While Angus Young’s electrifying stage presence and blistering solos often steal the spotlight in AC/DC, a deeper dive reveals the equally crucial, though perhaps less flamboyant, guitar work of his brother, Malcolm Young. To truly understand and emulate the iconic AC/DC sound, especially when aiming for that scorching lead guitar tone, recognizing Malcolm’s rhythmic genius is paramount. He wasn’t just a rhythm guitarist; he was the bedrock upon which Angus built his legendary lead lines.
In this exploration, we’ll delve into the essential guitar parts crafted by Malcolm Young, dissecting his techniques and tone secrets. Understanding his approach is not just about playing rhythm guitar in AC/DC style; it’s about grasping the fundamental framework that allows the lead guitar to soar. Often in AC/DC tracks, you’ll notice Angus and Malcolm’s guitars spread across the stereo spectrum, a sonic separation that highlights their individual contributions and their powerful synergy.
The Unsung Hero: Malcolm Young’s Rhythm Prowess
Malcolm Young’s guitar playing was the heartbeat of AC/DC. While Angus danced across the fretboard with wild abandon, Malcolm laid down a groove so solid and unwavering it became the band’s signature. His approach wasn’t about complex chords or flashy techniques; it was about raw power, relentless energy, and an unmatched sense of rhythm. He understood that the strength of AC/DC’s lead guitar brilliance was intrinsically linked to the rhythmic foundation he provided. Think of it as the engine room of a roaring machine – Malcolm was the engine, driving the entire AC/DC sound forward.
Decoding Malcolm’s Tone: The Sonic Foundation of AC/DC
Malcolm’s guitar tone was meticulously crafted for rhythm perfection. It wasn’t overly distorted or saturated, but possessed a potent grit and an abundance of attitude. He favored heavy 12-gauge strings and famously modified his Gretsch Double Jet, stripping it down to a single pickup configuration. This transformed it into a lean, mean rock machine, akin to a Gibson Les Paul Junior in its raw sonic character. This guitar, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast,” had its tone control bypassed, delivering pure, unadulterated rock tone.
His amplifier of choice was a cranked vintage Marshall Super Bass, plugged straight in – no pedals, no frills. The key to achieving his distortion wasn’t maxing out the gain, but finding the sweet spot where digging in produced a satisfying crunch, while a lighter touch allowed for cleaner dynamics.
For those seeking Malcolm’s tone on a budget, guitars equipped with Filter’Tron style pickups paired with a Marshall-esque amplifier will get you remarkably close. If a full Marshall stack isn’t accessible, consider a pedal like the J Rockett .45 Caliber, designed to emulate that classic Marshall sound.
Crucially, remember that Malcolm’s tone was as much about his playing style as his gear. Employ a heavy guitar pick, attack the strings with conviction, and play with unwavering confidence. Aggression and rhythmic precision are paramount.
Essential Techniques for AC/DC Rhythm Guitar
Malcolm’s rhythmic arsenal, while seemingly simple, was incredibly effective. He primarily relied on power chords and open chords, deployed with percussive attack and rhythmic mastery. The core chord shapes you’ll find anchoring countless AC/DC anthems include A power chord, E power chord, G power chord, D major chord, and B power chord. Mastering these shapes and their variations is your first step to capturing the AC/DC rhythm guitar essence, which in turn, provides the perfect launching pad for exploring lead guitar in their style.
Beyond chord shapes, Malcolm’s right-hand technique was crucial. He used a heavy pick and a down-picking focused approach, contributing to the band’s driving, relentless energy. Learning to down-pick with power and precision is essential for achieving that authentic AC/DC rhythm guitar sound.
Dissecting AC/DC Riffs: Learning from Malcolm
Let’s break down some iconic AC/DC riffs to illustrate Malcolm’s rhythmic genius in action:
Meanstreak
“Meanstreak” showcases Malcolm’s ability to create a compelling rhythm part using single notes rather than chords. The key here is injecting that signature AC/DC swing and groove. Embrace a slightly relaxed approach with your fretting hand, allowing you to mute adjacent strings effectively. This enables you to incorporate percussive muted notes into the riff, adding to the attitude and rhythmic complexity. While vibrato is optional, a touch of it can subtly enhance the emotional impact.
Thunderstruck
While Angus’s arpeggiated intro to “Thunderstruck” is legendary, Malcolm’s rhythm part is equally vital. It centers around a B power chord, strategically divided and accented. You’ll oscillate between the upper and lower components of the chord to achieve the correct rhythmic emphasis. Initially, it might feel intricate, but once you lock into the groove, it should become surprisingly intuitive.
To delve deeper into both Angus and Malcolm’s parts in this classic, explore resources like How To Play Thunderstruck – Rhythm vs. Lead Guitar to fully appreciate the interplay between rhythm and lead in AC/DC.
Let There Be Rock
In “Let There Be Rock,” we encounter a G power chord voiced in a less common, open position. This variation, reminiscent of an open G major chord without the index finger on the A string, is combined with E and A power chords. Malcolm punctuates the riff by “chunking” on the low E string between chord changes, adding a percussive depth and drive that propels the song forward.
Shoot To Thrill
“Shoot To Thrill” presents a more intricate chord transition in Malcolm’s rhythm part. The shift from a D chord to an A chord involves a reach up to the fourth fret of the A string to play a C# note with the pinky finger. If this stretch proves challenging, feel free to simplify the D shape to facilitate the reach before transitioning to the A power chord. This adaptation prioritizes the rhythmic flow and essential notes of the riff.
The Rhythmic Heart of AC/DC’s Lead Guitar Firepower
Malcolm Young’s contribution to AC/DC was far more than just “rhythm guitar.” He was the architect of their sonic foundation, the rhythmic powerhouse that allowed Angus Young’s lead guitar to explode with such ferocity and impact. By studying and internalizing Malcolm’s techniques, tone, and rhythmic sensibilities, you unlock a deeper understanding of the true AC/DC sound. Mastering the rhythm is not just a prerequisite for playing lead guitar in AC/DC style; it is the key to unleashing that iconic lead guitar firepower. So, pick up your guitar, dial in a gritty tone, and start exploring the rhythmic brilliance of Malcolm Young – the unsung hero behind AC/DC’s legendary lead guitar dominance.
