You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

Learn to Play One of AC/DC’s Most Iconic Songs Note-for-Note

"You Shook Me All Night Long" is one of AC/DC’s most recognisable and celebrated rock anthems. Originally released on their 1980 album Back in Black, this track features the powerful guitar work of Angus Young and Malcolm Young, delivering a mix of electrifying riffs, solid rhythm playing, and memorable solos. Our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every detail of this classic, allowing players of all levels to master its essential techniques and play it with confidence. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song: Angus and Malcolm Young

Angus Young, the legendary lead guitarist of AC/DC, is known for his blistering solos, expressive bends, and energetic stage presence. His playing in "You Shook Me All Night Long" demonstrates his signature blues-inspired licks combined with hard rock aggression. Malcolm Young, often regarded as one of the greatest rhythm guitarists in rock history, delivers rock-solid power chord progressions and tight rhythmic precision, forming the backbone of the song. Their combined approach creates the unmistakable AC/DC sound—raw, powerful, and endlessly fun to play.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are a fundamental element of AC/DC’s music, and "You Shook Me All Night Long" is no exception. These two- or three-note chords provide the driving force behind the song’s rhythm, creating a punchy, full-bodied sound. Learning power chords is essential for rock and metal guitarists, as they form the foundation of many classic riffs.

Open-String Riffs

The song’s main riff utilises open strings to create a ringing, resonant tone. Open-string riffs add depth and sustain to a guitar part, making it sound bigger and more dynamic. Mastering this technique enhances picking accuracy and helps players develop a tight rhythmic feel.

String Bending

Angus Young’s lead work is filled with expressive string bends that add emotion and intensity to the solos. This technique involves pushing a string up or down to reach a higher pitch, creating a singing, vocal-like quality. Learning how to execute smooth and controlled bends improves finger strength and enhances lead guitar phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques are used throughout the solo to create fluid, fast-moving phrases. A hammer-on is when you play a note and use your fretting hand to press down on a higher note without picking again, while a pull-off is the reverse. Incorporating these techniques improves finger agility and allows for smoother lead passages.

Vibrato

One of the hallmarks of Angus Young’s lead playing is his signature vibrato, which involves slightly bending and releasing a note repeatedly to create a rich, expressive sound. Developing a strong vibrato technique enhances sustain and gives notes a more vocal-like character.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between notes smoothly, adding a sense of fluidity to both rhythm and lead parts. By sliding up or down the fretboard, guitarists can achieve a more connected, expressive feel in their playing.

Palm Muting

In the rhythm sections, palm muting is used to create a tight, percussive sound by lightly resting the picking hand on the strings while playing. This technique adds dynamic contrast and helps define different sections of the song.

Why Learn "You Shook Me All Night Long"?

• Essential Rock Techniques: This song incorporates key techniques that every guitarist should master, making it an excellent study piece.
• Tight Rhythmic Playing: Malcolm Young’s precise rhythm guitar work teaches control and timing, crucial for developing a strong groove.
• Angus Young’s Signature Lead Style: Learning his phrasing, bends, and vibrato will help players develop expressive soloing skills.
• Classic Rock Tone & Feel: AC/DC’s straightforward, high-energy approach is perfect for developing an authentic rock guitar sound.
• Fun and Iconic: Whether playing alone or with a band, this song is an instant crowd-pleaser and a must-know for any rock guitarist.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

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

Ready to Rock?

Start your journey into AC/DC’s signature sound with our note-for-note guitar lesson on "You Shook Me All Night Long" at Licklibrary.com. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop rock fundamentals or an experienced player aiming to capture the authentic feel of the original recording, this lesson has everything you need. Get ready to crank up your amp and bring this classic anthem to life!