Background Information
“Beating Around the Bush” is a popular song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was released as the second single from their 1979 album Highway to Hell. The song is about a potential couple who can’t seem to decide if they should “move on” and actually begin a romance. The lyrics, which feature Angus Young’s signature bluesy guitar riffs, are full of innuendo and double entendre, making the song popular with audiences of all ages.
Relevant Data & Expert Perspectives
AC/DC has been producing iconic rock and roll music since they formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973. Although their sound has changed over the years, their trademark blues-based riffs have remained a constant. “Beating Around the Bush” is considered one of the band’s classic singles and has been featured in numerous films and television shows over the years.
According to AC/DC biographer and music historian Iain Scott, the band is “one of the most innovative forces in the history of rock music”. He describes “Beating Around the Bush” as “a classic example of the blues-based hard rock sound that would become so popular in the 1980s”. Scott argues that the song is an important addition to the band’s discography, as it represented a departure from their harder-edged material and highlighted the potential of a softer sound.
Legendary guitarist and AC/DC collaborator Angus Young is responsible for the song’s signature guitar riffs. Young is known for his unique and often aggressive guitar style, and his riff-driven approach makes the classic tracks from AC/DC instantly recognizable. According to Young, he wanted the track to have a “looser, swaggering feel” that would help the band transcend genre boundaries.
Analysis & Own Insights
“Beating Around the Bush” is a great example of AC/DC’s ability to blend blues and hard rock into something uniquely their own. The song has a catchy hook, memorable guitar riffs, and a clever lyrical delivery that makes it stand out from the other tracks on the album.
The song appears to be about two people who can’t quite seem to make a commitment to a romantic relationship, despite both clearly wanting to. The chorus speaks of these people “beating around the bush”, which can be seen as a metaphor for their lack of confidence in committing to one another. This resonates with many listeners, as hesitation is something that many have experienced in their own relationships.
The success of “Beating Around the Bush” is a testament to the band’s vision and talent. It showcases the band’s innovative instrumentation and songwriting capabilities, while also showing their willingness to expand and explore new musical territories. Angus Young’s electrifying guitar work and the clever lyrics both contribute to the song’s success, and it is no wonder why it is still considered a classic today.
Instrumentation
The instrumentation of “Beating Around the Bush” is a big part of what makes it so memorable. Angus Young’s signature bluesy electric guitar riffs are the backbone of the track, giving it an instantly recognizable sound. The riffs are paired with a simple yet effective drum part that helps to drive the song forward. The bass part, played by Cliff Williams, is subtle yet supportive, providing a steady groove behind Young’s guitar.
Young’s guitar work is complimented perfectly by Brian Johnson’s high-pitched vocal delivery. Johnson’s singing style, characterized by his trademark raspy voice, is integral to the band’s sound and helps to give the song an edgy feel. The song also features a classic hard rock guitar solo that is sure to excite and energize any crowd.
Influence
The influence of “Beating Around the Bush” can be seen in countless rock songs that followed it. It is often credited with inspiring other bands to explore similar sounds and themes in their own music. The track’s success opened up a whole new market for AC/DC, and helped to make them one of the biggest bands in the world.
The song’s influence is also apparent in the abundance of cover versions that have been released. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Fall Out Boy, and KISS have all released their own versions of “Beating Around the Bush”, showing just how timeless and iconic the track has become.
Legacy
“Beating Around the Bush” has cemented its place in music history as a classic hard rock anthem. The signature guitar riffs from Angus Young remain an audience favorite, and the song continues to be played regularly on radio and in live shows.
The success of the track has also been a great boost to the band’s sales. It was the second single to be taken from the band’s 1979 album Highway to Hell and, after charting in both the UK and US, eventually sold over one million copies. The song was also included as a bonus track on the 1984 reissue of Highway to Hell and featured on the band’s 1991 compilation Live.
Live Performances
“Beating Around the Bush” is a staple of the AC/DC live set. The powerful guitar riffs from Angus Young have become legendary amongst fans, and the song is known to bring audiences to their feet. The band often performs the track as part of their encore, ensuring that the crowd knows that the show is not over until they hear those iconic riffs.
The song has been performed live since its release in 1979, and it is one of the few tracks to have been continuously present throughout the band’s career. In recent years, “Beating Around the Bush” has been a regular part of the band’s live shows, and it remains one of their most popular songs.
How to Play
Playing “Beating Around the Bush” is a straightforward process that any guitarist should be able to get to grips with relatively quickly. There are only three main components to the riff – the main note, the chord, and the lead riff. The main note, a D major open, is played throughout the verse. The chord progression is simple but effective, and is built up of G major, C major, D major, and A minor. The lead riff is mostly composed of sixteenth notes and relies heavily on double stops.
When playing live, it is important to focus on the dynamics of the song and to always listen to what the other bandmate is playing. The guitar solo also requires a lot of precision, as Angus Young’s virtuosic solos are legendary amongst fans.
Equipment
The key to a great performance when playing “Beating Around the Bush” is having the right equipment. Although any electric guitar will suffice, it is best to use one that has a humbucker pickup. This will help to achieve a warmer tone and a thicker sound.
A good amplifier is also essential, as the tone of the guitar needs to carry over the loud drums and pounding bass. A classic Marshall stack is a great choice, as it will provide the perfect balance between the clear highs of the guitar and the beefy low end of the bass.
Practice
Like any song, it takes time and practice to perfect “Beating Around the Bush”. Start by focusing on the guitar parts and rehearse until you can play the song from start to finish without any mistakes. Once you have a good grasp of the guitar part, you can work on the solo sections, pay special attention to the dynamics of the track and try and recreate Angus Young’s iconic sound.
It is also important to rehearse with the other bandmates, as the nuances and dynamics of the track can only be achieved when everyone is playing together. Rehearsals will also help to build the confidence of the band, ultimately resulting in a smoother and more powerful performance.
