Learn to Play "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Plug in, turn up, and get ready to bring the fire of classic rock to your fingertips with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” by AC/DC. Released in 1979 on the Highway to Hell album, this track delivers raw energy, iconic riffs, and the signature punch that made AC/DC one of the most influential rock bands of all time. It’s a riff-driven anthem that perfectly captures the band’s tight rhythm work, powerful hooks, and bluesy attitude.

In this comprehensive LickLibrary guitar lesson, we break down every section of the song with clarity and precision, teaching you how to nail the rhythm, licks, and lead parts exactly as recorded. The lesson focuses on key techniques such as power chords, palm muting, string bending, and pull-offs, giving you the tools to master the style and swagger of AC/DC’s iconic guitar sound. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Power chords are at the core of “If You Want Blood”—bold, aggressive, and delivered with precision. Malcolm Young’s rhythm work is a perfect example of how power chords can drive a track without needing complex harmony. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to voice, mute, and move these chords efficiently. Mastering power chords builds your rhythm foundation, improves fretting hand control, and allows you to lock in tight with the beat.

Palm Muting

To deliver that chugging, percussive rhythm that AC/DC is known for, you’ll need to master palm muting. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings while picking, creating a tight, controlled sound. “If You Want Blood” uses palm muting to build tension and create dynamic variation throughout the verses and riffs. Learning this technique will improve your precision, rhythm feel, and dynamic control—especially in rock and metal contexts.

String Bending

Angus Young’s explosive soloing in “If You Want Blood” features expressive string bending to inject emotion and fire into every lick. Whether it’s subtle half-step bends or full-step wails, bending is essential to capturing his bluesy style. In this lesson, you’ll learn to bend accurately to pitch, control your release, and add vibrato for extra flair. Mastering string bending enhances your phrasing, pitch control, and lead guitar expressiveness.

Pull-Offs

Angus also utilizes pull-offs in his solos to add speed and fluidity. This legato technique allows you to move from one note to another using only your fretting hand—creating smooth, connected phrases. You’ll learn how to perform clean pull-offs, integrate them into licks, and use them to create flowing lines with less picking. Pull-offs improve your fretting hand dexterity and are essential for blues, rock, and metal soloing.

Why Learn “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”?

This track is AC/DC at their most intense—tight rhythms, catchy riffs, explosive solos, and high-energy performance from start to finish. Learning this song gives you a chance to strengthen your core rock techniques, from precise power chord playing and controlled palm muting to expressive string bending and fluid solo phrasing.

Our LickLibrary guitar lesson provides step-by-step breakdowns, on-screen tab, and expert guidance on how to play every note with accuracy and feel. You'll develop better timing, control, and technique while learning how to play like two of the most respected guitarists in rock history.

Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to tighten up your rhythm playing or a lead player aiming to master the blues-rock soloing of Angus Young, this lesson delivers the skills and confidence to play it like the record.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

Angus and Malcolm Young are the powerhouse guitar duo at the heart of AC/DC’s signature sound. Malcolm’s rhythm playing was unmatched—tight, minimal, and locked-in with the groove—while Angus brought fiery blues-inspired leads and showmanship to the forefront. “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” is a brilliant showcase of their chemistry. Malcolm’s punchy rhythm work lays the foundation, while Angus’s lead lines add explosive energy and melodic fire. Studying this track is not just about learning a great song—it’s about understanding the blueprint of rock guitar.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Pull-Offs

Bring the energy, grit, and classic tone of AC/DC to your playing with our “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” guitar lesson. Learn the riffs, master the feel, and unleash the full force of one of rock’s most electrifying tracks—note for note.