EPIC RIFFS | Why this is AC/DC's hardest riff!⚡

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 YouTube.

Thank you for watching!
Paul

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[albertvasutoga]

"Everyone says ACDC is try playing it right!" -Scott Ian (Anthrax)

[sukhmaidickoff]

Now imagine Angus playing it at a live sitting down on a chair - but playing it while jumping around on the stage...that adds even more to the difficulty level

[michaelmarchei]

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 ✊

[jamessweeney]

Angus’s love of Classical is a massive inspiration. Seen him perform Bach on guitar the Man is insane.

[thamashu]

"This is what happens when you get an SG: you play AC/DC, of course." LOL 😆

[trenthorne]

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.

[driftertank]

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.

[bloodmoney]

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.

[GustavoLovato]

“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.

[timvanroon]

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 Youtube 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!

[ejaymarasigan]

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.

[andreasdeutinger]

malcoms guitar made everything sound cool. he was a great guitarist. totally underrated. a rhythmn-genius.

[tonyStorks]

When you hear the Thunderstruck intro you'll know some serious shit is about to happen

[adambricetv]

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!

[vercogaming]

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.

[clintmckenzie]

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!

[never]

That wrong tab jam in the middle actually kind of rips.

[jacquesd]

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/

[Scorpionwins]

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!!

[mikefetterman]

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.