Here’s an article on how to play the iconic riff from “Back in Black” by AC/DC:

How to Play the “Back in Black” Riff on Guitar

The “Back in Black” riff is one of the most recognizable and iconic riffs in rock history. It’s a simple yet powerful riff that has been covered by countless guitarists over the years. In this article, we’ll show you how to play the riff on guitar.  

Step 1: Learn the Basic Power Chord

The “Back in Black” riff is based on the power chord. A power chord is a two-note chord that consists of the root note and the fifth note of the scale. For example, the power chord for E is E and A.  

To play a power chord, place your first finger on the fifth fret of the low E string. Then, place your second finger on the fifth fret of the A string. Strum both strings together.

Step 2: Practice the Riff

The “Back in Black” riff consists of a series of power chords played in a repeating pattern. The riff starts with an E power chord, followed by a D power chord, then an A power chord, and so on.  

To practice the riff, start by playing the power chords slowly and evenly. Once you can play the chords without any mistakes, you can start to speed up the tempo.

Step 3: Add the Palm Mute

The “Back in Black” riff has a distinctive choppy sound that is created by using a palm mute. To palm mute, simply rest the palm of your picking hand on the strings just above the bridge. This will dampen the sound of the strings and give the riff its choppy feel.  

Step 4: Practice the Riff with a Metronome

Once you can play the riff with good rhythm and timing, it’s time to practice it with a metronome. This will help you to improve your accuracy and consistency.

Step 5: Add the Solo

The “Back in Black” riff is often followed by a guitar solo. The solo is a bit more challenging than the riff, but it’s still within reach for most intermediate guitarists.  

To play the solo, you’ll need to learn some basic guitar scales and arpeggios. There are many resources available online and in guitar books that can help you learn these techniques.

Tips

• Use a heavy gauge pick to get a good, punchy sound.
• Practice the riff slowly and evenly at first.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different picking techniques.
• Listen to the original recording of “Back in Black” carefully to get the feel of the riff.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the “Back in Black” riff. With a little practice, you’ll be able to play this iconic riff with confidence and style.