Rockers Play Their Favorite AC/DC Riffs

AC/DC have unquestionably created one of the greatest catalogs of guitar riffs in rock history.

Through many episodes of Gear Factor over the years, we've heard shredder after shredder tell us about the iconic AC/DC riffs that inspired them to pick up the guitar. See rockers like Zakk Wylde, Jared Dines, Mark Tremonti and Sum 41 talk about and play the songs that changed their lives.

AC/DC was formed in Australia in 1973 by brothers and guitarists Malcolm and Angus Young. After the death of vocalist Bon Scott in 1979, they returned with singer Brian Johnson and the instant-classic 1980 album Back in Black. In this video, you'll hear some of Angus and Malcolm's most unforgettable songs, such as "Highway to Hell," "Thunderstruck," "T.N.T." and "Hells Bells."

Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License

[malcomyoung]

To this day it never ceases to amaze me how so many guitarists state how easy it is to play AC/DC riffs and then proceed to play it arse ways

[kkoch]

Thank god we still have Angus to play this stuff

[HocusPocus]

Not just the riffs, Malcolm and Angus were masters of space. They let the notes and chords breathe, freakin amazing. So much added intensity and anticipation in it.

[BIGD-gjvb]

AC/DC is a once in a lifetime band. Their music never leaves you. People try and replicate it but can never match the power and energy of the original mastery. Legends of rock.

[Lemmon_]

I've seen AC/DC 34 times since 1985. Thank you for the lifelong tinnitus it was worth it

[RunTFC]

There's all the cool riffs and songs and then there's Angus playing live with all that body movement and energy and still hitting all the notes. One of a kind!

[isustudent]

ACDC really does have a freakishly huge amount of recognizable riffs in their catalogue.

[jujuhound]

AND!!!! Not a single one could truly match the masterful AC/DC tone.

[Dwendele]

It's wild to see how differently people play the same riffs

[lepermessiah]

that beating around the bush riff at 3:28 is so criminally underrated

[vagabond]

There's a reason they are called AC/DC: their music is pure rock, electrically delivered straight to your heart.

[LonnyEagletonMusic]

For those mentioning how the tones aren’t accurate - I was in this video and was literally asked on the spot to do it backstage at a festival. No warning or thought beforehand. They plugged me into whatever amp was on site and pressed record. If we were in a studio dialing in a tone of course we could get closer if we wanted to but that’s not at all what this is about. It’s a discussion about the music we love, not a tutorial on replicating tone from a record.
Anywho, I’m honored to appear in this video among so many greats. Long live AC/DC. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[globalnova]

Gone Shootin' is an awesome song with a cool riff and a nice groove.

[vvoof]

Jared Dines showed one key element of AC/DC, the songs are easy to play but hard to play correctly.

[hikeheaven]

shake a leg is one of the most underrated riffs ever.

[Grizzly]

One of the most influential bands around? Yes.

[dvmqgfw]

When I was in high school I ( 75 or 76 ) we went to see the KISS Alive 2 show and the opening act was AC/DC it was one HELL OF CONCERT and one I won't ever forget ! Angus Young was on Bonn Scott's shoulders and they ran all around the concert hall ( Freedom Hall, Louisville Kentucky ) and they ran right past us ! Let there be Rock was tearing up the radio and IT WAS SO GOOD ! PK

[CodyGudmundsen]

I'm SOOO glad the song Riff Raff came to mention. I literally pumped my fist at my desk and whispered "YESSS!" when I heard it mentioned. Most underrated AC/DC song of all time. It's my favorite one. It was my dad's favorite AC/DC song too (1961-2017 RIP). That song just has so much energy. Ended up getting an SG Standard in cherry red back in 2017. My dad always wanted me to get a Gibson back when I was into Jacksons. I'm glad he got to see me get and play that guitar before he passed. It's my baby!

[juandiegobarrios]

Beating around the bush is such an awesome riff

[Omar_E]

People who hate AC/DC must hate groovy riffs, electrifying solos, and contagiously riveting energy.