Problem Child by AC/DC - Guitar Lesson Description

Problem Child is a high-energy rock anthem from AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap album, embodying the raw power and attitude that defined the band’s early sound. Featuring a mix of gritty rhythm work and fiery lead guitar licks, this track is a prime example of the Young brothers’ ability to create timeless rock riffs.

At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note lesson breaks down Problem Child with a focus on essential rock techniques, including power chords, palm muting, string bending, and alternate picking. These fundamental techniques are not only crucial for capturing the AC/DC sound but are also valuable tools for any guitarist looking to build strong rhythm and lead playing skills. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

The driving force behind Problem Child lies in its use of power chords. These simple but effective two-note chord shapes are a staple in rock music, delivering a punchy, full-bodied sound that forms the backbone of the song’s riffs.

Mastering power chords improves hand strength, helps with fast chord changes, and enhances overall rhythm guitar precision. They are essential for any rock guitarist and provide the foundation for countless classic riffs across multiple genres.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a key technique used throughout Problem Child to create a tight, rhythmic groove. By lightly resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, players can control sustain and create a percussive, choppy feel in their playing.

Developing solid palm muting skills improves dynamic control and articulation, allowing guitarists to add texture and variation to their rhythm playing. This technique is especially important for rock and metal players looking to achieve a polished, professional sound.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead guitar work in Problem Child features expressive string bending, which adds emotion and intensity to his solos. By pushing or pulling the string to raise the pitch, bending mimics the vocal qualities of blues playing, creating a singing, expressive lead tone.

Practicing string bending helps develop finger strength, pitch accuracy, and overall lead guitar phrasing. It’s an essential skill for rock and blues guitarists who want to add depth and emotion to their solos.

Alternate Picking

Throughout Problem Child, alternate picking plays a crucial role in both rhythm and lead sections. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes to increase speed, control, and efficiency when picking notes.

Learning alternate picking helps improve picking hand dexterity, enhances accuracy, and allows for smoother transitions between notes. It’s an essential skill for guitarists looking to play fast, clean riffs and fluid lead lines with ease.

The Influence of Angus and Malcolm Young

The guitar work in Problem Child perfectly encapsulates the signature style of Angus and Malcolm Young. Malcolm’s rock-solid rhythm playing provides the foundation for the song’s relentless energy, while Angus’s lead work delivers the electrifying solos that AC/DC is known for.

Malcolm Young’s precision in chord work and his keen sense of groove set the gold standard for rock rhythm guitarists. His ability to create hard-hitting yet deceptively simple riffs made AC/DC’s music instantly recognisable and highly influential.

Angus Young, on the other hand, infused his playing with blues influences, fiery bends, and rapid picking, cementing his reputation as one of rock’s greatest lead guitarists. His solos in Problem Child are a testament to his ability to blend technical prowess with raw, emotional playing.

Why Learn Problem Child?

This song is an excellent study in classic rock guitar techniques. Learning Problem Child will help you develop a strong foundation in rhythm guitar, improve your lead phrasing, and enhance your overall control when playing dynamic rock riffs. The combination of power chords, palm muting, string bending, and alternate picking makes this track a must-learn for anyone looking to capture the essence of AC/DC’s iconic sound.

By working through this lesson, you’ll not only master the techniques needed to play Problem Child accurately but also build essential rock guitar skills that can be applied to countless other songs. Whether you're an intermediate player refining your rhythm playing or an advanced guitarist looking to channel the raw energy of Angus and Malcolm Young, this lesson has something to offer.

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
• Alternate Picking

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you’ll not only be able to perform Problem Child with confidence but also develop the skills needed to tackle many other rock classics. Dive into this lesson at Licklibrary.com and take your guitar playing to the next level.