Let There Be Rock by AC/DC - Guitar Lesson Description

AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock is a high-energy, no-holds-barred anthem that embodies the raw power of rock and roll. Featured on their 1977 album of the same name, this track is a showcase of relentless rhythm guitar, blistering lead work, and unrelenting energy. Angus and Malcolm Young’s iconic guitar interplay makes this a must-learn song for any rock guitarist.

At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note lesson on Let There Be Rock will break down the key guitar techniques that drive the song’s explosive sound. This lesson will focus on essential rock guitar techniques, including power chords, palm muting, string bending, and vibrato. These techniques are fundamental for any guitarist looking to develop the raw energy and attitude of classic rock guitar playing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of AC/DC’s sound, and Let There Be Rock is no exception. These simple, two-note chord shapes create the huge, driving rhythm that propels the song forward. Power chords are heavily used throughout rock and punk music due to their aggressive and punchy sound.

Learning power chords helps develop hand strength, improve chord transitions, and enhance rhythm guitar skills. They provide a strong foundation for rock and metal playing, enabling guitarists to create high-energy riffs with clarity and impact.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a tight, percussive quality to rhythm guitar playing, helping to create dynamic contrast between sections of a song. In Let There Be Rock, palm muting is used to control the intensity of certain passages, allowing the song to build energy before exploding into full-throttle riffs.

Mastering palm muting improves picking-hand control, enhances rhythmic precision, and gives players greater command over dynamics. It is an essential technique for adding texture and variation to power chord-based riffs.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead work in Let There Be Rock is filled with expressive string bending, a technique that raises the pitch of a note by pushing or pulling the string. This technique adds emotion and fluidity to solos, giving them a vocal-like quality.

Practicing string bending is crucial for developing control, pitch accuracy, and expressive phrasing. It’s a signature technique in blues and rock solos, helping guitarists create dramatic, soaring lead lines that stand out in a performance.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a key ingredient in Angus Young’s lead guitar style. This technique involves slightly bending and releasing a note repeatedly to create a singing, expressive quality. Used throughout Let There Be Rock, vibrato enhances sustain and gives solos a more dynamic and emotive feel.

Developing a strong vibrato technique improves control over note expression, adds character to solos, and helps create a signature lead guitar voice. It’s a crucial skill for any guitarist looking to add depth and emotion to their playing.

The Influence of Angus and Malcolm Young

Let There Be Rock showcases the powerful partnership between Malcolm and Angus Young, two of rock’s most influential guitarists. Malcolm Young’s rhythm playing is a masterclass in precision, drive, and groove, providing a rock-solid foundation for the band’s sound. His ability to create tight, punchy riffs with minimalistic power chord shapes helped define AC/DC’s unmistakable style.

Angus Young, known for his high-energy performances and blues-infused lead work, delivers electrifying solos and relentless rhythm playing throughout the track. His raw, unfiltered approach to guitar playing has inspired generations of rock musicians, proving that feel and attitude are just as important as technical ability.

Why Learn Let There Be Rock?

This song is a fantastic study in rock guitar techniques and stage presence. Learning Let There Be Rock will help guitarists refine their rhythm playing, improve their lead guitar phrasing, and enhance their overall command of the fretboard. The combination of power chords, palm muting, string bending, and vibrato makes this track a must-learn for any aspiring rock guitarist.

By mastering this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play Let There Be Rock with confidence but also develop the skills needed to tackle many other classic rock anthems. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to improve your rhythm work or an advanced player wanting to channel the energy of Angus Young, this lesson is essential for any rock guitarist’s repertoire.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

The following techniques are covered in this lesson and can be explored further in the Licklibrary glossary:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you’ll not only be able to perform Let There Be Rock with authenticity but also develop the foundation for countless other rock classics. Get started with this lesson at Licklibrary.com and bring the energy of AC/DC to your playing.