Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - AC/DC

Learn to Play "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC is a quintessential rock anthem, packed with powerful riffs, gritty chord progressions, and signature Angus Young-style lead licks. This lesson from LickLibrary teaches you how to play the song note-for-note, breaking down the techniques that make it an iconic classic. Whether you're a beginner looking to master power chords or an intermediate player aiming to add more groove and attitude to your playing, this lesson has everything you need. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Angus & Malcolm Young

AC/DC’s guitar sound is defined by the legendary Young brothers—Angus and Malcolm Young. Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythm guitarist, was a master of tight, driving chord progressions that formed the backbone of AC/DC’s music. His precision and energy laid the foundation for the band’s massive sound.

Angus Young, the lead guitarist, is known for his blues-influenced solos, fiery bends, and expressive vibrato. His aggressive yet controlled playing style gave AC/DC its unmistakable energy. Together, the Young brothers crafted some of the most memorable riffs in rock history, and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is a prime example of their signature sound.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are essential to rock and roll, and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is built around them. These chords provide a thick, punchy sound that drives the song's rhythm. Learning power chords improves your ability to play classic rock riffs and strengthens your fretting hand accuracy.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a percussive, chugging quality to the guitar part, giving it more groove and dynamics. In "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," palm muting is used to tighten up the riff sections, helping players develop better control over their pick attack and rhythm.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead lines incorporate expressive string bends to give his solos a vocal-like quality. Mastering string bending allows you to add emotion and dynamics to your solos while improving finger strength and pitch control.

Slides

Slides connect notes smoothly and add fluidity to both rhythm and lead parts. Learning slides from "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" helps players develop a more expressive and connected phrasing style.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

These legato techniques make for seamless, fast transitions between notes, helping to create a smooth lead guitar sound. Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your playing enhances speed and fluidity, making your solos sound more polished and natural.

Chord Progressions

The song follows a simple yet effective chord progression that drives its anthemic feel. Understanding chord progressions like this helps guitarists recognise song structures and improve their ability to play by ear.

Pick Slides

A classic rock technique, the pick slide creates a gritty, high-energy effect that adds flair to transitions between song sections. Practicing pick slides can make your rhythm playing sound more aggressive and dynamic.

Why Learn "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"?

Learning this song provides a solid foundation in essential rock techniques while capturing the raw energy of AC/DC’s playing style. By studying this track, you’ll develop:

• A stronger rhythm playing ability by mastering tight, punchy power chords.
• Better picking control through palm muting and alternate picking.
• Lead guitar confidence with string bending, slides, and hammer-ons/pull-offs.
• A deeper understanding of rock and blues phrasing, which can be applied to solos in any style.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Pick Slides

Master "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" with our step-by-step lesson and add classic AC/DC energy to your playing today!