Highway to Hell
by AC/DC
Album: Highway to Hell
Released: 1979
Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
Beginner+Lead
IntermediateBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding A major:
A 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 A major
A major scale
Notes: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A
Application: Primary harmonic foundation for chord progressions
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Classic rock progression using ♭VII chord for signature AC/DC sound
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:
A5
D5
G5
Harmonic Functions:
- A5 (I):Establishes strong tonic center in A major
- D5 (IV):Provides subdominant movement and harmonic departure
- G5 (♭VII):Borrowed from A minor, creates classic rock character and tension
Key Techniques
Power Chords
Beginner+Classic rock power chord progression forming the song's foundation
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
A5 - D5 - G5 - D5 - A5
Tips:
- • Focus on clean chord changes
- • Use consistent downstrokes
- • Keep power chords tight and percussive
- • Practice chord transitions slowly first
Palm Muting
BeginnerEssential palm muting technique for tight, controlled rhythm
Tips:
- • Rest palm lightly on strings near bridge pickup
- • Don't press too hard - should still hear pitch
- • Practice with metronome for consistency
- • Combine with downstroke picking
Pentatonic Lead
IntermediateSimple pentatonic scale runs for lead guitar sections
Tips:
- • Start with 5th fret pentatonic box
- • Use alternate picking for smoother runs
- • Focus on bending accuracy
- • Keep leads simple and melodic
Rhythm Guitar
Beginner+Driving eighth note rhythm pattern with pocket timing
Tips:
- • Play slightly behind the beat for groove
- • Use all downstrokes for consistency
- • Focus on staying in the pocket
- • Practice with metronome at slower tempos
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of A major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
Simple A5 power chord with driving rhythm
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Sets the driving rhythm for the entire song
- • Clean A5 power chord with palm muting
- • Establishes the pocket feel
Verse
0:15-0:45Power Chord Movement Exercise
Alternating A5 and D5 power chords
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Simple I-IV alternation
- • A5 - D5 - A5 - D5 pattern
- • Palm muted eighth notes
Chorus
0:45-1:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
Extended progression with G5 adding rock edge
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • A5 - D5 - G5 - D5 - A5 progression
- • ♭VII chord (G5) adds classic rock character
- • More open, driving feel than verse
Guitar Solo
2:15-2:45Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
Melodic pentatonic lead lines over chord progression
Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
- • A minor pentatonic scale (5th fret position)
- • Simple, melodic approach
- • Classic AC/DC lead style
Bridge
2:45-3:00Power Chord Movement Exercise
Building section with D5 - G5 - A5 progression
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • IV - ♭VII - I ascending progression
- • Builds energy toward final chorus
- • Same rhythm approach as other sections
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Bridge humbucker pickup for lead, both pickups for rhythm
Alternatives:
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 7/10
Treble: 7/10
Middle: 8/10
Bass: 6/10
Presence: 5/10
Alternatives:
Effects
Distortion:
Amp distortion only
Reverb:
No reverb
Other:
Pure tube amp overdrive - no pedals
Learning Path
Basic Power Chords
Time Estimate: 2-4 weeks
- • Learn basic A5, D5, G5 power chords
- • Practice simple downstroke rhythm patterns
- • Develop basic palm muting technique
- • Master clean chord transitions
Song Structure & Rhythm
Time Estimate: 4-6 weeks
- • Play full song structure with timing
- • Master pocket rhythm playing
- • Learn basic pentatonic lead lines
- • Achieve performance-ready tempo (115 BPM)
Performance Mastery
Time Estimate: 2-3 weeks
- • Master the 'pocket' timing feel
- • Improvise lead lines in A minor pentatonic
- • Achieve authentic AC/DC tone
- • Perform with confidence and energy
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Rushing the rhythm - stay in the pocket
- • Over-palm muting - should still hear note pitch
- • Using upstrokes - AC/DC style is all downstrokes
- • Playing too fast initially - master timing first
- • Sloppy chord changes - practice transitions slowly
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with power chord exercises
- • Practice A5-D5 changes with metronome
- • Work on palm muting technique
- • Play along with backing track
- • Practice complete song structure
Metronome Work
- • Start at 80 BPM for chord changes
- • Gradually increase to 115 BPM
- • Practice with subdivision clicks
- • Focus on staying slightly behind beat
- • Use different time signatures for variety