Rock 'n' Roll Damnation by AC/DC

Lick Library legend, Danny Gill, delves into the classic AC/DC track, "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation," from their renowned album 'Powerage', in this exclusive Lick Library tutorial. This song is a fantastic example of rock 'n' roll guitar at its best, featuring several essential techniques every guitarist should be familiar with. Let's break down the song step by step, focusing on the specific guitar techniques used in this iconic piece.

Chords and Power Chords

"Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" relies heavily on power chords, giving it that signature AC/DC punch. The primary chords used are:

• E5 (E Power Chord): Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 9th fret of the D and G strings. This forms the E5 power chord, which is the foundation of the song.
• A5 (A Power Chord): Shift your fingers to the 5th fret of the low E string and the 7th fret of the A and D strings to play the A5 power chord. This chord provides a powerful accent during the chorus.
• D5 (D Power Chord): Move your fingers to the 5th fret of the A string and the 7th fret of the D and G strings to play the D5 power chord. It adds a heavy groove to the song.
• G5 (G Power Chord): Finally, place your fingers on the 3rd fret of the low E string and the 5th fret of the A and D strings to form the G5 power chord. This chord creates dynamic contrast within the song.

Guitar Scales

The song predominantly uses the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D). This scale provides the bluesy and soulful character that is a hallmark of AC/DC's style.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Let's dissect the electrifying guitar solo in "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation," a signature of Angus Young's style.

• Alternate Picking: Angus Young starts the solo with rapid alternate picking, showcasing his impeccable timing and precision. This technique adds an energetic and rhythmic feel to the solo.
• Bends and Vibrato: Throughout the solo, Angus incorporates expressive bends and vibrato, adding emotion and character to his phrasing. These techniques are essential for creating that signature AC/DC sound.
• Double Stop Bends: Angus uses double stop bends to add depth and richness to his playing. These bends involve bending two notes simultaneously, creating a harmonically rich sound that elevates the solo.
• Unison Bends: Unison bends are another Angus Young trademark. By bending one note while keeping another static, he creates a distinctive and raucous sound that's synonymous with AC/DC.
• Pinched Harmonics: Angus employs pinched harmonics to accentuate certain notes, adding a wild and unpredictable edge to his phrasing. These harmonics are pinched or squeezed from the strings to produce a sharp and piercing sound.
• Trills: Trills, or rapid alternations between two notes, make an appearance in the solo, contributing to its dynamic and energetic nature.
• String Bending: String bending is a core technique in this solo. Angus bends notes to reach higher pitches, infusing his playing with emotion and intensity.

As you can see, Angus Young's solo in "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" showcases a variety of essential rock guitar techniques, all delivered with his signature style and attitude.

Lead Guitarist: Angus Young

Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, is a true guitar icon known for his high-energy performances and unmistakable stage presence. His playing style embodies the essence of rock 'n' roll rebellion, and he's revered for his unique blend of bluesy licks and electrifying solos.

Angus Young's mastery of bending and sustaining notes, coupled with his relentless energy, sets him apart as a guitarist. His use of pinched harmonics and double stop bends adds a touch of virtuosity to his playing, making him a standout figure in the rock world.

In "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation," Angus's lead guitar work perfectly complements the song's rebellious theme, delivering a sonic onslaught that drives the message of the track home.

Guitar Techniques Used

Here's a list of the specific guitar techniques used in "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" by AC/DC:

1. Alternate Picking
2. Bends and Vibrato
3. Double Stop Bends
4. Unison Bends
5. Pinched Harmonics
6. Trills
7. String Bending

These techniques are the heart and soul of Angus Young's playing in this classic AC/DC song. To master "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation," focus on honing these techniques and injecting your own style into the mix. Rock on!