Black Ice by AC/DC

Dive into the electrifying energy of "Black Ice" by AC/DC with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson. This iconic track encapsulates the essence of classic rock, featuring powerful riffs, dynamic rhythms, and exhilarating solos. Our lesson breaks down each section of the song, focusing on the essential techniques used by the legendary guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young.

Whether you're a beginner looking to sharpen your skills or an advanced player aiming to master AC/DC's style, this lesson offers insights and techniques that will elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

The backbone of AC/DC’s sound, Angus and Malcolm Young, are among the most influential guitarists in rock history. Angus, known for his high-energy solos and blues-inspired licks, delivers unparalleled charisma and technical prowess. Malcolm, the rhythmic mastermind, laid down the foundation with his impeccable timing and chord work. Together, they created a distinct, hard-hitting style that resonates with fans worldwide. By learning "Black Ice," you’ll not only explore their techniques but also gain insight into their enduring influence on rock and roll.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords and Palm Muting

AC/DC’s music is built on powerful, driving riffs, and "Black Ice" is no exception. This lesson emphasises power chords, giving your playing the punch and authority characteristic of Malcolm Young's rhythm guitar. Pairing this with palm muting helps to create a dynamic, chugging rhythm. These techniques form the backbone of countless rock songs, making them essential for any guitarist.

Benefit:

Mastering power chords and palm muting enhances your rhythm guitar skills, enabling you to play with precision and control in a band setting.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Angus Young's lead work often features expressive string bending and soulful bluesy bends. These techniques add emotion and flair to his solos, and they are a key part of the "Black Ice" guitar solo.

Benefit:

Learning these bends improves finger strength and pitch accuracy, allowing you to add more feeling to your solos.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

The riffs in "Black Ice" utilise fluid slides and quick hammer-ons to create seamless transitions between notes. These elements contribute to the track's signature groove and momentum.

Benefit:

Incorporating slides and hammer-ons into your playing enhances your fretboard fluidity and speed, making your riffs more dynamic.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic complexity of "Black Ice" is brought to life through syncopated rhythms, a hallmark of Malcolm Young's playing style. This technique involves playing off the beat to create a compelling, driving groove.

Benefit:

Syncopation sharpens your timing and coordination, enriching your overall rhythm guitar technique.

Vibrato and Sustain

Angus’s solos are characterised by expressive vibrato and controlled sustain. These techniques allow notes to sing and resonate, creating memorable and emotional phrases.

Benefit:

Practicing vibrato and sustain gives you better control over note articulation, enhancing the melodic quality of your solos.

Chord Progressions

The main riffs and choruses of "Black Ice" revolve around powerful chord progressions, showcasing Malcolm's ability to craft unforgettable rhythms. These progressions form the harmonic backbone of the track.

Benefit:

Understanding chord progressions helps you construct better rhythm sections and improves your songwriting skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Black Ice"

Here’s a list of the guitar techniques explored in this lesson, with links to deepen your understanding:

1. Power Chords
2. Palm Muting
3. String Bending
4. Bluesy Bends
5. Slides
6. Hammer-Ons
7. Vibrato
8. Sustain
9. Chord Progressions
10. Syncopated Rhythms

By learning the techniques in "Black Ice," you’re not just mastering a classic rock song—you’re building essential skills that will enhance your guitar playing across various styles. Ready to plug in and rock? Let’s get started!