Thunderstruck by AC/DC Guitar Lesson

Dive into the electrifying world of AC/DC’s iconic track, “Thunderstruck”, with our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This legendary song, known for its explosive energy and impressive lead guitar work, offers a masterclass in essential rock techniques that will elevate your playing to new heights. From powerful riffs to intricate lead lines, our lesson breaks down each section of the song, focusing on the techniques that defined both the track and the unique sound of AC/DC. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists and Their Influence

“Thunderstruck” showcases the incredible guitar prowess of Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, whose intense playing style has left an indelible mark on rock music. Known for his high-energy performances and impeccable technique, Angus combines raw power with precision, bringing AC/DC’s music to life. His guitar work in “Thunderstruck” exemplifies his aggressive yet controlled style, characterised by his use of string-bending, hammer-ons, and alternate picking. Angus’s influence has been instrumental in shaping the hard rock genre, inspiring generations of guitarists to master the art of rock guitar.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Hammer-Ons

A signature technique in “Thunderstruck” is the hammer-on. In the opening riff, Angus Young uses hammer-ons to create a rapid-fire sequence that drives the song’s intense feel. Learning this technique will improve your ability to create fluid, legato passages, giving your solos and riffs a smoother, more connected sound. Hammer-ons are essential for building speed without sacrificing clarity, making them invaluable for rock and metal guitarists.

Pull-Offs

The pull-off technique, often paired with hammer-ons, is another essential part of the opening riff. This technique allows you to create descending runs without picking each note, resulting in a smoother sound that maintains speed. Mastering pull-offs will enhance your ability to play faster passages, an essential skill for any guitarist looking to emulate the fluidity of Angus Young’s style.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is crucial for keeping time and adding a percussive edge to the song’s rhythm parts. In “Thunderstruck,” alternate picking allows you to maintain the song’s relentless drive. Learning this technique will not only enhance your speed and accuracy but also improve your rhythm playing, making it easier to keep time during fast passages.

String Bending

String bending is a staple of Angus Young’s style, adding expression to his solos and melodies. In “Thunderstruck,” string bending is used to create tension and add a vocal-like quality to certain notes. Practicing this technique will give you better control over pitch and add emotional depth to your playing, allowing you to convey feeling through each bend.

Power Chords

AC/DC’s sound is built on the foundation of power chords, which provide the thick, driving sound that defines hard rock. “Thunderstruck” makes use of power chords in its rhythm sections to reinforce the song’s energy. By mastering power chords, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of rock and punk songs, as they are a fundamental component of modern guitar music.

Open-String Riffs

The main riff of “Thunderstruck” employs open-string riffs, giving it a unique tone that feels both aggressive and spacious. Open-string riffs utilise open notes on the guitar to add resonance and depth to the sound. Learning to use open-string riffs will allow you to create fuller sounds, especially in solo settings, where open notes can add texture and sustain.

Legato Technique

In this song, legato playing is key to achieving the smooth, continuous flow that makes the main riff so recognisable. Using legato techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs will help you play with greater fluidity and improve the overall musicality of your solos and riffs. Mastering legato will enable you to create long, sustained lines without needing to pick every note, a useful skill for creating dynamic, fast-moving passages.

Slides

Slides add a subtle but powerful dynamic to various sections of “Thunderstruck,” allowing for smooth transitions between notes. Sliding into a note adds emphasis and character to individual phrases, which is essential for capturing the expressive style of Angus Young. Practicing slides will give you more control over transitions in your playing, enhancing your phrasing and making your solos more fluid.

Benefits of Learning "Thunderstruck"

Learning “Thunderstruck” from AC/DC is not just about mastering a legendary song—it’s about incorporating techniques that will enhance your overall guitar skills. Each technique discussed is crucial for developing speed, accuracy, and expression in rock guitar playing. This lesson breaks down these techniques in a way that allows players to understand not only how to perform them but also how to use them in various musical contexts.

The techniques covered here, such as hammer-ons, alternate picking, and power chords, are building blocks of rock guitar. By mastering these, you’ll be able to tackle a wide array of songs and create your own music with a strong technical foundation.

Guitar Techniques List

1. Hammer-Ons
2. Pull-Offs
3. Alternate Picking
4. String Bending
5. Power Chords
6. Open-String Riffs
7. Legato
8. Slides

Each of these techniques will help you play “Thunderstruck” accurately, but more importantly, they’ll serve as invaluable tools in your overall guitar journey. Dive into this lesson today and bring the electrifying sound of AC/DC into your own playing!