For Those About to Rock - AC/DC

Master the Iconic AC/DC Sound with Our Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

AC/DC’s legendary track "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" is one of the most anthemic rock songs of all time. Packed with powerful riffs, explosive lead guitar lines, and rock-solid rhythm work, this song is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to capture the essence of classic rock guitar. Our in-depth lesson at Licklibrary.com will teach you every note of this iconic track while breaking down the essential techniques used by Angus Young and Malcolm Young to create their signature sound.

Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your rhythm playing or an intermediate/advanced guitarist wanting to refine your lead chops, this lesson will enhance your playing and give you insight into the foundations of hard rock guitar. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Track

Angus Young and Malcolm Young were the driving force behind AC/DC’s unmistakable sound. Angus, known for his blistering solos and electrifying stage presence, brought an aggressive, blues-infused style to the band’s music. His ability to craft melodic, yet hard-hitting solos made him one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time. Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythm powerhouse, created some of the tightest, most powerful chord progressions in rock history. His precision and unmatched sense of groove laid the foundation for AC/DC’s timeless sound.

The combination of Malcolm’s rock-solid rhythm work and Angus’s explosive lead playing is what makes "For Those About to Rock" such a powerful track to learn and master.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are a staple of AC/DC’s sound, providing the foundation for the song’s driving rhythm. These two-note chords create a massive, open sound and are essential for playing rock and metal guitar.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the rhythm sections to create dynamic contrast between open, ringing chords and more percussive, controlled notes. This technique is crucial for achieving the tight, punchy tone that AC/DC is known for.

String Bending

Angus Young’s expressive solo work features a variety of string bends, allowing notes to smoothly rise in pitch and add emotional intensity. Learning proper bending technique improves intonation and control in lead playing.

Slides

Slides help create fluid, connected lead lines, as seen in Angus Young’s solos. They add character and movement to a phrase and are essential for achieving a bluesy, expressive feel.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Used in both rhythm and lead sections, hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for fast, smooth note transitions. These legato techniques help create seamless, flowing licks that define Angus’s signature sound.

Vibrato

One of the most important aspects of a great lead guitar tone is vibrato. Angus Young’s wide, aggressive vibrato gives his notes a singing quality and makes solos stand out with added sustain and expression.

Syncopated Rhythms

AC/DC’s grooves often feature syncopation, where accents fall on unexpected beats, creating a sense of swing and groove. Learning this technique improves timing and makes rhythm playing more dynamic.

Open String Riffs

The intro and verse sections of "For Those About to Rock" feature open-string riffs, which give the song its characteristic chime and resonance. Mastering this technique improves picking accuracy and adds a fuller sound to your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

This lesson will not only teach you how to play "For Those About to Rock" note for note but will also enhance your overall playing ability by strengthening your rhythm skills, improving your lead phrasing, and refining your control over essential rock guitar techniques. Join Licklibrary.com today and take your rock guitar playing to the next level!