Shoot to Thrill - AC/DC

Mastering "Shoot to Thrill" by AC/DC

"Shoot to Thrill" is one of AC/DC’s most electrifying tracks, showcasing the band's signature blend of raw energy, blues-infused riffs, and tight rhythmic precision. This note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary will teach you how to replicate every nuance of Angus Young’s lead work and Malcolm Young’s rock-solid rhythm playing. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to refine your technique or an advanced player seeking to perfect AC/DC’s style, this lesson offers an in-depth breakdown of every lick, chord, and solo. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Shoot to Thrill"

Angus Young and Malcolm Young are two of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Angus, known for his blistering lead guitar work, combines bluesy phrasing with aggressive, high-energy playing. His solos are a masterclass in expressiveness, using techniques like string bending, vibrato, and fast alternate picking to deliver scorching lead lines. Malcolm, on the other hand, was the backbone of AC/DC’s tight rhythm guitar, known for his powerful chord voicings and precision timing. Together, their interplay defined the AC/DC sound, influencing generations of rock guitarists.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are fundamental to rock guitar, and "Shoot to Thrill" relies on their punchy, driving sound. These simple yet powerful shapes create the thick, full-bodied rhythm tone that Malcolm Young mastered. Learning power chords improves your ability to play rhythm guitar with clarity and confidence.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds dynamics and tightness to the rhythm parts, allowing you to control the intensity of the song. This technique is especially useful in building up tension before explosive chord hits. Practicing palm muting enhances your control over articulation and attack.

Alternate Picking

Angus Young’s solos often incorporate alternate picking, ensuring precise note articulation and speed. This technique is crucial for fast-paced lead runs and keeping your playing clean, even at high tempos.

String Bending

One of Angus Young’s signature moves, string bending gives his solos their emotive quality. By bending notes accurately, you can develop better pitch control and add expression to your lead playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds sustain and personality to notes, making them stand out in a solo. Angus frequently uses wide, aggressive vibrato to create his signature sound. Developing a strong vibrato technique will improve your lead phrasing and overall expressiveness.

Slides

Slides connect different positions on the fretboard smoothly, adding fluidity to both lead and rhythm playing. Learning slides helps you transition between notes effortlessly and create more expressive phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques allow for legato-style playing, making fast licks smoother and more dynamic. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs improves finger strength and fluidity, enabling faster playing with less effort.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Shoot to Thrill" features tight, syncopated rhythm patterns that make the song groove. Mastering these will sharpen your timing and sense of rhythmic accuracy, essential for playing with a band.

Open String Riffs

AC/DC frequently uses open string riffs, which create a bright, ringing sound. This technique enhances your ability to incorporate open strings for more dynamic, resonant riffing.

Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, add richness and texture to solos and rhythm parts. Practicing double stops will enhance your ability to harmonise and thicken up your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

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

This LickLibrary lesson will equip you with the skills to capture the raw energy and precision of "Shoot to Thrill." By mastering these techniques, you'll not only play the song note-for-note but also develop a deeper understanding of classic rock guitar playing, improving your overall musicianship. Get ready to rock!