Breaking Down AC/DC's "Down Payment Blues" - A Guitarist's Guide

Introduction

"Down Payment Blues" by AC/DC is a classic rock anthem that every guitarist should have in their repertoire. Released on the album 'Powerage' in 1978, this song showcases the iconic guitar work of Angus Young and Malcolm Young. In this video tutorial, Danny Gill dives deep into the song, covering the chords, scales, solo, and techniques employed by the Young brothers.

Chords and Progression

The backbone of "Down Payment Blues" consists of power chords, giving it a gritty, rock 'n' roll edge. The primary chords used in the song are:

• A5 (A power chord)
• G5 (G power chord)
• D5 (D power chord)
• C5 (C power chord)
• F5 (F power chord)

The chord progression follows a classic rock structure, moving from A5 to G5, then D5, and finally to C5 during the verses. The pre-chorus introduces the F5 chord, creating tension before resolving back to A5 for the chorus. It's a simple yet effective progression that sets the stage for Angus Young's fiery guitar work.

Guitar Scales

Angus Young's lead guitar work in "Down Payment Blues" predominantly uses the A blues scale (A-C-D-Eb-E-G). This scale infuses the song with that distinct bluesy feel, and Angus' masterful use of bends and vibrato adds emotion and character to his solos.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Let's dissect Angus Young's scorching guitar solo in "Down Payment Blues." His solo starts with a slow, bending blues lick over the A5 chord before launching into a series of fiery phrases. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

• Bends and Vibrato: Angus Young's signature style involves intense and precise bends, often followed by expressive vibrato. These techniques add soulful depth to his playing.
• Alternate Picking: Angus uses alternate picking to maintain speed and accuracy during the faster passages of the solo.
• Legato: You'll notice moments where Angus employs legato techniques, creating smooth and fluid passages within the solo.
• Bends with Tapped Harmonics: Angus occasionally incorporates tapped harmonics during his bends, adding a touch of brilliance to his notes.
• Double-Stop Bends: Throughout the solo, Angus executes double-stop bends that emphasise the bluesy nature of the song.
• Unison Bends: Unison bends are a hallmark of Angus Young's style, and they make an appearance here as well.
• Pinched Harmonics: Angus adds some pinch harmonics to accentuate specific notes and create a distinctive sound.
• Trills: Quick trills are used for rapid, expressive note ornamentation in the solo.
• Tremolo Picking: In certain passages, Angus employs tremolo picking to create a sense of urgency and intensity.

The solo showcases Angus Young's exceptional ability to blend bluesy bends with lightning-fast licks, resulting in a memorable and emotive performance.

Lead Guitarist and His Playing

Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, is a true guitar icon. His stage presence, distinctive schoolboy outfit, and explosive guitar playing have made him one of the most recognisable guitarists in rock history. Angus's style is deeply rooted in blues and rock 'n' roll, and he's known for his high-energy stage antics and incredible improvisational skills.

In "Down Payment Blues," Angus Young's guitar work perfectly complements the song's lyrics, which tell the story of a struggling musician. His use of the blues scale and masterful bending techniques adds a sense of desperation and longing to the music, reflecting the song's themes.

Guitar Techniques Used

Here's a list of guitar techniques employed in "Down Payment Blues," along with links for further exploration:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Rakes
• Finger-Picking
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends

In conclusion, "Down Payment Blues" by AC/DC is a guitar-driven rock masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of classic rock 'n' roll. Angus Young's lead guitar work, laden with bluesy bends and fiery licks, is a testament to his legendary status as a guitarist. By studying the techniques used in this song, guitarists can gain valuable insights into the art of crafting a memorable and expressive guitar solo. So, grab your guitar and start rocking out to this iconic AC/DC track!