Alrighty, rock enthusiasts! Ready to dive into a legendary rock anthem? There’s no better place to start your guitar journey than with AC/DC’s powerhouse track, “Back in Black.” This hard-rocking song is surprisingly accessible for beginners, utilizing open chords and power chords, spiced up with a few easy-to-learn guitar licks.
Before we crank up the amps, this lesson will focus on the core elements of the song and provide you with guitar tablature to follow along. While we won’t be tackling the guitar solos in this initial lesson, if you’re an intermediate or advanced player eager to learn those iconic solos, let us know in the comments! We’re happy to create a follow-up video lesson just for you. We understand the frustration of waiting for a solo breakdown that never comes, so your feedback is important to us.
Now, let’s get ready to rock! Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the gear, chords, and guitar tablature you need to master “Back in Black.” Take your time, digest each section, and get ready to play one of rock’s greatest hits.
Gear Up for Black in Black
Gear Corner
To truly capture the raw energy of AC/DC’s lead guitar sound, think Marshall stacks – and lots of them! The classic AC/DC tone is built around a Gibson SG plugged into a 100-watt Marshall JMP100 Super Lead. However, for most of us, a full stack might be a bit…unwieldy. Finding space for a JMP100 full stack can be a challenge!
For home practice or playing smaller gigs, a combo Marshall amp with EL34 tubes will do the trick perfectly. You might be surprised to learn that Angus Young actually uses less distortion than you might expect. Many AC/DC covers, especially online, often sound overly distorted, leaning more towards heavy metal. While that heavy metal tone has its place, it’s not quite the AC/DC sound.
Interestingly, there’s a quote from the Young brothers suggesting they would even prefer a slightly cleaner guitar tone if possible. They aimed for a powerful, guitar-driven sound on their records, but excessive distortion was never the primary goal. (Luckily, someone – perhaps another Young brother – encouraged them to add just the right amount of grit!).
Decoding the Chords: Back in Black Guitar Tablature
“Back in Black” is a foundational song for many aspiring guitarists, and for good reason. It introduces you to essential open chords in the key of E and power chords in the chorus. This lesson will walk you through both, providing tools that will be invaluable on your guitar journey.
Nashville Numbers System
While AC/DC hails from Australia, understanding the Nashville Numbers system can be helpful for grasping the song’s structure. Let’s quickly break down the chord progressions before diving into chord diagrams and guitar tablature.
The verse is in the key of E and follows a 1-b7-4 progression. The chorus shifts in feel, almost as if it modulates to the key of A. In the key of A, the chorus progression is 1-5-2, resolving with a b7-4-1. Let’s clarify these progressions.
In the key of E major, assigning numbers to each note of the scale, E is 1, F# is 2, G# is 3, A is 4, B is 5, C# is 6, and D# is 7. Therefore, a 1-b7-4 progression in E uses the E (1), D (b7), and A (4) chords.
For the chorus, we shift to the key of A major. A is 1, B is 2, C# is 3, D is 4, E is 5, F# is 6, and G# is 7. The 1-5-2 progression in A uses A (1), E (5), and B (2) chords. The subsequent b7-4-1 progression utilizes G (b7), D (4), and A (1) chords.
Verse Chords and Guitar Tablature
The verses of “Back in Black” are straightforward. You’ll play the E chord once, followed by the D chord three times, and then the A chord three times. After the A chord, Angus Young incorporates two alternating riffs. These short guitar licks lead you back into the E chord to repeat the verse. You can find the guitar tablature for these riffs in the “Main Riff” section below.
E Major Chord Diagram
D Major Chord Diagram
A Major Chord Diagram
Chorus Chords and Guitar Tablature
The chorus kicks in with power chords, adding intensity to the song. Here are the power chord shapes and the G and D major chords used in the chorus progression. Guitar tablature for the chorus riff is provided below in the “Chorus Riff” section.
A Power Chord Diagram
E Power Chord Diagram
B Power Chord Diagram
G Major Chord Diagram
D Major Chord Diagram
Back In Black Chorus Chord Progression
Chords, Lyrics, and Guitar Tablature
Now that you’ve got the chords and the basic structure down, let’s put it all together with the lyrics and incorporate some guitar tablature for the main riffs and chorus.
Verse 1 & 2:
E
Back in black
D
I hit the sack
A
I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back
E
Yes, I’m let loose
D
From the noose
A
That’s kept me hanging about
E
I’ve been looking at the sky
D
‘Cause it’s gettin’ me high
A
Forget the hearse ’cause I never die
E
I got nine lives
D
Cat’s eyes
A
Abusin’ every one of them and running wild
Chorus:
………………………..A…E…B
‘Cause I’m back
………………………..A…E…B
Yes, I’m back
………………………..G…D…A
Well, I’m back
………………………..G…D…A
Yes, I’m back
…………….A…E…B………A…E…B
Well, I’m back…………..back
…………….G
Well, I’m back in black
……………D
Yes, I’m back in black
Verse 3 & 4:
E
Back in the back
D
Of a Cadillac
A
Number one with a bullet, I’m a power pack
E
Yes, I’m in a bang
D
With a gang
A
They’ve got to catch me if they want me to hang
E
‘Cause I’m back on the track
D
And I’m beatin’ the flack
A
Nobody’s gonna get me on another rap
E
So look at me now
D
I’m just makin’ my play
A
Don’t try to push your luck, just get out of my way
Chorus:
………………………..A…E…B
‘Cause I’m back
………………………..A…E…B
Yes, I’m back
………………………..G…D…A
Well, I’m back
………………………..G…D…A
Yes, I’m back
…………….A…E…B……A…E…B
Well, I’m back………..back
…………….G
Well, I’m back in black
…………..D
Yes, I’m back in black
Main Riff and Chorus Riff Guitar Tablature
Here’s the guitar tablature for the iconic main riff played during the verses and the chorus riff. This tablature will help you nail those signature AC/DC guitar parts.
Verse Riff (played after the A chord in the verse):
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-----------------|-----------------|
A|-0-0-2-0---------|-0-0-2-0---------|
E|-------3-2-0-----|-------3-2-0-----|(Riff Variation – Angus Young alternates between these two riffs)
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-----------------|-----------------|
A|-0-0-2-0-3-2-0---|-0-0-2-0-3-2-0---|
E|-----------------|-----------------|Chorus Riff (played during the chorus sections):
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-2-2-4-2---------|-2-2-4-2---------|-5-5-7-5---------|-5-5-7-5---------|
A|-0-0-0-0---------|-0-0-0-0---------|-3-3-3-3---------|-3-3-3-3---------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|That’s It! You’ve Got “Back in Black” Guitar Tablature!
Congratulations! You’ve just taken a huge step in learning how to play “Back in Black”! With these chords and guitar tablature, you’re well on your way to mastering this rock classic.
If you’re hungry for more beginner-friendly classic rock tunes, check out our lesson on Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival! Or try your hand at Blue Oyster Cult’s (Don’t Fear) The Reaper! Both are fantastic songs with great guitar parts that are easy to learn.
And don’t forget to explore some country lessons too! If you’re looking for more simple chords, give Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show or Willin’ by Little Feat a try! These are excellent songs for building your chord vocabulary.
For those intermediate to advanced players, challenge yourself with Can’t You See by The Marshall Tucker Band or Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line by Waylon Jennings!
And if you were intrigued by the guitar we used in today’s lesson, take a look at our full review of the Gibson SG 61 Reissue!
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If you encountered any difficulties with this lesson, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help you overcome any challenges you might face while learning to play “Back in Black.”
