Learn to Play "Night Prowler" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Uncover the dark, bluesy swagger of AC/DC’s “Night Prowler” in this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. Closing out their 1979 masterpiece Highway to Hell, this slow-burning track is dripping with atmosphere and classic Angus and Malcolm Young guitar work. “Night Prowler” is a masterclass in groove, space, tone, and expression—a raw example of how less can be more when it comes to crafting powerful guitar parts.

In this detailed tutorial, we break down every guitar section in the song, showing you how to play it exactly like the record. Along the way, you’ll master key techniques such as power chords, double stops, chord progressions, and string bending—each of which plays an essential role in bringing the song’s dark blues-rock vibe to life. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of AC/DC’s guitar sound, and “Night Prowler” is no exception. Throughout the track, power chords provide a tight, muscular framework that drives the rhythm and dynamics of the song. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play these two-note chords with control and precision, getting the punch and clarity that Malcolm Young was famous for. Mastering power chords is essential for building a solid rhythm guitar foundation and developing rock-solid timing.

Double Stops

Used throughout the track to add weight and melodic bite, double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—are a hallmark of blues-influenced rock. Angus uses them to accentuate phrases and bring life to simple licks. Learning to play double stops will improve your fretting hand coordination, muting control, and add a fuller, more expressive dimension to your rhythm and lead playing.

Chord Progressions

“Night Prowler” moves through several carefully crafted chord progressions that give the track its slow-building tension and bluesy swagger. You’ll learn how to navigate these changes with feel and precision, understanding how AC/DC keeps things simple yet effective. Mastering chord progressions not only improves your rhythm playing but also helps you understand song structure and how to support vocal melodies with the right harmonic choices.

String Bending

Angus Young’s bluesy lead work in “Night Prowler” is filled with expressive string bending. This technique brings emotion to his phrasing, allowing him to emulate the vocal qualities of classic blues guitarists. In this lesson, we’ll help you nail the pitch, control the release, and add just the right amount of grit to your bends. Practising string bending improves your phrasing, intonation, and ability to convey emotion through your solos.

Why Learn “Night Prowler”?

While it may not be the fastest or flashiest AC/DC song, “Night Prowler” is a goldmine of guitar technique, groove, and tone. It teaches you how to play with feel, how to lock in with a rhythm section, and how to add just the right amount of spice to your lead playing. It’s also a brilliant example of how to leave space in your playing—something often overlooked but critical in sounding professional and musical.

With LickLibrary’s note-for-note breakdown, you’ll be able to play every part of this song with accuracy and style. You’ll get detailed instruction, on-screen tab, and expert insights into both the rhythm and lead guitar parts, all while honing essential rock techniques that can be applied across countless styles.

Whether you’re an AC/DC fan, a blues-rock enthusiast, or a guitarist looking to improve your rhythm chops and solo phrasing, this lesson will help you elevate your playing and connect more deeply with your instrument.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

At the heart of “Night Prowler” are the legendary brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, whose chemistry and tone defined the sound of AC/DC. Malcolm’s tight, minimalist rhythm guitar work is the backbone of the band, delivering punchy riffs and steady grooves with surgical precision. Meanwhile, Angus Young’s lead work is filled with raw emotion, blues phrasing, and signature firepower. Together, they formed one of the most iconic guitar duos in rock history. In “Night Prowler,” both guitarists show restraint and feel over flash, letting tone and timing do the talking.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending

Master the slow-burning power of “Night Prowler” and discover how feel, tone, and technique combine to create some of the most powerful guitar work in classic rock. With our expert lesson, you’ll capture the true sound and spirit of AC/DC—note for note.