Back In Black by AC/DC

AC/DC's "Back In Black" is an iconic rock anthem that has captivated guitarists for decades. The riff-heavy masterpiece is a perfect learning tool for guitarists looking to improve their technique, tone, and feel. In this note-for-note guitar lesson, we break down each aspect of the song, focusing on the techniques used by the legendary Angus Young and Malcolm Young, who crafted this powerful track. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, learning "Back In Black" will help you master a variety of essential guitar techniques and improve your overall musicality. Stuart Bull breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Angus and Malcolm Young's Influence

Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, is known for his raw, high-energy playing style that combines blues-based licks with hard rock attitude. His sharp, biting tone and precise phrasing make him one of the most recognisable guitarists in rock history. Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist, is equally important, as his tight, powerful riffs provide the foundation for AC/DC’s iconic sound. Together, the Young brothers have influenced countless guitarists worldwide, emphasising the importance of rock-solid rhythm and clean, expressive lead playing. Mastering their style in "Back In Black" will give you insight into how rhythm and lead guitar interplay create the magic of rock and roll.

Techniques Breakdown

Power Chords

The backbone of "Back In Black" lies in its power chords, which drive the rhythm of the song. Power chords are simple yet effective, creating a full, punchy sound that is essential to rock music. By focusing on mastering these chords, you'll improve your fretting hand strength and rhythmic precision. Power chords also lay the groundwork for more complex chord progressions down the line.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead work in "Back In Black" is filled with expressive string bends. Bending the strings allows you to reach notes that aren’t naturally on the fretboard, giving your solos a vocal-like quality. In this lesson, we focus on both half-step and full-step bends, improving your finger control and intonation. This technique adds emotion and dynamics to your playing, helping you to express yourself better as a guitarist.

Vibrato

Throughout the lead sections of "Back In Black," Angus uses vibrato to enhance the sustain and emotional depth of his notes. Vibrato involves slightly bending the string up and down to create a fluctuating pitch. In this lesson, you'll practice applying smooth, controlled vibrato to your bends and sustained notes, giving your playing more personality and feel. Learning vibrato is crucial for making your solos stand out with expression and tone.

Palm Muting

Malcolm Young’s tight rhythm playing is key to the groove of "Back In Black." Palm muting is used to give the rhythm parts a more percussive and controlled sound. By lightly resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can mute the strings while still playing full chords. This technique will help you achieve a cleaner, punchier tone, especially when playing power chords or fast rhythm parts.

Slides

Angus often employs slides in his soloing to connect phrases smoothly and give his leads a fluid, dynamic feel. In this lesson, you’ll learn to execute slides between notes or chords, which can make your transitions more seamless. This technique is excellent for developing finger agility and can be applied across various musical styles.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Angus also utilises hammer-ons and pull-offs in his solo sections to create fast, flowing runs. These legato techniques allow you to play multiple notes without picking every one, which can increase your speed and fluidity. Focusing on these techniques will improve your left-hand finger strength and coordination, allowing you to add more complexity and speed to your playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Back In Black" features driving, syncopated rhythms that give the song its infectious groove. Syncopation involves placing accents on beats where they wouldn’t normally occur, creating an off-beat feel that is central to the rhythm of this track. By learning these rhythms, you'll enhance your sense of timing and groove, an essential skill for all guitarists.

Bluesy Bends

The guitar solo in "Back In Black" is packed with bluesy bends, a staple of Angus Young's style. These bends add a raw, expressive quality to the solo, and they are essential for anyone looking to play rock or blues music. This lesson focuses on executing smooth, accurate bends, which can add depth and feeling to your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques List

• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends