AC/DC’s “Back in Black” features one of the most legendary and instantly recognizable rock riffs in music history. While Malcolm and Angus Young’s powerhouse rhythm and blues-drenched pentatonic leads are built for an overdriven twin-guitar attack, breaking down the core chord structure and opening pentatonic licks is a fantastic exercise in rhythm, tight palm muting, and clean scale articulation.
1. Required Chords & Tuning
Before diving into the progression, make sure your guitar is in standard tuning and your fretting hand is ready for quick open-position shifts.
- Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)
- Key / Tonal Center: E Minor / E Blues
Core Chord Shapes Needed
- E Major (
022100) – The powerful opening root chord of the progression. - D Major (Modified Voicing) (
xx0232) – Drives the second step of the chord sequence. - A Major (
x02220) – Resolves the phrase before kicking back into the main groove.
2. Quick Reference Chart
| Chord Name | Fret Diagram | Difficulty | Role in Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 0 2 2 1 0 0 |
Beginner | Root Chord / Power Anchor |
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
Easy | Transitional Chord |
| A | x 0 2 2 2 0 |
Beginner | Progression Resolution |
3. Step-by-Step Song Lesson
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Step 1: Master the Rhythm & Palm Muting
The secret to the groove in “Back in Black” isn’t just playing the right notes—it’s tight muting. As soon as you strike the E, D, and A chords, instantly mute the strings with your palm or fretting hand so the sound is crisp, dry, and punchy with zero unwanted sustain.
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Step 2: Play the Core Chord Sequence
Work slowly through the chord changes (E → D → A). Practice striking the open E, shifting cleanly down to the D shape, and landing firmly on A. Keep your wrist relaxed so your transitions remain snappy at higher tempos.
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Step 3: Add the Pentatonic Lead Lick
Transition out of the chords straight into the E minor pentatonic scale framework. Focus on the 3rd fret of the high E and B strings, executing a crisp bend, a clean release, and a controlled pull-off back to the open string.
4. Tone & Gear Breakdown
To capture that classic AC/DC crunch:
- Pickup Selection: Switch to your bridge humbucker for maximum bite and harmonic crunch.
- Gain & Amp Settings: Aim for an edge-of-breakup or classic rock overdrive channel. Avoid excessive modern high-gain distortion so your pick attack and string muting remain defined and articulate.