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

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  • čas přidán 20. 06. 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 CZcams.
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    Thank you for watching!
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Komentáře • 2,4K

  • @michaelmarchei8539
    @michaelmarchei8539 Před 2 lety +802

    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 ✊

    • @paulrevere4749
      @paulrevere4749 Před 2 lety +6

      ... but nothing Angus plays is hard.

    • @bonnibloop_
      @bonnibloop_ Před 2 lety

      @@TMJ0677 what the fuck are gou on about lmao

    • @KennyMcGavin
      @KennyMcGavin Před 2 lety

      He actually just summarized all of AC/DC's song ever, legend!

    • @lxlKHARMAlxl
      @lxlKHARMAlxl Před 2 lety +9

      "Extremely hard to play..."
      I love me some Angus and ACDC is one of my top bands but chill with the exaggeration chief.

    • @EbonyPope
      @EbonyPope Před rokem +2

      @@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.

  • @albertvasutoga1374
    @albertvasutoga1374 Před 3 lety +3090

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

    • @guitarheroal
      @guitarheroal Před 3 lety +33

      Albert Vasutoga ......While he was playing “if you want blood” incorrectly ........oops......You are correct though

    • @RyderSontaig
      @RyderSontaig Před 3 lety +4

      @ps10iceman You take that back.

    • @Brokenface
      @Brokenface Před 3 lety +4

      @ps10iceman still great guitarist

    • @FergalNash
      @FergalNash Před 3 lety +10

      Good quote from Scott!!

    • @albertvasutoga1374
      @albertvasutoga1374 Před 3 lety +7

      @@guitarheroal well yes but he's got a point😂

  • @sukhmaidickoff
    @sukhmaidickoff Před 3 lety +1795

    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

    • @tubeamp2872
      @tubeamp2872 Před 3 lety +115

      And 90,000 fans screaming at you ..

    • @thebookofeli849
      @thebookofeli849 Před 3 lety +104

      And hopping forward on 1 leg

    • @sukhmaidickoff
      @sukhmaidickoff Před 3 lety +15

      @@thebookofeli849 Exactly that doesn´t make it easier 😉

    • @jedrusnowak3317
      @jedrusnowak3317 Před 2 lety +9

      I think he plays it live with easier version

    • @MB-rc8ie
      @MB-rc8ie Před 2 lety +17

      I mean, after doing it for so many years, I bet he could play it while sleeping

  • @jamessweeney1834
    @jamessweeney1834 Před 2 lety +143

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

    • @feliscorax
      @feliscorax Před 2 lety +14

      Many people make the mistake of thinking Bach was all about baroque; they’re wrong. He was metal.

    • @gustaafargoan
      @gustaafargoan Před rokem

      @@feliscorax The Charismatic Voice, said she thought it was inspired by Bach.

    • @kentuckywindage222
      @kentuckywindage222 Před rokem +3

      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.

    • @artistaccount
      @artistaccount Před 3 hodinami

      ​@@kentuckywindage222Angus said that Malcolm's rhythm parts are harder to write than his lead guitar parts

  • @thamashu
    @thamashu Před 3 lety +793

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

  • @trenthorne
    @trenthorne Před 3 lety +63

    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.

    • @boobiedefloop6097
      @boobiedefloop6097 Před rokem

      Every part of every acdc is easy as shit if you aren't trash

    • @TheBlueShark
      @TheBlueShark Před rokem +6

      ​@@boobiedefloop6097you should try recording video of thunderstuck while moving around just like Angus Young, I'm sure it would get thousands of views

    • @MrGunwitch
      @MrGunwitch Před rokem

      @@boobiedefloop6097 Rubbish. Try opening with Thunderstruck in front of a packed stadium whilst rocking out without fucking up.

    • @seth8580
      @seth8580 Před rokem +6

      @@boobiedefloop6097 grow tf up. No one is “trash” as long they actually put effort into learning, have to start somewhere.

    • @arthasmenethil5748
      @arthasmenethil5748 Před rokem

      @@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.

  • @bloodmoney88
    @bloodmoney88 Před 3 lety +25

    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.

  • @driftertank
    @driftertank Před 2 lety +243

    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.

    • @Tentin.Quarantino
      @Tentin.Quarantino Před 2 lety +8

      Was just thinking the same thing!

    • @carlosyaspinyaspin4984
      @carlosyaspinyaspin4984 Před rokem +2

      I thought the dam thing. That's badass

    • @igor2301
      @igor2301 Před rokem +8

      I support prog thunderstruck

    • @plex58
      @plex58 Před rokem +1

      When the doom music kicks in

    • @mssm9495
      @mssm9495 Před rokem +2

      I want to hear the rest of that recording! By chance or design, you might really have something there!

  • @GustavoLovato
    @GustavoLovato Před 3 lety +422

    “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.

    •  Před 3 lety +20

      It's the same folk who think faster = harder = better.

    • @jw1239
      @jw1239 Před 3 lety +8

      I would like a Video how to play that right! One of my favorite pink floyd songs

    • @ricos1497
      @ricos1497 Před 3 lety +9

      I can play comfortably numb at 301 beats per minute. Beat that Dave Gilmour.

    • @TheJipino
      @TheJipino Před 3 lety +1

      The timing is pretty difficult to get

    • @B0K1T0
      @B0K1T0 Před 3 lety +4

      I believe he actually did in another video, or at least he did a video about David Gilmour's insane bending..

  • @adambricetv
    @adambricetv Před 3 lety +948

    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!

    • @JohnDoe-gv9jv
      @JohnDoe-gv9jv Před 3 lety +27

      I think this kind of stuff happens to a lot of us just to make these other ass holes better. Rock on.

    • @areze666
      @areze666 Před 3 lety +23

      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!

    • @JimmyFeelsIt
      @JimmyFeelsIt Před 3 lety +15

      @@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...

    • @JTuaim
      @JTuaim Před 3 lety +6

      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.

    • @GraceandWisdom
      @GraceandWisdom Před 3 lety +7

      Words are the most powerful resource on this planet. They can either build up character and ideas, or destroy them.

  • @ejaymarasigan4312
    @ejaymarasigan4312 Před 3 lety +14

    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.

  • @andreasdeutinger7319
    @andreasdeutinger7319 Před 3 lety +42

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

    • @capedcrusader4132
      @capedcrusader4132 Před 3 lety +1

      Totally

    • @Grumpy_CBG
      @Grumpy_CBG Před 3 lety +5

      Exclusively on an old Gretsch no less, the dude was AC/DC, malcoms rythmic prowess was the backbone of Angus's playing.

    • @CarlosCostaX
      @CarlosCostaX Před 3 lety +2

      Those who know, know.

    • @aus-rider
      @aus-rider Před 3 lety +5

      Malcom was never underrated, he was highly regarded as one of the best rhythm and best riff guitarist in the world by all.

    • @andreasdeutinger7319
      @andreasdeutinger7319 Před 3 lety +5

      @@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.

  • @timvanroon2175
    @timvanroon2175 Před 3 lety +56

    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 CZcams 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!

  • @jacquesd5781
    @jacquesd5781 Před 3 lety +37

    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/

    • @zeppelinmexicano
      @zeppelinmexicano Před 3 lety +3

      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.

    • @zeppelinmexicano
      @zeppelinmexicano Před 3 lety +3

      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.

    • @jubbaronny
      @jubbaronny Před 3 lety +3

      Which suggests Angus learned to play sat down......no?

  • @rdds4108
    @rdds4108 Před 2 lety +77

    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!!

  • @Scorpionwins23
    @Scorpionwins23 Před rokem +13

    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!!

  • @JDM1691
    @JDM1691 Před 3 lety +101

    I knew once you got a Sg, AC/DC would be soon to follow. I love sgs.

    • @nikosrouskas2438
      @nikosrouskas2438 Před 3 lety

      I agree it was so predictable

    • @veetiruoranen3624
      @veetiruoranen3624 Před 3 lety +2

      And also what's more exciting is that AC/DC will release a new single tomorrow and new album sooN!!11

    • @stricknine8623
      @stricknine8623 Před 3 lety +2

      @@veetiruoranen3624
      Wow !! One of the greatest rock bands ever and definitely the toughest.

    • @veetiruoranen3624
      @veetiruoranen3624 Před 3 lety

      @@stricknine8623 no argue about that and the single is heavenly (or hell'ly good in acdc case) amazing

    • @vladimirk9584
      @vladimirk9584 Před 3 lety

      Personally, I would be more pleased to see and hear him play Cream, when Clapton played SG.

  • @tonyStorks
    @tonyStorks Před 3 lety +83

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

  • @vercogaming3997
    @vercogaming3997 Před rokem +7

    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.

  • @professornuke7562
    @professornuke7562 Před 3 lety +29

    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.

  • @ChrisBuckGuitar
    @ChrisBuckGuitar Před 3 lety +86

    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...

  • @rambo41554
    @rambo41554 Před 3 lety +32

    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!

    • @lxlKHARMAlxl
      @lxlKHARMAlxl Před 2 lety

      Great? Absolutely. Perfect? lol not that much chief he was dragging.

    • @VintageDaedalus
      @VintageDaedalus Před rokem

      Donnington concert is overdubbed. As a big ACDC fan I can say that.

  • @clintmckenzie5720
    @clintmckenzie5720 Před 11 měsíci +7

    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!

  • @Leel3ones89
    @Leel3ones89 Před 3 lety +9

    You were born to be a guitar teacher. Really you have a wonderful way of explaining things.

  • @never0101
    @never0101 Před 3 lety +438

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

    • @PaulDavids
      @PaulDavids  Před 3 lety +119

      I agree

    • @PeterSeres
      @PeterSeres Před 3 lety +50

      @@PaulDavids Petition to make it a full song!! I love these 5/4 rythms.

    • @NcedoWabantu
      @NcedoWabantu Před 3 lety +12

      p e t i t i o n

    • @OneNidim
      @OneNidim Před 3 lety +10

      If you drop it an octave and make it minor I bet it would make a great heavy metal riff

    • @never0101
      @never0101 Před 3 lety +2

      @@PeterSeres signed.

  • @BeyondTheGuitar
    @BeyondTheGuitar Před 3 lety +696

    I’m such a n00b. Been playing it wrong this whole time 🤯

    • @mathieuveldhuis6945
      @mathieuveldhuis6945 Před 3 lety +1

      Damn i got first comment

    • @laurent1678
      @laurent1678 Před 3 lety

      Beyond The Guitar you are the best lah

    • @jw1239
      @jw1239 Před 3 lety +2

      I can't even play it... 😅. But his Videos are great!

    • @MGA19a
      @MGA19a Před 3 lety

      most of peeps do 😜

    • @ekw555
      @ekw555 Před 3 lety +1

      at least you can play it at all!

  • @GijsvandeBruinhorst
    @GijsvandeBruinhorst Před 3 lety +12

    Masterclass AC/DC tutorial.
    Thank you!
    Rock on

  • @colt5189
    @colt5189 Před 3 lety +290

    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
      @Drew.Parry-Guitars Před 2 lety +22

      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 🤷‍♂️.

    • @chrisking6695
      @chrisking6695 Před 2 lety +48

      @@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.

    • @Drew.Parry-Guitars
      @Drew.Parry-Guitars Před 2 lety +14

      @@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
      @Drew.Parry-Guitars Před 2 lety +3

      @@chrisking6695 oh I see. Your a comment warrior. No actual content. Thanks for stopping by 👍🏻

    • @bushman6964
      @bushman6964 Před 2 lety +35

      @@Drew.Parry-Guitars yall guitar elitists are why guitar players geta bad rep lmao

  • @Tailor4eg
    @Tailor4eg Před 3 lety +17

    I decided to learn this riff literally yesterday while being familliar with this music for more than 10 years. Good timing Paul, thanks!

  • @nasamarello4169
    @nasamarello4169 Před 3 lety +237

    TheDooo : *T R I G G E R E D

    • @joelz5382
      @joelz5382 Před 3 lety +9

      This and any Drake song lmfao

    • @Nyoshi219
      @Nyoshi219 Před 3 lety +2

      Can you play Thunderstruck?

    • @nasamarello4169
      @nasamarello4169 Před 3 lety

      @@Nyoshi219 yes but not in full speed

    • @FalseProfitMusic
      @FalseProfitMusic Před 3 lety +1

      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!

    • @wiseone2333
      @wiseone2333 Před 3 lety

      Lol

  • @BWater-yq3jx
    @BWater-yq3jx Před 3 lety +10

    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 😎👌

  • @gdubsterz1238
    @gdubsterz1238 Před 2 lety +80

    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.
    czcams.com/video/axGxDCZ6tek/video.html

  • @Zakkrifice
    @Zakkrifice Před 3 lety +47

    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.

  • @mccanntb
    @mccanntb Před 3 lety +42

    "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.

  • @curtisc9350
    @curtisc9350 Před rokem +20

    Thanks Paul ! 🙂 🥰
    Keep up your very inspiring Work .
    👍👍😉
    You're giving aspiring Guitarists everywhere, the Tools to achieve their Goals ! 😊
    Cheers ✌️
    #pauldavids
    #acdc
    #angusyoung

  • @loontil
    @loontil Před 3 lety +32

    love how his accent softens all consonants "love how is aggzen zoffens all gonzonanz"

    • @Dutchshadow93
      @Dutchshadow93 Před 2 lety +4

      For a dutch man, his english is really good

    • @electrosonicnebula
      @electrosonicnebula Před 2 lety +1

      @@Dutchshadow93 actually the Dutch are typically very good at English comparatively.

    • @Dutchshadow93
      @Dutchshadow93 Před 2 lety

      @@electrosonicnebula yeah true haha

  • @BrunoFidelisMusic
    @BrunoFidelisMusic Před 3 lety +95

    Me: **Listens to hihat in the intro**
    Also me: THUNDER!

  • @willburrito9710
    @willburrito9710 Před 3 lety +7

    I love it when he says”there’s just one more thing”.

  • @mattditch5199
    @mattditch5199 Před 3 lety +15

    This guy makes me want to buy another guitar after 25 years of not playing. Great teaching skills! 👍

    • @mr.nobody68
      @mr.nobody68 Před 2 lety

      I _dare you_ to buy a guitar and start playing again.
      Excuses?
      Are ya chicken?

    • @mattditch5199
      @mattditch5199 Před 2 lety +1

      @@mr.nobody68 I did. An acoustic fitst and then two months ago, an electric 🎸.

    • @aidenarnoldy8037
      @aidenarnoldy8037 Před 2 lety

      Awesome! You shredding some covers yet?

  • @rossmcgrath5660
    @rossmcgrath5660 Před 2 lety +10

    Excellent video and instruction, your attention to detail gives this legendary song the respect it deserves! Kudos

  • @jorgelopez00
    @jorgelopez00 Před 3 lety +117

    lets talk about Malcolm's rhythm for this entire song! no one seems to play it accurately, its a lot harder than it seems

    • @tichepotato7992
      @tichepotato7992 Před 3 lety +34

      The man's practically a human metronome. Fantastic stuff.

    • @cramerfan04
      @cramerfan04 Před 3 lety +12

      Yes!! I’ve always loved his part underneath on this song.

    •  Před 3 lety +4

      Gain needs to be dialed even further down for his part.

    • @blackinblue11
      @blackinblue11 Před 3 lety +14

      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.

    • @henrikduende
      @henrikduende Před 3 lety +3

      No the rythm he plays on the B

  • @motorcycleguitarsolo
    @motorcycleguitarsolo Před 3 lety +4

    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.

  • @bluesatsunset
    @bluesatsunset Před 3 lety +2

    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.

  • @mikefetterman6782
    @mikefetterman6782 Před 3 lety +6

    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.

  • @rebelguy9487
    @rebelguy9487 Před 3 lety +9

    Is it just me that hears the 'ahhh ah ah ahhh ahhh ahhhhh' when Paul demonstrates the riff with the drum machine??

  • @israelr6636
    @israelr6636 Před 3 lety +1164

    RIP to Eddie Van Halen, one of the greatest influential rock guitar players.

    • @Exterminate265
      @Exterminate265 Před 3 lety +16

      For real man. He died really young too.

    • @loganolds3352
      @loganolds3352 Před 3 lety +60

      Rest In Peace but why an a video about AC/DC

    • @israelr6636
      @israelr6636 Před 3 lety +14

      @@loganolds3352I just wanted to post about EVH passing. Maybe Paul could post something about EVH's impact on guitar music.

    • @WolverineBeast86
      @WolverineBeast86 Před 3 lety +35

      This video isn't about EVH

    • @joelstephen815
      @joelstephen815 Před 3 lety +5

      R.I.P

  • @jacob2798
    @jacob2798 Před 3 lety +1

    This man is amazing just the way he can hear every single detail in every string of every chord it’s just insane

  • @basscourband
    @basscourband Před rokem +20

    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.

    • @seanmckelvey6618
      @seanmckelvey6618 Před 8 měsíci +2

      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.

    • @basscourband
      @basscourband Před 8 měsíci

      @@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.

  • @philismyname90
    @philismyname90 Před 3 lety +3

    Genuinely loving this series Paul!!! Keep producing your amazing content!

  • @PintsofGuinness
    @PintsofGuinness Před 3 lety +14

    i never knew i needed a djent thunderstruck in my life

  • @clintmckenzie5720
    @clintmckenzie5720 Před 10 měsíci

    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!

    • @csb772
      @csb772 Před 10 měsíci

      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

  • @PaulLavadour
    @PaulLavadour Před 11 měsíci

    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.

  • @RedHeadGuitar
    @RedHeadGuitar Před 3 lety +429

    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!

    • @dukethotness
      @dukethotness Před 3 lety +10

      Probably because their album is coming after a long time

    • @RedHeadGuitar
      @RedHeadGuitar Před 3 lety +4

      @@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.

    • @andrewharacidi
      @andrewharacidi Před 3 lety +8

      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))

    • @dukethotness
      @dukethotness Před 3 lety +3

      @@RedHeadGuitar czcams.com/video/iKOlC8hNMZA/video.html
      Sure looks interesting

    • @robertseavor4304
      @robertseavor4304 Před 3 lety +3

      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).

  • @pielzor
    @pielzor Před 3 lety +7

    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

    •  Před 3 lety

      How's it going?

  • @silinalexandr
    @silinalexandr Před 2 lety +9

    I really like the way you create the lesson. Very clear and logical steps and funny points. Thank you for this approach Sir!

  • @Mackie17
    @Mackie17 Před 3 lety +20

    When he plays it the wrong way it sounds like some badass prog rock.

  • @S0UNDC1TY
    @S0UNDC1TY Před 3 lety +3

    The neck binding on that guitar is beautiful

  • @adamduncan6172
    @adamduncan6172 Před rokem +2

    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! ❤

  • @cafeapaka7501
    @cafeapaka7501 Před 2 lety

    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

  • @valebliz
    @valebliz Před 3 lety +31

    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.

  • @SeanCorpuz31
    @SeanCorpuz31 Před 3 lety +60

    I think you're liking your SG a lot now. Hehe. Nice jacket BTW :)

    • @SeanCorpuz31
      @SeanCorpuz31 Před 3 lety

      @GuitarMusic very true!

    • @Tigers25
      @Tigers25 Před 3 lety

      Jacket? ....Fashion Victim , I would say

    • @SaxJockey
      @SaxJockey Před 3 lety

      @@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 😲.

  • @marnew1000
    @marnew1000 Před 10 dny

    Great video Paul, you’re detailed breakdown makes all different

  • @surethebest
    @surethebest Před rokem

    Love it! Gets it all . Thanks for the work, man.

  • @hw_yozoraVODS
    @hw_yozoraVODS Před 3 lety +10

    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.

  • @jasoncobb7427
    @jasoncobb7427 Před 3 lety +71

    I always though "Beating around the Bush" was one of the hardest AC/DC riffs.

    • @mrabrasive51
      @mrabrasive51 Před 3 lety +26

      Riff raff takes some work to get the timing right.

    • @Bravefistvids
      @Bravefistvids Před 3 lety +12

      @@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

    • @espltdec1000vbk
      @espltdec1000vbk Před 3 lety +5

      I think Who Made Who is the hardest song by AC/DC

    • @EC66OK
      @EC66OK Před 3 lety +13

      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.

    • @jasoncobb7427
      @jasoncobb7427 Před 3 lety +2

      @@EC66OK i can totally see that

  • @youtubers613
    @youtubers613 Před rokem

    Great work Paul Davids. You actually hellped me play this riff! Also your videos are amazing!

  • @hakanaxlund4316
    @hakanaxlund4316 Před 2 lety

    Thank you Paul for your vids and being you!

  • @tanguydelooz2881
    @tanguydelooz2881 Před 3 lety +3

    Awesome !! Another detailed video like this about Malcolm's rythm part would be phenomenal !!

  • @neilsnow7644
    @neilsnow7644 Před 2 lety +17

    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.

  • @jimmyzhao2673
    @jimmyzhao2673 Před 11 měsíci +1

    That's an awesome bit of trivia, that the riff started off as an exercise.

  • @OldManRoo
    @OldManRoo Před 3 lety +2

    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.

  • @XLBiker13
    @XLBiker13 Před 3 lety +12

    Your lighting, color grading and video post production are excellent. You're a pretty good guitar player too :)

  • @davidkyle5552
    @davidkyle5552 Před 3 lety +3

    “Pretty dope” video...that was fascinating, thanks.

  • @gromousse
    @gromousse Před rokem

    I LOOOVE your videos. You always find the point to get the truth.

  • @motorv8N
    @motorv8N Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @abthekiwi8799
    @abthekiwi8799 Před rokem +7

    Your guitar is gorgeous! I have always wanted to learn to play, now maybe I will 

  • @billkazanis9100
    @billkazanis9100 Před 3 lety +56

    Everyone on five note riff: yaks
    TOOL : Yeah baby

  • @kerrym9254
    @kerrym9254 Před rokem

    I always enjoy your casual presentation; it's a great aid to learning.

  • @johnwarner3968
    @johnwarner3968 Před 2 lety

    Awesome 👏 analysis and explanation. Thank you, Paul.

  • @youarenotaghost3702
    @youarenotaghost3702 Před 3 lety +3

    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.

    • @Stefan-Van-der-Pulst
      @Stefan-Van-der-Pulst Před 2 lety

      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.

  • @devanshsoni8622
    @devanshsoni8622 Před 3 lety +5

    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.

  • @nevilleshrimpling5341
    @nevilleshrimpling5341 Před 3 lety +1

    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 👏👏👍

  • @damienpalmer6235
    @damienpalmer6235 Před 3 lety +1

    “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.

  • @joshmaitra
    @joshmaitra Před 3 lety +97

    Paul Davids: You play AC/DC when you get an SG
    Tony Iommi : Am I a joke to you....

    • @GustavoLovato
      @GustavoLovato Před 3 lety +6

      Josh Maitra he should have added: a RIGHT HANDED SG. :)

    • @rei0301y2k
      @rei0301y2k Před 3 lety +4

      *chuckles in Cream*

    • @antma9028
      @antma9028 Před 3 lety +3

      Both legends!!

    • @moreblack
      @moreblack Před 3 lety +3

      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

    • @vladimirk9584
      @vladimirk9584 Před 3 lety

      @@rei0301y2k You get SG an play AC/DC? Black Sabbath? These guys here must be joking.

  • @RC32Smiths01
    @RC32Smiths01 Před 3 lety +38

    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
      @PaulDavids  Před 3 lety +15

      I've never seen him use anything other than alternate picking, but maybe it's me 😅

    • @RC32Smiths01
      @RC32Smiths01 Před 3 lety +4

      @@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.

    • @RC32Smiths01
      @RC32Smiths01 Před 3 lety +2

      @goobtuber That sounds like Angus alright!

    • @mrcoatsworth429
      @mrcoatsworth429 Před 3 lety +2

      Angus always plays it with alternate picking. Studio and live.

    • @MrBozghale
      @MrBozghale Před 3 lety +1

      He starts off with hammer ons and pull offs here.... /watch?v=v2AC41dglnM&ab_channel=acdcVEVO

  • @samuraijaydee
    @samuraijaydee Před 3 lety

    Great deconstruction man. I enjoyed watching this.

  • @Dodger2879
    @Dodger2879 Před 3 lety

    Outstanding!
    Great explanation of a simple, but "complicated if yer gonna get it right" song. Thank you.

  • @giannisskokos
    @giannisskokos Před 3 lety +5

    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.

    • @Faina359
      @Faina359 Před rokem

      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 czcams.com/video/jD7W8xnXpbE/video.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...

  • @maickfi
    @maickfi Před 3 lety +4

    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!

  • @ruffryder13
    @ruffryder13 Před 2 lety +1

    I've been trying this riff for at least a month...still working on it...no end in sight!

  • @mahdirajabi313
    @mahdirajabi313 Před 3 měsíci

    Pretty dope lesson. It covers the whole aspect of the song. Would luv to see more lessons like dis !

  • @dilly2408
    @dilly2408 Před 3 lety +6

    08:53 - 09:05 are 12 seconds of magic

  • @tusharshukla1990
    @tusharshukla1990 Před 3 lety +6

    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 !!

  • @jefbugle6072
    @jefbugle6072 Před 2 lety

    Your videos are real art, your playing is outstanding!!! Thanks

  • @kevinpirnie482
    @kevinpirnie482 Před rokem

    You cleared up a couple of things that I was certainly confused about. Thanks that was awesome!

  • @shredxmichael
    @shredxmichael Před 3 lety +21

    Anyone else hear the crowd roaring noise when he was playing the lick?

  • @Mafinek05
    @Mafinek05 Před 3 lety +10

    8:53 - prog version of thunderstruck

  • @mrdigi2t
    @mrdigi2t Před 3 lety

    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!

  • @ScottsGuitars
    @ScottsGuitars Před 2 lety

    Another fantastic video! Thanks for what you do!!

  • @jimestooper1480
    @jimestooper1480 Před 3 lety +10

    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.