ACDC Rhythm Style Lessons 1 - 5

ACDC Lesson Notes and Tab 

AC/DC Rhythm Study - Lesson Notes

AC/DC are one of the worlds biggest rock bands and have a career that spans 30 years.

There style is often described as simple but it's hard to get the feel spot-on so the real work is in attack and keeping good time.

This study starts with a trademark Angus Young idea, finger picking chords to create a smooth and round sound. I used my first and second finger to play this part but if that doesn't suit you feel free to change them to something that suits and remember that it needs to be smooth and rhythmic to get the best effect.

Next up are some classic open chord ideas with dotted crotchets. Check out Guitar Practiced Perfectly software for more on traditional note values.

Add dynamics by accenting chords with your pick. This is a great way to get more tone from your setup without spending a penny. Also notice that with the right attack you need less gain so therefore create a more authentic tone. Angus Young is well known for using volume to create 'crunch' rather than lots of gain.

The study ends with the player needing to control silence (rests). Play the chords as 1/8th notes and then you need to rest for a 1/4 note. This sounds interesting because it creates rhythmic displacement. Take your time and get it right.

For more on general guitar playing buy Guitar Practiced Perfectly software.

Getting The Sound

Angus Young has always used Gibson SG guitars through Marshall amps.

Essential Listening

Anything by AC/DC. Standout albums include Back In Black, Highway to Hell , Let There Be Rock and If You Want blood You Got It