Choose the Right Guitar
Learning to play AC/DC’s classic song “Back In Black” on guitar begins with selecting the right instrument. Many guitarists opt for an acoustic version, since the guitar is integral to the song’s sound. Acoustic guitars are typically made of wood and feature six strings arranged in pairs. Beginner and intermediate players may prefer a steel string acoustic, while advanced players often choose nylon strings. To achieve the modern sound of a hard rock guitar, a custom electric would be a great choice. Regardless of model, quality craftsmanship is a must to make the sound of “Back In Black” truly powerful.
Practice Playing the Chords
Next, practice playing the chords that make up “Back In Black.” The song features a guitar solo that most guitarists consider a bit more challenging than the chords. However, beginning players may want to start with learning the chords, since mastering “Back In Black” requires a decent command of them. To accurately play the intro, rhythm, and chorus parts, practice the following chords: D, A, A7, B7, E7, and F#7. As you become more familiar with them, work on becoming comfortable switching from one chord to the next in quick succession.
Gain Mastery of Timing
There is no denying the precision required to master the song’s timing. Luckily, if you take your time and have the right resources – including a metronome – mastering timing is totally doable. With practice, you should eventually become comfortable counting the measures and playing along with the beat. Once you have developed a consistent sense of rhythm, add a little more on top of that with your own personal flair by accentuating certain notes or strumming more loudly.
Get to Know the Guitar Solo
Everyone loves the famous solo in “Back In Black.” While memorizing and playing it can be daunting, there are some tricks to help you make it easier. First, listen to the song multiple times to become familiar with the sound and timing of the solo. Then, break it down into small sections. Take a section at a time and listen to it repeatedly until you know it by heart. Finally, practice playing it over and over to gain muscle memory and make sure you have the notes completely memorized. Once you master the solo, you are sure to impress anyone who hears you play.
Bring the Whole Song Together
Once you have the chords and timing down, and know the solo inside and out, it’s time to put all the pieces together. To do this, it helps to record yourself and listen back. Doing this can be a great way to identify which parts of the song need more practice, and can also give you a better sense of the overall timing. When playing along with the recording, take your time and focus on playing it right – it’s always better to take it slow and get the timing perfect than rush through it and miss a beat.
Sing and Play at the Same Time
For a truly authentic rendition of “Back In Black,” it’s important to also learn the lyrics. This can be especially challenging since vocalists must multi-task by playing guitar and singing simultaneously, but it is entirely possible if you devote enough time to it. To make it work, you may need to adjust the arrangement of the song a bit and simplify the chords and solo sections. Practicing this regularly will eventually allow you to confidently move from one part of the song to the next without missing a beat.
Keep Practicing and Playing
Once you can confidently play the chords, solo, and lyrics of “Back In Black,” it’s time to hit the stage, record a video, or simply jam out with your friends. If you’re looking for a challenge, look for alternate versions of the song you can learn to add variety to the music you play. Finally, don’t forget to take videos or recordings of yourself playing. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated to keep playing.
Play with passion and emotion
Perhaps the most important part of playing “Back In Black” is to have the right attitude and approach. As you practice and play the song, inject your own passion and emotion into it. Whether this means playing with more speed and intensity or slowing it down for a more heartfelt rendition, adding emotion will give the song a much deeper sound and will make your performance truly unforgettable.
Explore Different Playing Styles
There are several alternate ways to play “Back In Black” that can add a unique flavor to the song. If you prefer a stripped back version, consider playing the song fingerstyle. You could also experiment with a hybrid form of fingerstyle and flatpicking to make the song your own. Furthermore, if you want to inject a bit of country twang, try out a more blues-influenced rendition.
Experiment with Dynamics and Effects
Lastly, have fun adding dynamic shifts and effects to your guitar playing. For instance, if you are playing acoustically on an electric guitar, try incorporating distortion or overdrive. This can be a great way to give the song more energy and give it a modern twist. Additionally, consider experimenting with delay and wah-wah effects to add some flavor to the song.
By learning the chords, perfecting the timing, mastering the solo, and adding your own emotion and effects, you will definitely turn heads with your version of “Back In Black.”
