Back in Black
by AC/DC
Album: Back in Black
Released: 1980
Genre: Hard Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding E major:
E major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Ionian (Major) mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Pro Tip: These keys utilize open strings on guitar, making them ideal for powerful, ringing chords. The open strings add natural sustain and harmonic richness.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E major
E major scale
Notes: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Application: Primary harmonic foundation for chord progressions
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Classic AC/DC progression using ♭VII chord for rock edge and tension-release
Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange is common in rock and metal music.
Chord Shapes Used:
E5
D5
A5
Harmonic Functions:
- E5 (I):Establishes strong tonic center in E major
- D5 (♭VII):Borrowed from E minor, creates classic rock character
- A5 (IV):Provides subdominant movement and harmonic contrast
Key Techniques
Downstroke Power Chords
IntermediateEssential AC/DC technique using exclusively downstrokes for power chords to achieve the characteristic attack and sustain
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E5 - D5 - A5 - E5 (Main Riff)
Tips:
- • Practice slowly to build stamina and consistency
- • Focus on the low E and A strings for power chord foundation
- • Keep unused strings slightly muted to avoid noise
- • Build up speed gradually to maintain clean attack
I-♭VII-IV Progression
BeginnerClassic rock progression using the characteristic ♭VII chord (D major in key of E) that defines the AC/DC sound
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
I - ♭VII - IV - I in E Major
Tips:
- • Practice chord changes slowly at first
- • Focus on clean transitions between power chords
- • Use minimal finger movement between changes
- • Keep the same picking hand rhythm throughout
Simple Lead Lines
IntermediatePentatonic-based melodic phrases that complement the rhythm guitar without overcomplicating the arrangement
Progression:
Over E5 - A5 verse progression
Tips:
- • Less is more - don't overplay
- • Focus on tone quality over complexity
- • Practice bends to reach exact pitch
- • Listen to original for phrase placement
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Main Riff
0:00-0:16Power Chord Movement Exercise
The iconic opening riff that establishes the song's energy and showcases the I-♭VII-IV-I progression
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Four quarter notes per chord
- • All downstrokes with consistent attack
- • Clean power chord voicings
Verse
0:16-0:47Power Chord Movement Exercise
Verse section with simple I-IV movement providing space for lead guitar phrases
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Simplified chord progression for vocal space
- • Lead guitar adds melodic elements over rhythm
- • Maintains downstroke consistency
Chorus
0:47-1:03Alternate Picking Exercise
Return of the main riff with full intensity and the characteristic I-♭VII-IV-I progression
Alternate Picking Exercise
- • Identical to main riff with full band intensity
- • Emphasizes the ♭VII chord tension and release
- • Peak energy section of the song
Bridge
2:15-2:31Power Chord Movement Exercise
Bridge section with descending power chord movement creating tension before return to main theme
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Descending sequence builds tension
- • Higher register power chords for contrast
- • Leads back to familiar E5 resolution
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Humbuckers for thick, sustained power chord tone
Alternatives:
- • Epiphone SG
- • Gibson Les Paul
- • Any solid-body electric with humbuckers
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 7-8 (natural tube overdrive)
Treble: 7 (bright, cutting tone)
Middle: 6-7 (present mids for power chords)
Bass: 4-5 (tight low end)
Presence: 8 (cut through mix)
Alternatives:
Effects
Distortion:
None - natural amp overdrive only
Reverb:
Natural amp reverb
Other:
No effects pedals - pure guitar and amp tone
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 2-4 weeks with regular practice
- • Master E5, A5, and D5 power chord shapes
- • Practice downstroke technique slowly
- • Learn the main riff chord progression
- • Work on clean chord transitions
Time Estimate: 4-6 weeks for solid performance
- • Build stamina for consistent downstrokes
- • Practice at full tempo (93 BPM)
- • Add bridge section power chords
- • Work on dynamic control between sections
Time Estimate: 6-8 weeks for complete mastery
- • Learn simple lead guitar phrases
- • Master whole-step bending technique
- • Achieve authentic amp tone settings
- • Combine rhythm and lead playing
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Using upstrokes instead of consistent downstrokes
- • Over-palm muting the power chords
- • Playing too fast initially without building stamina
- • Not maintaining consistent attack strength
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with simple E5 downstrokes for 5 minutes
- • Practice chord changes slowly: E5-D5-A5-E5
- • Build tempo gradually from 60 BPM to 93 BPM
- • Work on stamina with extended downstroke practice
Focus Areas
- • Downstroke consistency and power
- • Clean power chord voicings
- • Rhythm precision and timing
- • Stamina building for sustained downstrokes
Metronome Work
- • Start at 60 BPM with simple downstrokes
- • Gradually increase to 93 BPM (song tempo)
- • Practice chord changes with metronome
- • Work on maintaining consistent timing throughout song