Shot Down In Flames by AC/DC

AC/DC’s “Shot Down In Flames” is a quintessential rock anthem from the legendary album Highway to Hell. Featuring the electrifying guitar work of Angus Young and Malcolm Young, this track captures the raw power and energy that defines AC/DC's sound. Our note-for-note guitar lesson for this song brings you a deep dive into the techniques, licks, and riffs that make “Shot Down In Flames” a must-learn for every aspiring rock guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

Angus Young and Malcolm Young are the driving forces behind AC/DC’s iconic guitar sound. Angus Young’s fiery lead guitar playing is complemented by Malcolm’s rock-solid rhythm work, creating a synergy that has influenced countless guitarists worldwide. Angus’s aggressive yet melodic solos showcase a masterful command of blues-inspired rock phrasing, while Malcolm’s precision and power have set the gold standard for rhythm guitar. Together, they have shaped the sound of hard rock and left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our “Shot Down In Flames” guitar lesson focuses on a range of essential techniques that are not only central to this song but also valuable for developing a versatile rock guitar style. Each section of the lesson is designed to break down these techniques in detail, explaining their application within the song and their broader benefits for your guitar playing.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the rhythm section in “Shot Down In Flames.” These chords are simple yet powerful, providing the driving force behind the song’s high-energy riffs. Learning power chords enhances your rhythm-playing skills and lays the foundation for playing in various rock and punk styles.

Palm Muting

Malcolm Young’s rhythmic precision is evident in his use of palm muting. This technique adds a percussive quality to the chords and riffs, creating a tight and controlled sound. Mastering palm muting improves your ability to articulate notes cleanly and adds depth to your rhythm playing.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead guitar work in “Shot Down In Flames” features expressive string bending. This technique brings a vocal-like quality to your solos and helps you develop better pitch control and expressiveness.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These essential legato techniques are used in Angus’s fluid soloing. Hammer-ons and pull-offs enable faster note transitions and a smoother playing style, making them invaluable for creating seamless licks and phrases.

Slides

Slides add a dynamic and expressive element to the lead parts in the song. By incorporating slides into your playing, you can transition between notes smoothly and add a distinct rock flair to your solos.

Vibrato

Angus Young’s signature vibrato adds soul and emotion to his lead lines. Developing a strong vibrato technique enhances the musicality of your playing and helps you convey emotion more effectively.

Bluesy Bends

Blues-inspired bending techniques are central to Angus’s soloing style. These bends capture the essence of rock and blues, adding a raw, emotive quality to your guitar solos.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s rhythm parts make use of syncopated patterns, giving the riffs a unique groove. Practicing syncopated rhythms improves your timing and ability to play complex rhythmic structures.

Open String Riffs

The use of open string riffs adds a ringing, resonant quality to the rhythm parts. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to create full, rich-sounding riffs.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By studying the guitar techniques in “Shot Down In Flames,” you’ll gain valuable skills that are applicable across a wide range of styles. Each technique contributes to improving your overall dexterity, timing, and musical expression. Whether you’re focused on rhythm or lead guitar, these lessons will help you build a strong foundation for playing rock music with confidence and authenticity.

Techniques List

Below is a list of guitar techniques used in this lesson, with links to their detailed explanations:

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

Immerse yourself in this dynamic guitar lesson and take your playing to the next level with “Shot Down In Flames” by AC/DC. Let the iconic riffs and solos of Angus and Malcolm Young inspire your journey to becoming a rock guitar powerhouse.