Guitar & Bass Tabs
Highway To Hell
Learn Highway To Hell's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Highway To Hell 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 pulled together a tight-knit lineup that would redefine hard rock. Their no-nonsense approach—blues-infused riffs, powerhouse rhythms, and anthemic choruses—set the template for generations of rock bands. Through the late 1970s they cultivated a relentless, street-level energy that carried hits like Let There Be Rock and High Voltage to global audiences, building a reputation for brutal live shows and simple, unforgettable hooks. After the shocking death of Bon Scott in 1980, Brian Johnson joined, and the band released Back in Black, a record that became one of the best-selling albums of all time and a symbol of resilience in rock history. With Highway to Hell as a landmark track from the era, AC/DC cemented their place as one of the most enduring forces in rock, selling over 200 million records and earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.\n\nOver nearly five decades, AC/DC’s influence comes from a steadfast commitment to riff-driven rock. They forged a sound built on straight-ahead rhythm guitars, big hooks, and a ferocious energy that translated to stadiums and garages alike. The band’s legacy isn’t just in studio recordings; it’s in the live roar, the sing-along choruses, and the sense that anyone with a guitar can step into the groove and feel the power of rock’s most relentless engine.
🎸 Want to know what gear Highway To Hell used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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DadRock Jams AC/ DC
Highway To Hell
Playing Style
AC/DC’s playing style is the archetype of riff-based hard rock: punchy power chords, bluesy pentatonic phrasing, and a relentless, down-stroked groove. Their songs favor a tight, dialed-in rhythm guitar that locks with the bass and drums to create a wall of energy, while solos and lead fills stay concise, memorable, and highly melodic. Angus Young’s leads are fast, precise, and instantly recognizable, often riding high on the neck with a blend of rapid picking and expressive bends. The band’s sound relies on a hot, clean-to-crunch guitar tone and minimal effects, which makes every riff sound huge in any room. Practically, most AC/DC parts center on strong downstrokes, deliberate muting, and straightforward, repeatable hooks that train your timing and groove sense.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with AC/DC centers on Gibson SG guitars—most famously Angus Young’s red SG—paired with roaring Marshall amps (notably the JCM800 era) to deliver that raw, high-gain, punchy tone. The setup on stage and in the studio was intentionally simple: a solid guitar into a powerful amp, with a wah pedal and light overdrive used sparingly to push the character without losing the core crunch. This minimalist rig is a textbook example of how high-energy rock can come from effective gear choice and technique rather than a sprawling pedalboard.
Why Learn Highway To Hell Songs?
Learning AC/DC songs is one of the fastest routes to solid rock fundamentals. The parts emphasize power chords, palm-muted chugs, steady downstrokes, and simple, memorable riffs that train accuracy, timing, and groove. Highway to Hell in particular provides a practical, mid-difficulty challenge that combines open-string work with crisp rhythm changes, helping players develop precision with dynamics and strong sense of song structure. Mastering these tunes builds confidence for lead work later and reinforces essential skills like muting, articulation, and playing clean, loud riffs with a solid meter.
Did You Know?
- 1AC/DC's name references a power concept—alternating current/direct current—matching the band's high-voltage, no-nonsense rock persona.
- 2Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform and high-energy duck-walk became iconic symbols of the band and live rock performances.
- 3Back in Black (1980) is one of the best-selling albums of all time and marked the successful return of the band after Bon Scott’s passing.
- 4AC/DC has sold over 200 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Highway To Hell Guitar
Explore Highway To Hell 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.
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