The Jack - AC/DC

Learn to Play "The Jack" by AC/DC Note-for-Note

AC/DC’s "The Jack" is a blues-infused rock anthem that showcases the raw energy and groove that made the band legendary. Featured on the 1975 album High Voltage, this track is a masterclass in blues-based rock guitar playing, making it an essential learning experience for any aspiring guitarist. In this LickLibrary guitar lesson, you'll dive deep into the techniques that define this classic song and gain insights into the playing styles of AC/DC’s guitarists. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Angus Young and Malcolm Young: The Driving Force Behind "The Jack"

AC/DC's signature sound is built on the dynamic interplay between brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young. Angus, the lead guitarist, is renowned for his electrifying solos, bluesy phrasing, and aggressive bends. His ability to inject emotion into every note makes his playing both powerful and expressive. Malcolm, on the other hand, was the backbone of AC/DC’s rhythm section, crafting tight, driving riffs that provide the perfect foundation for Angus’ lead work. Their combined forces in "The Jack" create a blues-driven groove that embodies the band’s raw, unfiltered energy.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of "The Jack." These simple yet effective chord shapes allow for maximum impact with minimal movement, creating a thick, punchy sound. Learning power chords is crucial for rock and blues players, as they provide the foundation for countless songs across various genres.

Bluesy Bends

Angus Young’s expressive playing style relies heavily on string bending, particularly in his blues-influenced licks. Mastering bluesy bends enhances your ability to add emotion and articulation to your solos, giving your playing a vocal-like quality.

Vibrato

One of Angus Young’s most recognisable techniques is his signature vibrato. Applying vibrato to bent or sustained notes adds depth and character to your playing, making your solos stand out. This lesson will help you develop controlled vibrato for a more professional, expressive sound.

Slides

Slides are a fundamental part of the lead guitar phrases in "The Jack." They help connect notes smoothly, adding a flowing, lyrical quality to your playing. Mastering slides will also improve your fretboard navigation and help develop a more fluid soloing technique.

String Bending

Bending notes is essential to capturing the feel of blues-rock solos. "The Jack" features a variety of bends, from subtle micro-bends to expressive full-step bends. Learning how to execute clean, in-tune bends will give your playing a more dynamic and expressive touch.

Double Stops

Double stops appear frequently in blues-based rock music and are a key part of AC/DC’s sound. These two-note harmonies add depth to lead lines and solos, making them sound fuller and more powerful.

Chord Progressions

At its core, "The Jack" follows a traditional blues chord progression with a rock attitude. Understanding chord progressions will help you recognize song structures and improve your ability to write and improvise in a similar style.

Why Learn "The Jack"?

Studying "The Jack" not only improves your technical skills but also helps you develop a deeper understanding of blues-based rock guitar playing. By working through this lesson, you will:

• Enhance your rhythm playing by locking into the song’s groove.
• Improve your lead guitar phrasing with expressive bends, slides, and vibrato.
• Strengthen your ability to play dynamically, switching between softer bluesy phrases and high-energy rock licks.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions

This lesson will equip you with the essential techniques to play "The Jack" authentically while also strengthening your overall blues-rock guitar skills. Dive in and start rocking like Angus Young today!