"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC - A Guitarist's Guide

"Highway to Hell," by Australian rock band AC/DC, features intense guitar work that remains an inspiration for guitarists worldwide. This album encapsulates the essence of rock 'n' roll, driven by powerful riffs, explosive solos, and captivating rhythm. Below is a detailed analysis of each song from a guitarist's perspective, focusing on guitar scales, solos, and techniques.

Released in July 1979, AC/DC’s sixth studio album, Highway to Hell is one of the band’s biggest musical achievements and sadly the last feature lead singer Bon Scott, who died early the following year. Highway to Hell became AC/DC’s first LP to break into the US Top 100, eventually reaching number 17, and it propelled the band into the top ranks of hard rock acts. It is the second highest selling AC/DC album behind Back in Black and is generally considered one of the greatest hard rock albums ever made.  Learn to play the following: Highway to Hell, Girls Got Rhythm, Walk All over You, Touch Too Much, Beating Around the Bush, Shot Down in Flames, Get It Hot, If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It), Love Hungry Man, Night Prowler 

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the metal icons, one phrase at a time, including Angus young’s incredible guitar solos.

Lead Guitarist: Angus Young

Angus Young is the heart of AC/DC's sound, and his contribution to "Highway to Hell" is monumental. Known for his aggressive playing style, his signature Gibson SG sound, and his schoolboy stage attire, Angus Young's blues-based rock licks, and solos have influenced countless guitarists. His mastery of techniques like vibrato, alternate picking, and string bending is fully showcased on this album.

Guitar Lessons in This Course

Guitar Lesson 1: "Highway to Hell"

In A Major, this song showcases powerful open-string riffs and a solo rich in bends and vibrato. The use of power chords and slides adds an edge to the song.

Guitar Lesson 2: "Girls Got Rhythm"

A catchy, straightforward rock tune in E Major, characterized by its use of open-string riffs and palm-muting, adding rhythmic flair.

Guitar Lesson 3: "Walk All Over You"

In G Major, the song displays prominent use of hammer-ons and pull-offs in its main riff and solo. A perfect study in syncopated rhythms.

Guitar Lesson 4: "Touch Too Much"

Focusing on A Major, Angus Young employs slides and double-stops in both the riff and solo, which adds texture and excitement to the song.

Guitar Lesson 5: "Beating Around the Bush"

In E Minor, this track features a fast-paced tempo, with alternate picking and trills. An exceptional guitar lesson in harmonics.

Guitar Lesson 6: "Shot Down in Flames"

A showcase in A Major of power chords and bluesy bends, demonstrating the effectiveness of simple techniques when played with conviction.

Guitar Lesson 7: "Get It Hot"

This B Major song is a rock 'n' roll celebration featuring octave melodies and a rich use of double-stop bends.

Guitar Lesson 8: "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)"

A tour de force in G Major, with extensive use of vibrato and chromaticism, particularly in the intricate guitar solo.

Guitar Lesson 9: "Love Hungry Man"

Centered around G Major, this ballad-like track focuses on arpeggiated chord progressions and string-bending, creating a more sentimental feel.

Guitar Lesson 10: "Night Prowler"

The final track in E Minor concludes the album with dark and sultry blues licks, using slides and sustain to create a haunting atmosphere.

Techniques Used in This Album

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Double-Stop Bends
• String Bending
• Chromaticism
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Octave Melodies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain
• Harmonics

Whether a professional guitarist or a budding enthusiast, "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC offers a treasure trove of lessons and inspirations. Angus Young's timeless playing continues to resonate, making this album a vital piece of rock guitar literature.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE