5 Greatest Riffs From Angus Young

Angus Young performs live in his signature red schoolboy outfit with AC/DC, playing guitar mid-action on a brightly lit stage.

Angus Young live in 2016 - AC/DC / YouTube

As a true rock n’ roll icon, Angus Young serves as an inspiration to artists for his mind-blowing riffs on the guitar. As soon as you’d hear an AC/DC song, you can’t help but recognize the intensity and power that the guitar provides in the track. Young is said to be inspired by whole lotta legends during his time: Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and Ritchie Blackmore, which help him cultivate his distinct sound, without erasing the tenacity and richness of guitar-playing. With that in mind, we present these 5 greatest riffs from Angus Young to remind us that he’s more than capable of doing just that.

 

“Thunderstruck” – The Razors Edge (1990)

From start to finish, Angus Young delivers. The more you’d listen to it, the more you could marvel at the meaty riffs of Young, especially with that guitar solo considered to be iconic.

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“Highway To Hell” – Highway to Hell (1979)

Want to look for a power-driven angst AC/DC with Bon Scott on vocals? “Highway In Hell” is the perfect choice for you! It’s groovy and rebellious, with Young’s impeccable riff about to get to you.

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“You Shook Me All Night Long” – Back in Black (1980)

“Back in Black” may be the band’s most recognizable song, but “You Shook Me All Night Long” sure is an anthem. It’s bluesy and flavorful, kind of like a Rolling Stones record – with Angus Young’s riffs driving it to the next level.

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“Whole Lotta Rosie” – Let There Be Rock (1977)

Just an exercise of power that AC/DC became so well-known for, “Whole Lotta Rosie” displays Young’s amazing chord progressions. It’s like he’s saying that he doesn’t have to think loud hard to play loud and smooth.

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“Back In Black” – Back in Black (1980)

You can’t say you’re a fan of AC/DC if you don’t know the starting riff of the band’s seminal song. “Back in Black” reminds us how to properly do hard rock, if ever want to take a shot at it.

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