EPIC RIFFS | Why this is AC/DC's hardest riff!⚡
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ค. 2024
- Another video in the EPIC RIFFS series, and today we're looking at AC/DC. Is this the hardest riff? And why is it so difficult? How can we nail it? We're analyzing the riff and I'm showing you all the tricks to get it down.
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0:00 Intro
0:40 The Riff
1:06 The biggest misconception
3:21 The right notes
4:14 The trick to play it fast
6:42 The rhythm problem
8:19 What is wrong with the tabs?!
9:53 The two intro chords
11:22 The B section
11:50 The Mixolydian mode
13:40 The tone
Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on TH-cam.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com or check out my guitar courses at: learnpracticeplay.com and nextlevelplaying.com
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Paul
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"Everyone says ACDC is easy.......but try playing it right!" -Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Albert Vasutoga ......While he was playing “if you want blood” incorrectly ........oops......You are correct though
@ps10iceman You take that back.
@ps10iceman still great guitarist
Good quote from Scott!!
@@guitarheroal well yes but he's got a point😂
Now imagine Angus playing it at a live concert......NOT sitting down on a chair - but playing it while jumping around on the stage...that adds even more to the difficulty level
And 90,000 fans screaming at you ..
And hopping forward on 1 leg
@@thebookofeli849 Exactly that doesn´t make it easier 😉
I think he plays it live with easier version
I mean, after doing it for so many years, I bet he could play it while sleeping
Angus himself said when asked what makes a great ac/dc riff he answered “ something that sounds easy, but is extremely
Hard to play “.
Respect ✊
... but nothing Angus plays is hard.
@@ilicdjo what the fuck are gou on about lmao
He actually just summarized all of AC/DC's song ever, legend!
"Extremely hard to play..."
I love me some Angus and ACDC is one of my top bands but chill with the exaggeration chief.
@@paulrevere4749 Well the Whole Lotta Rosie solo is very fast. And getting the phrasing right isn't easy. If you're referring to the rhythm section it's usually pretty easy. But so is most of Rock or Metal.
Angus’s love of Classical is a massive inspiration. Seen him perform Bach on guitar the Man is insane.
Many people make the mistake of thinking Bach was all about baroque; they’re wrong. He was metal.
@@feliscorax The Charismatic Voice, said she thought it was inspired by Bach.
In my humble opinion, everyone has a biorythm or tempo that is just natural to, (notice what you usually play or play most often when picking up your guitar) you . Most every guitarist I've watched, jammed with etc. has a certain thing they start with or begin to noodle with. In that respect Angus and AC DC, as well as most all musical groups or the like have lots of tracks that are similar. I would imagine that those quirky moves are natural to Angus. Which would be rare for another to have his biorythm and natural movements. All that makes up a big part of the group live or recorded. Take Angus out and the solid base of the group is gone. Especially live in concert.
"This is what happens when you get an SG: you play AC/DC, of course." LOL 😆
Been there done that lol
I bought my black SG just to play Thunderstruck ! SSOOOOO GGOOOODDDDD !
Can confirm.
Damn straight.
Tony iommi: hold my beer.
“Comfortably Numb”. Many guitarists think it is super easy, but to get it right takes a lot of feel and the right tone. I would love to see you explain it.
It's the same folk who think faster = harder = better.
I would like a Video how to play that right! One of my favorite pink floyd songs
I can play comfortably numb at 301 beats per minute. Beat that Dave Gilmour.
The timing is pretty difficult to get
I believe he actually did in another video, or at least he did a video about David Gilmour's insane bending..
I have to say, at 8:50, the 5/4 variation, with your drum line, is actually pretty badass.
It's not Thunderstruck, but it's kinda cool anyway.
Was just thinking the same thing!
I thought the dam thing. That's badass
I support prog thunderstruck
When the doom music kicks in
I want to hear the rest of that recording! By chance or design, you might really have something there!
I play Angus in an AC/DC tribute band and I LOVED this video! Everyone says AC/DC is easy - but it's not - it's simple - but it's not easy to play any of their songs like they play them.
Every part of every acdc is easy as shit if you aren't trash
@@boobiedefloop6097you should try recording video of thunderstuck while moving around just like Angus Young, I'm sure it would get thousands of views
@@boobiedefloop6097 Rubbish. Try opening with Thunderstruck in front of a packed stadium whilst rocking out without fucking up.
@@boobiedefloop6097 grow tf up. No one is “trash” as long they actually put effort into learning, have to start somewhere.
@@TheBlueShark bruh u serious,bunch of powerchords and some generic pentantonic riffs. Ilike adc but dont pretend like they are hard to replicate. Yo,what about metallica then? Try playing creeping death or blackened and then we will talk about difficulty ... james also SINGS while playing those fucking riffs and ya talk about angus fucking young? Chill bro. And Metallica isnt even that hard compared to other bands than lets say dreamtheater or polyphia but still... Acdc is one level above beginner,thats it.
I was once a beginner guitarist in a summer Rock camp program picking through thunderstruck on a friggin Starcaster when one of the "experienced helper" teens came into the room with his big dumb Les Paul and basically said I wasn't good because I couldn't do it with hammer-ons and pull-offs like Angus does...the he left. I actually believed him (Remember to challenge your authorities kids) and it caused an enormous blow to my esteem and playing because for years and years and years after that one moment I continued to think I was always falling short as a guitar player (and even a human being), even though I was already better than that hater on day 1. I believed I wasn't capable of being an amazing player, and if you're not yet aware, your beliefs create your reality. Well Angus picked that Fn riff on the record and the world needed to know. So thanks for making this video Paul and may all guitar snobbery be put to rest!
I think this kind of stuff happens to a lot of us just to make these other ass holes better. Rock on.
Ive been told i wasnt good every day. It just forced me to practice alone in my room instead of going out and trying to find other musicians. For some reason guitarists are the most jealous of most musicians ive met. They only want to see you fail so they look better. Keep playing for you!
@@areze666 I feel like as a guitarist you are either afraid of anyone being better than you or you think that everyone is better than you...
Both of these ways of thinking are terrible.
Not only for others but also for yourself...
I do open mics and find the variety of styles helps me relax into my own. I refuse to deal with Prima Donna's. I quit one band as soon as they got one of those arrogant cheesies. Oh, and the band folded soon after because the snob sucked. Keep on truckin in your own truck. No one has to be the greatest. Even Jimmy played down to accomidate the band. I think it was the Who. Blending beats shining.
Words are the most powerful resource on this planet. They can either build up character and ideas, or destroy them.
When you hear the Thunderstruck intro you'll know some serious shit is about to happen
Angus is a lot like Chuck Berry, their riffs seem simple, but it's the nuance & technique that define each one. It's how they make each song sound different while keeping within their groove. They have refined their groove to an extent that goes beyond most players.
I’ve been practicing this riff for the past year as a picking exercise. Angus makes it look so easy but it’s so damn hard to get it perfect!!
I’m such a n00b. Been playing it wrong this whole time 🤯
Damn i got first comment
Beyond The Guitar you are the best lah
I can't even play it... 😅. But his Videos are great!
most of peeps do 😜
at least you can play it at all!
As a fellow guitar teacher, its great to see someone teaching these iconic songs/riffs the "right way"! Its frustrating having students coming into lessons having learnt songs from online tabs or even other TH-cam channels and playing them WRONG! Your theory breakdowns of songs are also great and highlights even further how unsuited formal theory courses are for learning rock/contemporary music. Keep it up Paul!
Excellent video and instruction, your attention to detail gives this legendary song the respect it deserves! Kudos
I love how you respect the OGs and don’t compare yourself as good as them even you’re way too near. Love your art of teaching bro.
That wrong tab jam in the middle actually kind of rips.
I agree
@@PaulDavids Petition to make it a full song!! I love these 5/4 rythms.
p e t i t i o n
If you drop it an octave and make it minor I bet it would make a great heavy metal riff
@@PeterSeres signed.
Acca Dacca definitely don't get enough credit for their groove. Everything they do is as tight as a duck's arse! Phil, Malcolm and Cliff; what a rhythm section...
RIP Malcolm
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this video. Not only are you an outstanding musician, but your manner is fun, friendly, and quite cool. Thank you so much!
You were born to be a guitar teacher. Really you have a wonderful way of explaining things.
I decided to learn this riff literally yesterday while being familliar with this music for more than 10 years. Good timing Paul, thanks!
I knew once you got a Sg, AC/DC would be soon to follow. I love sgs.
I agree it was so predictable
And also what's more exciting is that AC/DC will release a new single tomorrow and new album sooN!!11
@@veetiruoranen3624
Wow !! One of the greatest rock bands ever and definitely the toughest.
@@stricknine8623 no argue about that and the single is heavenly (or hell'ly good in acdc case) amazing
Personally, I would be more pleased to see and hear him play Cream, when Clapton played SG.
I really like the way you create the lesson. Very clear and logical steps and funny points. Thank you for this approach Sir!
Thank you. I always feel better watching your lessons. This was one of the first riffs I ever picked up when I first got an acoustic guitar. I was very close to perfect. I missed one detail and glad you pointed it out. Thanks again. You are such a great teacher.
This was one of the first songs I learned on the guitar, those hammer on hammer offs were killers... My mind is officially blown now, to think I'm learning how to play it again, properly, some 30+ years later. Awesome!!
Genuinely loving this series Paul!!! Keep producing your amazing content!
malcoms guitar made everything sound cool. he was a great guitarist. totally underrated. a rhythmn-genius.
Totally
Exclusively on an old Gretsch no less, the dude was AC/DC, malcoms rythmic prowess was the backbone of Angus's playing.
Those who know, know.
Malcom was never underrated, he was highly regarded as one of the best rhythm and best riff guitarist in the world by all.
@@aus-rider some people think, what he does, is easy. because it is not „flashy“ or obvious high-speed shredding. but most of them fail miserably, when they actually try to play his parts and deliver like he did.
This man is amazing just the way he can hear every single detail in every string of every chord it’s just insane
I had the same feelings about the tabs when I went to learn it - I searched for people talking about picking vs legato but couldn't find anything. I'm glad there's finally a definitive video on it now.
Your lighting, color grading and video post production are excellent. You're a pretty good guitar player too :)
Masterclass AC/DC tutorial.
Thank you!
Rock on
Love the nuanced camera and editing work not to mention the terrific lighting of all your videos. Such a quality product no matter what the topic.
For years I had struggled to get the precision right and the pick attack with this riff. One day decided to wear the guitar super high like Angus, and it made all the difference. The angle of the pick attack, and the easy access to the whole fretboard--wow, never looked back. Whenever I play AC/DC now, I just adjust my strap higher and rock like the brothers Young. Cheers, and rock on \m/
Good comment, reminds me that when crossing strings, either ascending or descending, the forearm should do the work, not reaching with the thumb and forefinger, because that will screw up the angle of attack. I find it uncomfortable to move my arm like that, but it ends up producing the same angle of attack on all strings, even if you run all six strings consecutively. Sweep picking can't be mastered without moving the forearm. The more you reach with the thumb and forefinger, the more you create a completely different exercise each time. You never play the same exercise twice in a row as the angle of attack keeps changing.
So I forgot to say that since the Angus riff is all on one string, pre-positioning the forearm so that you have a natural angle of attack is super important. You did that, apparently, but moving the guitar instead of your forearm. Sometimes that can happen just by either standing or sitting.
Which suggests Angus learned to play sat down......no?
I find it EXTREMELY badass, that Angus actually starts the whole song with the open B-string as first note. For me its an absolutely great song-starting-moment.
what? how?
Yes, it seems intuitive to reproduce this guitar intro🤘.
Really enjoy your channel. Your breakdowns, theory, examples, and exercises are top notch. Not too heady, easy to understand, for the beginner and professional alike. Bravo!
I remember showing this to our guitarist when we covered it, and he wouldn't believe me. Once I played it for him, he finally REALLY listened to the song and it clicked. It wasn't too difficult to learn, but mastering it took a little work. Still so iconic, and although it's not "hard," it still sounds fantastic.
Question arises: Did he play AC/DC because he just bought an SG or did he buy an SG to play AC/DC? Great video! THUNDER!
Probably because their album is coming after a long time
@@dukethotness They're making another one? Fuck, that's some great news. They've been through a lot of shit in recent years so it could be an interesting one.
This connection works both sides: you get an SG because you want to play AC/DC, and that’s why you want to play AC/DC))
@@RedHeadGuitar th-cam.com/video/iKOlC8hNMZA/w-d-xo.html
Sure looks interesting
GingerBeardMan I suspect Angus got an SG because he's small and it's light. And the double cutaway makes it easier to play. Also, the SG is cheaper than a Les Paul (he is Scottish, you know).
And then you see Angus young delivering the perfect performance at Donnington as if he was delivering a pizza to an oven! Melting melody from his fingers and doing it like it was nothing! Legend!
Great? Absolutely. Perfect? lol not that much chief he was dragging.
Donnington concert is overdubbed. As a big ACDC fan I can say that.
His posts are an in depth but practical master class not only for guitar but for music in general - I enjoy the insights and in depth analysis - extremely enjoyable and on my rotation of channels to watch
Thanks, I really enjoyed that! Very clear, easy to understand. I agree, to get the same impact as the original is not easy, the details are so important.
That was AWESOME! I grew up with ACCA DACCA as a local Ozzie band in the 70's, and we watched them from going to local heroes after their big brother in the Easybeats to how does a family produce SO MUCH musical talent. I was taught guitar by my cousin, and after years of spanking a Rockabilly plank (double bass) I'm loving 6 strings again.
Awesome !! Another detailed video like this about Malcolm's rythm part would be phenomenal !!
I've always been without confidence in attempting this one , but you explain it in such a way even "I" can begin to grasp and wrap my pea brain around the concept. "Well Done"! Thank You.
I have watched this video about 9,000 times now, and I practice for hours every night. The first time you get the flow going - the groove- is magical beyond words. I owe it all to your inspiration. Thank you!
I hope so. I am trying to learn guitar and this riff at the same time.
My fat palm and fingers don't help any
The neck binding on that guitar is beautiful
TheDooo : *T R I G G E R E D
This and any Drake song lmfao
Can you play Thunderstruck?
@@Nyoshi219 yes but not in full speed
It took me 3 months to learn every note Angus plays in Thunderstruck.....fingers bleeding by the end but fuck me it was worth it!
Lol
Very very good teacher he really show his love for music and explains everything in great detail there need to be more people like that 👏👏👍
I have struggled with this riff for longer than I can remember but I never tried the pure hammer on and pull off technique. As soon as I did that a couple of times it all made sense in my head and hands and now I've got it with a pick! It still needs a lot of work but thank you so much for giving me the foundations to build on! ❤
08:53 - 09:05 are 12 seconds of magic
This may be a bit out there, but I'd love to hear you speak about Malcolm's rhythm playing using the multi track files you can find out there. Live at Donington has them and his playing is just impeccable.
Great work Paul Davids. You actually hellped me play this riff! Also your videos are amazing!
I always enjoy your casual presentation; it's a great aid to learning.
Your guitar is gorgeous! I have always wanted to learn to play, now maybe I will
Thanks Paul ! 🙂 🥰
Keep up your very inspiring Work .
👍👍😉
You're giving aspiring Guitarists everywhere, the Tools to achieve their Goals ! 😊
Cheers ✌️
#pauldavids
#acdc
#angusyoung
Great job. Great lesson. On point. Nothing else to say
Keep them coming
You just made my day. So simple with the explanation. I dig it… definitely an autopilot riff once it gets going. At half speed it sounds awesome. Your video production is super engaging. Thanks 🙏 so much.
Used to play it halfway between the studio and live versions...
i.e. pick, pull-off, pick, pull-off, etc
Gives a nice balance of articulation and smoothness 😎👌
This is one of the first riffs I ever learned and I always thought it was weird that it sounded better being picked than played with hammer-ons and pull-offs like all the tabs said. At some point when I got better I realized the tab was wrong. The better you get, the more bad tabs you recognize.
Back in my day, there were no tabs. Only ones printed in books but those were done by professional transcribers and not kids who've been playing for 7 months. Point is, using your ears to figure stuff out will up your game more than relying on shitty inet tabs.
@@zendakk It's easy to say that and I agree, but when you're starting out you may not know that because you never considered who was writing the tabs. At least that was the case for me and I definitely had not developed my ear enough to learn a song using only my ear.
Outstanding!
Great explanation of a simple, but "complicated if yer gonna get it right" song. Thank you.
Love how easily you explain it! I found your tips really useful :)
I really wish the guitarists in the band would tab out their own music for these tab books. Really hate how the people who make the tab books get so much wrong.
Guitar players use fingers. Not brains lol. That’s why they don’t do the tab, they don’t know what they’re playing really. They feel it 🤷♂️.
@@funnymanparry You think music nerds like John Mayer don't know what they're playing? They put a lot of thought into their music. Of course they know.
@@chrisking6695 yeah but it’s John mayor though ??. Cheesy and not rock at all, whiten for teenage boys to learn the songs to woo the teenage girls that listen to that smut, 🤷♂️
@@chrisking6695 oh I see. Your a comment warrior. No actual content. Thanks for stopping by 👍🏻
@@funnymanparry yall guitar elitists are why guitar players geta bad rep lmao
It has happened to me so many times, that due to wrong tabs I just gave up learning a song :/
Great explanation as always :)
you should make a video on an amp setting as well !!
Pretty dope lesson. It covers the whole aspect of the song. Would luv to see more lessons like dis !
Love it! Gets it all . Thanks for the work, man.
I love it when he says”there’s just one more thing”.
That alt/prog thunderstruck is pretty dope tho, not gonna lie. I listem very little to tool or dream teather but when i listen i jam out.
Your videos are real art, your playing is outstanding!!! Thanks
Superb video dude. Nailed it.
One thing I do when we play anything AC/DC is exactly like you say - less gain and massive volume through the Marshall. Less is more and more is less.
RIP to Eddie Van Halen, one of the greatest influential rock guitar players.
For real man. He died really young too.
Rest In Peace but why an a video about AC/DC
@@loganolds3352I just wanted to post about EVH passing. Maybe Paul could post something about EVH's impact on guitar music.
This video isn't about EVH
R.I.P
Hey Paul. Great video! I never learned this riff because I tought it didn't sound right the way it was tabbed. Watched this and have been rocking the riff all night. Thank you!
Awesome 👏 analysis and explanation. Thank you, Paul.
You cleared up a couple of things that I was certainly confused about. Thanks that was awesome!
“Pretty dope” video...that was fascinating, thanks.
"I mean it's not as good as Angus... you can never get as good as Angus... but you try to get close." Preach it, Brother Paul.
Thank you very much for this awesome tutorial - it really helps me to understand this incredible riff
Hi Paul,
I really enjoy your videos. You make learning a pleasure. Thank you.
This was the show I was at. Not much after this Angus slid across the stage, opened up wounds on each knee and spent the rest of the show playing with blood pouring down his shins not missing a beat. The kids next to me were like "my dad loves this band...a few songs later...jesus man these guys rock.".... That's right kid...these guys rock.
th-cam.com/video/axGxDCZ6tek/w-d-xo.html
I think you're liking your SG a lot now. Hehe. Nice jacket BTW :)
@GuitarMusic very true!
Jacket? ....Fashion Victim , I would say
@@franktigertheisen Seems to be a Classic Levis Strauss jacket from the 70s. Looks great and suits Paul. For the price I'd want a little more warmth; and those metal buttons might scratch the guitar 😲.
I've been trying this riff for at least a month...still working on it...no end in sight!
Thanks for this upload. I'd never considered to attempt this song, but your video helped to de-mistify it. Also your advice not to add too much reverb (when driven) was a gem...a much better, crisp tone.
For me, the most difficult part of the song is Malcom's part on the intro. It's a simple B5, but the way he played it is amazing.
Malcom's playing is even more deceptively simple than Angus's. It's just goes to show how much a slight nuance in the way a chord is picked can change the sound. Plus the guy was using insanely heavy strings. I stand by the fact that Malcom was probably the greatest Rhythm player in hard rock.
@@seanmckelvey6618 I think he's the best too. And his riffs completes amazingly those from Angus. When you listen to "moneytalks", the main riff played by Angus sounds so "empty" without Malcolm's part.
Me: **Listens to hihat in the intro**
Also me: THUNDER!
Same Bro
Phil Rudd at the push of a button!
And the drunk Aussie “ahhhhhhh ahh ahhhhh ahhh”
One of the best instructional guitar videos I've seen.its easy to get lost in this riff.first time I've seen this channel and im happy to hit "subscribe"
Fabulous analysis Paul. Thank-you!
lets talk about Malcolm's rhythm for this entire song! no one seems to play it accurately, its a lot harder than it seems
The man's practically a human metronome. Fantastic stuff.
Yes!! I’ve always loved his part underneath on this song.
Gain needs to be dialed even further down for his part.
Yup. He should do the whole series about SEEMINGLY easy AC/DC riffs..I like how he gets them down right, in his own calm way.
No the rythm he plays on the B
love how his accent softens all consonants "love how is aggzen zoffens all gonzonanz"
For a dutch man, his english is really good
@@Dutchshadow93 actually the Dutch are typically very good at English comparatively.
@@electrosonicnebula yeah true haha
Thank you Paul for your vids and being you!
Nice SG Custom and good interpretations, keep going! 👍
This brings me back to age 39, writing tabs in Notepad.
Excellent and concise explanation.
I thought the video would feature Back in Black, that riff gets me.
Yeah, "Back in black" is much more difficult. The (faster) riff that comes after that break (after the guitar solo and chorus) is certainly the most difficult AC/DC riff.
I've always had a dream of being able to get the riff from the Thin Lizzy Whisky in The Jar track. Loved the Angus riff 😊
man that guitar sounds sweet! great tutorial, you nailed it.
AC/DC by far one of the greatest bands of all time. My favorite band since I first heard them....the music called to me as a toddler. They deserve much more recognition then they have received.
Please do a full cover of 8:53 sounds amazing!
Great deconstruction man. I enjoyed watching this.
That is great cover at the end of the video. I want to listen the whole cover if possible. Thanks for the video 👍
Can we do Hot For Teacher? It's so groovy over that simulated engine double kick.
Glad I played this the correct way right from the beginning, it helped out a lot in improving my alternate picking! :D
Fantastic video. What an informative dude. Loved it!
I really appreciate this video. You took the time to talk through the bits and pieces of this amazing riff. I'm a beginner, and yeah, tried to play it, yet it doesnt sound any near as good as supposed to. Hope this video will help me.
I always though "Beating around the Bush" was one of the hardest AC/DC riffs.
Riff raff takes some work to get the timing right.
@@mrabrasive51 riff raffs my top of all time, while its hella fun to play and challenging at first, i think beating around the bush is alot harder to pick
I think Who Made Who is the hardest song by AC/DC
I've heard Rumors (see what I did there?) that if you play "Oh Well" by Fleetwood Mac after having snorted cocaine and pick every note then it comes out a lot like Beating Around The Bush. **Disclaimer** I've never actually tested this theory and do not recommend it.
@@EC66OK i can totally see that