@@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.
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.
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.
@@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!
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.
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 UA-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!
Thanks Paul ! 🙂 🥰 Keep up your very inspiring Work . 👍👍😉 You're giving aspiring Guitarists everywhere, the Tools to achieve their Goals ! 😊 Cheers ✌️ #pauldavids #acdc #angusyoung
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.
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.
A lot of people can play AC/DC riffs but I have never heard one that sounded exactly like the original. There is something in Malcom's and Angus' fingers thats pure magic.
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!
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.
“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.
4 роки тому+20
It's the same folk who think faster = harder = better.
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!!
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!
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.
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!
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...
@@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.
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.
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.
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 😎👌
“It’s not as good Angus...but you can get close” Super respectful. I subscribed. I also like the way you broke down this riff. Opinions matter. Good pointers. As a very learner...I appreciate you.
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.
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! ❤
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.
@@Drew.Parry-Guitars 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, 🤷♂️
@@Drew.Parry-Guitars Warrior? You're totally projecting. Just read your comment and then yours. I stated that guitarists like John Mayer don't just feel the msuic. They also put thought into it. And you couldn't just acknowledge that. You had to double down on the sentiment of your first comment and put down John Mayer's music by staying it's only for white teenage boys. Why did you bring race into this in a confrontational manner while telling me I'm a keyboard warrior? Makes no sense. John Mayer is an artist who makes music. Music is liked by more than just white teenage boys. So what are you going on about? If you don't know the fretboard you can't translate what you feel. Notes are language. If you don't speak the language you can't from cohesive sentences to express your emotions. You have to at least know how to speak. You don't need to know how to write. But tabs aren't exactly something difficult. If you know what you're doing on the fretboard you can write tabs. It's that simple. Even if you play random notes that don't form any melody you can tab that. So your first comment about that they don't use brains makes no sense not only because of what I just said but also the fact that they literally need to train their brains to be able to move the fingers in such a way that it results in a melody. Your ears don't work without your brain analyzing what you're playing. So, yes, they totally use their brains not just their fingers Even guys like Dimebag Darrell knew what they were doing to an extent. He learned the fretboard and learned what works and what doesn't. And that helped him translate his emotions onto the fretboard. You need a brain to do that. Fingers can't think. I'm sorry that you can't understand that. Doesn't mean that I'm a keyboard warrior just because you are so opinionated and ignorant.
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.
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.
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.
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
I actually loves you passion about *The Guitars*. Yeah Actually, I ain't joking at all, seriously... Sir, please Don't ever left this platform. Otherwise we will die.😊 We all support 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. ua-cam.com/video/axGxDCZ6tek/v-deo.html
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.
I picked up a guitar two days ago. My fingers hurt from practicing basic open chords. I have no clue why I'm watching this at 3am. But I hope I will be half as good as this dude someday :D
I’ve watched many of your videos. I love your beautiful musicianship, the way you explain things, the way you appreciate other artists. Usually you lift people up with your music and your exploration of others’ music. Your videos leave me inspired, by your teaching, by your playing, by the music, by the instrument. I feel inspired to learn and to play. This is the first time I have ever seen you belittling other musicians. You could have shown the tab, explained why it was wrong, and explained how to make it better. Instead, you chose to shame the person who created it. People who write these tabs do it because they love music. They are on a learner’s path, doing their best. If you have to blame someone, blame the people who gave that tab all those votes. Please don’t shame the person who tried. Better yet, don’t shame or blame anyone. It feels beneath you. You are so good at inspiring. Do more of that please.
After hitting send I saw that this was a couple of years old. Thank you, I guess I didn’t have to say it - you already apparently made the choice not to do more of this kind of thing.
You are absolutely right about that.I been playing guitar for twenty years,and that riff is just mind boggling.but,I learned to play it on my own with persistence,and eventually I got it.
@@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'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.
Waiting for GOAT now lol Also, love how sloppy Angus plays it in the short video on the couch, shows even the greats have to put some effort in to do it right.
Nailed it mate..... essence of ACDC. Just stumbled onto your channel, very well produced and edited mate from someone who grew up with ACDC in Australia. ACDC is not about TABS , its wicked blues with wicked mixed amps and foot pedals. TURE ROCK.
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.
@@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.
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).
The tip about picking relaxed/not too hard is DEFINITELY the most important. If I play this holding my pick as I normally would, my fretting and picking hands are somewhat out of sync, and my attack sounds sharp and brittle. If I relax my hand to the point where I am still in control of the pick, but only just, my hands seem to magically cooperate with one another and the notes sound smoother and more pleasant.
Their hardest riff by far is in who made who, the arpeggio that comes in halfway through the first verse. In the studio they tuned the bottom three strings to be the bottom note of each chord, so G A and C. Live, Angus would still pick every note but had to do it in standard tuning. So like imagine walking up and down 2353 on the D string while also picking three on the A string in between. You are switching strings literally every note at an uncomfortably fast speed, all while leading with upstrokes. And yet somehow he pulled it off cleanly, keeping the notes staccato. It’s on such another level compared to the rest of his playing, it’s insanely impressive. Who made who is just one of their most impressive songs in general, insane vocals, huge drum sound. But hard as hell to get right.
@@Tigers25 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 never really thought of Thunderstruck to be a hard song as far as the "right" way to play, as Angus does it a countless amount of ways live. Personally, hammer ons and pull offs are much more fun, but I think you learn a lot more discipline picking it as well!
@@PaulDavids Haha. I could be wrong, but I personally just think both ways that most people remember it being played, being picking or hammer ons, are equally fun.
Angus plays the intro clearly with the pick in Donington Live Video. The really tricky part is that played by Malcolm though... The rythm riff is definitelly a very hard one to play accurately.
This was hard to get right, after years of picking and pulling off - but Malcolm's rhythm I could never get my ears around - I even toyed with the idea he may be using an effect, like delay. And then sighed a huge relief when I saw this video ua-cam.com/video/jD7W8xnXpbE/v-deo.html - - But Paul, I would love to hear your well explained breakdown of it. You seem to be a Master at tuning your ears into hard to hear intricacies...
Started learning guitar in 2021 and this was the first riff I tried to learn lol took me around 6 months of practice to get it close to right, now I can play it one handed, alternate picking and also all down picking. If you are learning it don't give up, it's doable just keep practicing and you'll get there. Great vid btw
Thank you!!! I was always worried about my hand “anchoring” to the guitar when playing faster riffs like this one and was worried it was a bad habit. Glad this video was recommended to me even though it’s 3yo!!
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.
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 !!
Another iconic riff that just started out as an exercise is the riff of Sweet child of mine! Slash was warming up for a session and Axl liked the sound of it, and the origin of the song was born!
8:50 I dig that funky 5/8 rhythm! I would love to hear a whole cover version done this way. Funky, disjointed, a little slower and mellower. Like the morning _after_ being thunderstruck!
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.
@@TML0677 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.
"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😂
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.
@@kentuckywindage222Angus said that Malcolm's rhythm parts are harder to write than his lead guitar parts
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 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.
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.
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 UA-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!
"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.
Thanks Paul ! 🙂 🥰
Keep up your very inspiring Work .
👍👍😉
You're giving aspiring Guitarists everywhere, the Tools to achieve their Goals ! 😊
Cheers ✌️
#pauldavids
#acdc
#angusyoung
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.
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 decided to learn this riff literally yesterday while being familliar with this music for more than 10 years. Good timing Paul, thanks!
A lot of people can play AC/DC riffs but I have never heard one that sounded exactly like the original. There is something in Malcom's and Angus' fingers thats pure magic.
Check out SoloDallas, dude is a wizard.
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!
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.
“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!
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!!
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!!
You were born to be a guitar teacher. Really you have a wonderful way of explaining things.
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🤘.
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.
Excellent video and instruction, your attention to detail gives this legendary song the respect it deserves! Kudos
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 😎👌
"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.
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!
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
“It’s not as good Angus...but you can get close”
Super respectful.
I subscribed.
I also like the way you broke down this riff. Opinions matter.
Good pointers.
As a very learner...I appreciate you.
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.
When you hear the Thunderstruck intro you'll know some serious shit is about to happen
Your lighting, color grading and video post production are excellent. You're a pretty good guitar player too :)
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
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! ❤
I love it when he says”there’s just one more thing”.
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.
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 🤷♂️.
@@Drew.Parry-Guitars 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 👍🏻
@@Drew.Parry-Guitars Warrior? You're totally projecting. Just read your comment and then yours. I stated that guitarists like John Mayer don't just feel the msuic. They also put thought into it. And you couldn't just acknowledge that. You had to double down on the sentiment of your first comment and put down John Mayer's music by staying it's only for white teenage boys. Why did you bring race into this in a confrontational manner while telling me I'm a keyboard warrior? Makes no sense. John Mayer is an artist who makes music. Music is liked by more than just white teenage boys. So what are you going on about? If you don't know the fretboard you can't translate what you feel. Notes are language. If you don't speak the language you can't from cohesive sentences to express your emotions. You have to at least know how to speak. You don't need to know how to write. But tabs aren't exactly something difficult. If you know what you're doing on the fretboard you can write tabs. It's that simple. Even if you play random notes that don't form any melody you can tab that. So your first comment about that they don't use brains makes no sense not only because of what I just said but also the fact that they literally need to train their brains to be able to move the fingers in such a way that it results in a melody. Your ears don't work without your brain analyzing what you're playing. So, yes, they totally use their brains not just their fingers Even guys like Dimebag Darrell knew what they were doing to an extent. He learned the fretboard and learned what works and what doesn't. And that helped him translate his emotions onto the fretboard. You need a brain to do that. Fingers can't think. I'm sorry that you can't understand that. Doesn't mean that I'm a keyboard warrior just because you are so opinionated and ignorant.
Masterclass AC/DC tutorial.
Thank you!
Rock on
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.
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.
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.
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
This guy makes me want to buy another guitar after 25 years of not playing. Great teaching skills! 👍
I _dare you_ to buy a guitar and start playing again.
Excuses?
Are ya chicken?
@@mr.nobody68 I did. An acoustic fitst and then two months ago, an electric 🎸.
Awesome! You shredding some covers yet?
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
This man is amazing just the way he can hear every single detail in every string of every chord it’s just insane
The neck binding on that guitar is beautiful
I actually loves you passion about *The Guitars*. Yeah Actually, I ain't joking at all, seriously...
Sir, please Don't ever left this platform.
Otherwise we will die.😊
We all support 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.
ua-cam.com/video/axGxDCZ6tek/v-deo.html
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.
That's an awesome bit of trivia, that the riff started off as an exercise.
I really like the way you create the lesson. Very clear and logical steps and funny points. Thank you for this approach Sir!
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.
I picked up a guitar two days ago. My fingers hurt from practicing basic open chords. I have no clue why I'm watching this at 3am. But I hope I will be half as good as this dude someday :D
How's it going?
I’ve watched many of your videos. I love your beautiful musicianship, the way you explain things, the way you appreciate other artists. Usually you lift people up with your music and your exploration of others’ music. Your videos leave me inspired, by your teaching, by your playing, by the music, by the instrument. I feel inspired to learn and to play. This is the first time I have ever seen you belittling other musicians. You could have shown the tab, explained why it was wrong, and explained how to make it better. Instead, you chose to shame the person who created it. People who write these tabs do it because they love music. They are on a learner’s path, doing their best. If you have to blame someone, blame the people who gave that tab all those votes. Please don’t shame the person who tried. Better yet, don’t shame or blame anyone. It feels beneath you. You are so good at inspiring. Do more of that please.
After hitting send I saw that this was a couple of years old. Thank you, I guess I didn’t have to say it - you already apparently made the choice not to do more of this kind of thing.
You are absolutely right about that.I been playing guitar for twenty years,and that riff is just mind boggling.but,I learned to play it on my own with persistence,and eventually I got it.
I always thought “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
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.
Waiting for GOAT now lol
Also, love how sloppy Angus plays it in the short video on the couch, shows even the greats have to put some effort in to do it right.
Yes! I told him he should do it on instagram the other day
@@samueljordan5601 Angus is on instagram??
@@samueljordan5601 did the same lol
If Angus ain't movin he ain't groovin !
Nailed it mate..... essence of ACDC. Just stumbled onto your channel, very well produced and edited mate from someone who grew up with ACDC in Australia.
ACDC is not about TABS , its wicked blues with wicked mixed amps and foot pedals. TURE ROCK.
Yep ..I'm an Aussie grown up with AC/DC..awesome band ..
I've been trying this riff for at least a month...still working on it...no end in sight!
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
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.
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 ua-cam.com/video/iKOlC8hNMZA/v-deo.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).
The tip about picking relaxed/not too hard is DEFINITELY the most important.
If I play this holding my pick as I normally would, my fretting and picking hands are somewhat out of sync, and my attack sounds sharp and brittle. If I relax my hand to the point where I am still in control of the pick, but only just, my hands seem to magically cooperate with one another and the notes sound smoother and more pleasant.
Their hardest riff by far is in who made who, the arpeggio that comes in halfway through the first verse. In the studio they tuned the bottom three strings to be the bottom note of each chord, so G A and C. Live, Angus would still pick every note but had to do it in standard tuning. So like imagine walking up and down 2353 on the D string while also picking three on the A string in between. You are switching strings literally every note at an uncomfortably fast speed, all while leading with upstrokes. And yet somehow he pulled it off cleanly, keeping the notes staccato. It’s on such another level compared to the rest of his playing, it’s insanely impressive. Who made who is just one of their most impressive songs in general, insane vocals, huge drum sound. But hard as hell to get right.
Paul Davids: You play AC/DC when you get an SG
Tony Iommi : Am I a joke to you....
Josh Maitra he should have added: a RIGHT HANDED SG. :)
*chuckles in Cream*
Both legends!!
For the kids today it's probably gonna be Derek Trucks, Gary Clark Jr. or the Jake guy from Greta Van Fleet that sells them on an SG
@@rey_mysteriolicious You get SG an play AC/DC? Black Sabbath? These guys here must be joking.
Me: **Listens to hihat in the intro**
Also me: THUNDER!
Same Bro
Angry dooo noises
Phil Rudd at the push of a button!
And the drunk Aussie “ahhhhhhh ahh ahhhhh ahhh”
I think you're liking your SG a lot now. Hehe. Nice jacket BTW :)
@GuitarMusic very true!
Jacket? ....Fashion Victim , I would say
@@Tigers25 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 😲.
Great video Paul, you’re detailed breakdown makes all different
FOUND AC/DC IN 79, HAVE BEEN ON THE RIDE EVR SINCE!!! THANK U FRIGGIN AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your guitar is gorgeous! I have always wanted to learn to play, now maybe I will
08:53 - 09:05 are 12 seconds of magic
I never really thought of Thunderstruck to be a hard song as far as the "right" way to play, as Angus does it a countless amount of ways live. Personally, hammer ons and pull offs are much more fun, but I think you learn a lot more discipline picking it as well!
I've never seen him use anything other than alternate picking, but maybe it's me 😅
@@PaulDavids Haha. I could be wrong, but I personally just think both ways that most people remember it being played, being picking or hammer ons, are equally fun.
@goobtuber That sounds like Angus alright!
Angus always plays it with alternate picking. Studio and live.
He starts off with hammer ons and pull offs here.... /watch?v=v2AC41dglnM&ab_channel=acdcVEVO
Great work Paul Davids. You actually hellped me play this riff! Also your videos are amazing!
Loved when you said...
You can never play like Angus but we can try to get close to it...
🔥🔥🔥
Angus plays the intro clearly with the pick in Donington Live Video. The really tricky part is that played by Malcolm though... The rythm riff is definitelly a very hard one to play accurately.
This was hard to get right, after years of picking and pulling off - but Malcolm's rhythm I could never get my ears around - I even toyed with the idea he may be using an effect, like delay. And then sighed a huge relief when I saw this video ua-cam.com/video/jD7W8xnXpbE/v-deo.html - - But Paul, I would love to hear your well explained breakdown of it. You seem to be a Master at tuning your ears into hard to hear intricacies...
Started learning guitar in 2021 and this was the first riff I tried to learn lol took me around 6 months of practice to get it close to right, now I can play it one handed, alternate picking and also all down picking. If you are learning it don't give up, it's doable just keep practicing and you'll get there. Great vid btw
You can play this with just down strokes? I'd like to see that.
Everyone on five note riff: yaks
TOOL : Yeah baby
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 😊
Thank you!!! I was always worried about my hand “anchoring” to the guitar when playing faster riffs like this one and was worried it was a bad habit. Glad this video was recommended to me even though it’s 3yo!!
When he plays it the wrong way it sounds like some badass prog rock.
Is it just me that hears the 'ahhh ah ah ahhh ahhh ahhhhh' when Paul demonstrates the riff with the drum machine??
I thought that I was the only one.
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.
Learning to play this riff the correct way made wonders for my right hand - left hand coordination. It’s still a challenging riff to play to this day.
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 never knew i needed a djent thunderstruck in my life
thunderdjent
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 !!
"I mean, it's not as good as Angus, you can never get as good as Angus." made me laugh man, thanks.
Solodallas has entered the chat
@@mr.nobody68 Not even close.
Pretty dope lesson. It covers the whole aspect of the song. Would luv to see more lessons like dis !
Another iconic riff that just started out as an exercise is the riff of Sweet child of mine!
Slash was warming up for a session and Axl liked the sound of it, and the origin of the song was born!
yes, its a great exercise even for any guitarist.
8:50 I dig that funky 5/8 rhythm! I would love to hear a whole cover version done this way. Funky, disjointed, a little slower and mellower. Like the morning _after_ being thunderstruck!
You could make it more like metal as well with this riff. I really like it.
I think, hardest AC/DC song is "Beating Around The Bush"
Just came here to say the same👍
Same here. Thunderstruck is pretty easy; Beating Around The Bush is pretty tricky.
i tought the same
“This Means War” much harder.. “Beating Around The Bush” is hard only at intro (first 15-20secs)
what about riff raff , mess up the main riff once and youll continue to do so until you take a break for a few mins
Please do a full cover of 8:53 sounds amazing!
i have the production and effort this guy puts into his videos is unreal
I was never the biggest AC/DC fan but now I have a new appreciation for them