Rock 'N' Roll Train by AC/DC

"Rock 'N' Roll Train" by AC/DC is a classic rock anthem that perfectly captures the energy and raw power of the band’s signature sound. This LickLibrary guitar lesson dives deep into the specific techniques used in this electrifying song, enabling you to master the nuances of the guitar work and unlock the essential skills needed to play like Angus Young. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced guitarist looking to sharpen your skills, this lesson is packed with valuable tips and techniques that will elevate your playing to the next level. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic song in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Angus Young: The Iconic Lead Guitarist

Angus Young, the legendary guitarist of AC/DC, is known for his high-energy performances and hard-hitting blues-based rock solos. His style is heavily rooted in pentatonic scales, and he incorporates fast, aggressive licks with a sense of melody that gives each song its distinct edge. Angus’ playing on “Rock 'N' Roll Train” reflects his dynamic approach to rhythm and lead guitar, where he mixes driving riffs with memorable solos. Learning this track not only helps you capture the spirit of AC/DC but also provides a solid foundation in classic rock techniques that can be applied across various genres.

Guitar Techniques in "Rock 'N' Roll Train"

In this guitar lesson, you will explore several key techniques that Angus Young and AC/DC use to create the signature sound heard in "Rock 'N' Roll Train." Below, we break down each technique and explain how it benefits your playing.

Power Chords

AC/DC's rhythm work often centres around power chords, which are essential for creating the song’s heavy, driving sound. These simple two- or three-note chords are the foundation of rock guitar. Learning power chords not only strengthens your rhythm guitar playing but also helps you achieve the thick, punchy tone needed for classic rock. Mastering power chords will give you the tools to create solid rock riffs and lay the groundwork for more complex chord progressions.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is another key technique used in “Rock 'N' Roll Train.” It involves using the side of your picking hand to lightly mute the strings, adding percussive tightness to your playing. This technique is crucial for creating dynamic contrast between open ringing chords and tightly muted riffs, providing the rhythmic chug that drives the song. Incorporating palm muting into your playing will improve your control and rhythm precision.

String Bending

Throughout the solos, Angus Young makes extensive use of string bending, a classic blues technique where the pitch of a note is bent up to another note by pushing the string up or down the fretboard. String bending adds expressiveness and character to your playing, imitating vocal-like qualities in your lead guitar work. It's a foundational skill that allows you to articulate your solos with greater emotion and nuance.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Angus often uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing licks in his solos. These techniques allow for quicker transitions between notes without re-picking, giving the solo a fluid, legato feel. Mastering these skills will not only improve your speed and dexterity but will also enhance your ability to execute complex passages seamlessly.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a subtle but powerful technique used to add depth and emotion to sustained notes. Angus Young applies vibrato throughout his solos, giving notes a richer, more resonant quality. Vibrato is key to developing your own voice on the guitar, and this lesson will help you refine the subtle variations that make your playing stand out.

Slides

Slides are a staple of Angus Young's playing style, allowing him to move between notes smoothly and effortlessly. In "Rock 'N' Roll Train," slides are used to create seamless transitions between riffs and solos. By mastering slides, you'll be able to add fluidity and movement to your playing, making your leads and riffs more expressive.

Syncopated Rhythms

AC/DC is known for their tight, driving rhythms, and syncopated rhythms are a key part of this. Syncopation involves placing emphasis on the off-beats or unexpected parts of the measure, giving the song its punchy, dynamic feel. Learning syncopated rhythms will help you build tighter, more interesting rhythmic patterns, enhancing your overall rhythm playing.

Open String Riffs

“Rock 'N' Roll Train” features open string riffs, which give the song its signature AC/DC rawness and power. Open string riffs are played by combining fretted notes with un-fretted, open strings, creating a big, resonant sound. Mastering this technique will add depth and fullness to your riffs, helping you craft bold, memorable rhythms.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques featured in "Rock 'N' Roll Train," you’ll not only be able to play the song itself but also expand your overall guitar proficiency. Power chords and palm muting lay the foundation for rock rhythm playing, while string bending, hammer-ons, and pull-offs refine your lead guitar skills. Techniques like vibrato and slides bring emotional depth to your playing, while syncopated rhythms and open string riffs make your rhythm work more dynamic and interesting. These skills are essential for any guitarist looking to master rock, blues, or heavy metal styles, and they are transferable across a wide range of musical genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here is a list of the core techniques you'll learn in this lesson, along with links to explore each technique further:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

This lesson on "Rock 'N' Roll Train" by AC/DC will equip you with essential techniques that are key to mastering not only the song but also the core fundamentals of rock guitar. Dive in and take your playing to the next level with these powerful techniques!