the importance of economy in motion and tone consistency.

Lead Guitar Techniques

Angus Young’s lead sections provide a treasure trove of expressive guitar techniques. This lesson focuses on:

• String bending – Used to add vocal-like expression, bends in this track highlight pitch control and emotional phrasing. This technique trains the ear and fingers to work together seamlessly.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs – These elements of legato playing make the licks flow smoothly and efficiently. They improve finger strength and speed while minimising pick motion.
• Slides – Often used to transition between notes, slides enhance phrasing and allow for seamless movement across the fretboard.
• Vibrato – Angus’s wide, aggressive vibrato is key to his tone. Mastering vibrato gives your solos a professional polish and deeper emotional impact.
• Alternate picking – Fast pentatonic runs demand precision picking, building speed and accuracy that’s essential for lead playing.

These lead techniques not only give the player insight into Angus Young’s style, but also provide a strong foundation for soloing in blues, hard rock, and metal contexts.

The Benefit of Learning This Song

Learning “What Do You Do For Money Honey” isn’t just about replicating a great rock track—it’s about internalising the feel, groove, and techniques that make a legendary performance. By mastering this song, students gain:

• Enhanced control over rhythm playing, particularly muting and chord clarity.
• Improved soloing skills through expressive lead techniques.
• A better understanding of song structure and dynamic contrast.
• Greater confidence in playing high-energy rock guitar parts.

This lesson is ideal for intermediate players looking to bridge the gap to advanced techniques, as well as for seasoned guitarists wanting to sharpen their rhythmic discipline and solo phrasing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Power chords
• Palm-muting
• String bending