Ever wondered how Angus Young created one of rock's most unforgettable guitar solos? Angus Young's iconic solo in "Back in Black" masterfully showcases the power of the E minor pentatonic scale through a compelling descending melodic sequence, recorded using his signature 1971 Gibson SG through Marshall Super Lead Plexi amplifiers. The solo's structure alternates between fast-paced blues passages and bold double-stop patterns, helping the album achieve an impressive 612 weeks on the Billboard 200. This groundbreaking guitar work, captured at Compass Point Studios in 1980, influenced countless artists across genres and remains a cornerstone of hard rock guitar technique. Read on to learn how to break down and master this legendary solo's techniques.
The Musical Structure
The musical structure of "Back in Black" solo centers on a dynamic combination of technical elements crafted by Angus Young.
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The E minor pentatonic scale serves as the foundation throughout the entire solo. The solo begins with a powerful descending melodic sequence enhanced by vibrato techniques, transitioning into precise paired notes that convey emotional intensity.
Young orchestrates the progression by alternating between fast-paced blues-influenced passages and bold double-stop patterns. This arrangement creates mounting musical tension while sustaining the composition's energetic core across its various movements.
The deliberate pacing and strategic placement of these elements establish a cohesive musical narrative that defines the solo's structure. The iconic guitar anthem elevated AC/DC's status and became one of rock's most recognizable solos.
Techniques That Define The Solo
Technical mastery defines Angus Young's guitar solo in "Back in Black" through specific playing techniques.
Angus Young applies innovative guitar methods by combining precise string manipulation with controlled vibrato effects. The guitarist enhances his performance through fluid hammer-ons that create vocal-like qualities in the music.
His performance connects blues elements with strategic double stops, while his exceptional command of pentatonic scale positions produces signature bluesy passages that echo BB King's influence. His extensive practice with major and minor pentatonic scales results in seamless transitions between different musical phrases.
Recording Process
The recording of "Back in Black's" guitar solo showcases Angus Young's signature sound through careful studio engineering.
The process involved multiple recording locations and utilized Young's classic 1971 Gibson SG guitar connected to both Marshall Super Lead Plexi and JTM50 amplifiers. The recording sessions took place at Compass Point Studios in April 1980.
The engineering team employed Neumann U67 and U87 microphones to capture the performance.
The final sound achieved its distinctive character through a combination of direct injection mixing, strategic double-tracking techniques, and the creative use of a radio transmitter in the signal chain.
Cultural Impact Through Time
Angus Young's "Back in Black" guitar solo has left an indelible mark on popular culture that extends far beyond its original release.
The iconic solo garnered unprecedented success on the Billboard 200, maintaining its presence for 612 weeks while reaching new audiences through multiple entertainment channels.
The composition bridged Marvel's Iron Man franchise and gaming platforms, demonstrating its versatility. The song's edgy yet catchy production style, perfected by Mutt Lange, contributed significantly to its widespread appeal.
Musical artists spanning different styles, from the rock-driven Foo Fighters to pop sensation Shakira, have drawn inspiration from this powerful guitar work, cementing its position as one of hard rock's most significant achievements.
Learning The Solo Today
The "Back in Black" solo can be effectively learned through systematic practice and technique development. A solid approach begins with the foundation of the E minor pentatonic scale, which forms the core of the solo. Getting the authentic tone will require attention to amplification, as Angus Young relied on 100-watt Marshall Super Leads during the recording sessions.
