Guitar & Bass Tabs
AC/DC
Learn AC/DC's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how AC/DC developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
AC/DC formed in Sydney in 1973 when brothers Malcolm and Angus Young recruited a revolving lineup, forging a lean, riff-first hard rock that fused blues grit with stadium swagger. With Bon Scott on vocals, the band carved a string of compact, hook-laden records that defined a blueprint for aggressive, no-nonsense rock. Their breakthrough arrived after Scott's death when they recruited Brian Johnson and released Back in Black (1980), a record that became one of the best-selling albums of all time and helped turn AC/DC into a global arena phenomenon. Over the decades, the group has toured relentlessly and maintained a reputation for high-energy shows that cross generations. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, sealing their status as one of rock's timeless powerhouses.
DadRock Tabs celebrates AC/DC's legacy with 47 lessons that lay out the band's proven approach: lean, power-chord grooves, blues-based riffs, and driving rhythms that punch through the mix. From It's a Long Way to the Top to Riff Raff, Shoot to Thrill, and Jailbreak, these tunes teach you how to lock in with a drummer, execute precise palm-muted chugs, and shape a punchy, cutting tone. Whether you're chasing Angus's ferocious rhythm and bold little solos or the primal energy that defined classic rock, these lessons offer a clear path to mastering the fundamentals of hard rock guitar.
🎸 Want to know what gear AC/DC used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Girls Got Rhythm
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Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution
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Shoot To Thrill
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You Shook Me All Night Long
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Whole Lotta Rosie
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Highway To Hell
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Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
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Who Made Who
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Have A Drink On Me
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T.N.T.
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It's A Long Way To The Top
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Rock 'N' Roll Singer
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The Jack
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Live Wire
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High Voltage
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Problem Child
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Ride On
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Dog Eat Dog
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Let There Be Rock
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Sin City
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Walk All Over You
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Touch Too Much
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Shot Down In Flames
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Love Hungry Man
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Night Prowler
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Hells Bells
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Thunderstruck
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Back In Black
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Thunderstruck
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Moneytalks
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For Those About To Rock
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Jailbreak
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Beating Around The Bush
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Shake Your Foundations
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Let Me Put My Love Into You
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Black Ice
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Givin The Dog A Bone
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Live Wire
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Shoot To Thrill
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Riff Raff
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It's A Long Way To The Top
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Playing Style
AC/DC's playing style is built on stripped-down, high-energy riffing: heavy power chords, tight palm-muted chugs, and blues-based melodies that ride over a relentless, driving groove. The rhythm guitar sits tight in the pocket, while Angus Young's leads bring memorable hooks and aggressive phrasing that stay within a lean, vocal-friendly range. Common techniques include precise down-picking, strong alternate picking, and the use of blues scales and pentatonic patterns to craft singable solos. The band's sound hinges on attack, timing, and a relentless tempo rather than showy technique, making their grooves incredibly educational for developing rock-solid rhythm and harmonic awareness.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
AC/DC's tone is built from a practical, high-volume rig and a focus on bite and punch. Angus is closely associated with a Gibson SG that cuts through the mix, often driven by a Marshall-style amp stack. A Dallas Rangemaster treble booster is famously used to push the signal for extra edge, helping chords and riffs sit teeth-first in the mix. The overall setup emphasizes minimal effects, direct pick attack, and simple, dependable gear that remains consistent on tour night after night.
Why Learn AC/DC Songs?
Learning AC/DC tunes is a fast track to core rock guitar skills. You’ll build crisp rhythm with tight palm-muting, perfect down-stroke technique, and reliable power-chord shapes that form the backbone of countless rock riffs. You’ll also explore blues-based phrasing and pentatonic scales in a hard-edged context, giving you solid melodic ideas without heavy complexity. Most AC/DC songs sit in beginner-to-intermediate territory, making them approachable while still challenging you to lock in with a metronome, increase tempo, and develop a punchy, stadium-ready tone. These tunes lay a foundation you can transfer to other classic rock styles with confidence.
Did You Know?
- 1AC/DC's name derives from the electrical term for alternating current/direct current, signaling high-energy rock electricity.
- 2Angus Young's schoolboy uniform on stage became one of rock's most enduring and iconic images.
- 3Back in Black (1980) is one of the best-selling albums of all time, cementing AC/DC's global superstardom.
- 4The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, a milestone in their storied career.
41 AC/DC lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play AC/DC Guitar
Explore AC/DC guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
Similar Artists to AC/DC
If you're learning AC/DC on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.