The Basic Riff and Tuning
Highway to Hell uses standard tuning and sits almost entirely on two strings — the low E and the A string. The main riff is one of the easiest AC/DC songs to learn because it repeats the same shape over and over. You do not need to drop-tune or use any alternate tuning.
The iconic opening riff uses only three notes played on the low E string: the open string (E), the 3rd fret (G), and the 5th fret (A). Play them in that order, then move to the A string and play the open string (A), the 3rd fret (C), and the 5th fret (E). The pattern repeats throughout the song. Use a pick and play each note cleanly so the rhythm stays tight.
The whole song is built on this two-string movement. Once you can play it slowly without stopping, the rest is just speed and feel. Most players get the basic shape down in a few practice sessions.
Key Takeaways
- The main riff uses only the low E and A strings, playing the same three-note shape on each string in sequence.
- Standard tuning is all you need — no alternate tunings or dropped tuning required.
- The rhythm is steady eighth notes at a moderate tempo, so focus on clean picking and consistent timing before speeding up.
- The lead sections use the minor pentatonic scale in E, which sits naturally under your fingers once you know the root position.
- The song repeats the same riff and lead patterns throughout, so learning the opening gets you most of the way through the entire track.
Playing the Riff at the Right Tempo
The song sits at roughly 120 beats per minute, which feels moderate when you hear it but moves faster than it sounds. Start at 80 BPM and build up over a week or two. Use a metronome and lock into the click — the riff only works if your timing is solid.
Play each note as a clean eighth note with no gaps or rushing. The original recording has a slight swing to it, but that comes naturally once the basic timing is locked in. Do not try to add feel before you can play it straight.
Once you can play the riff cleanly at 100 BPM, the jump to full speed happens quickly. Most players find that the muscle memory kicks in around 110 BPM and the rest is just letting your fingers catch up.
The Lead Section and Minor Pentatonic Scale
The lead guitar parts use the E minor pentatonic scale, which is the most common scale in rock. If you already know this scale in the first position (starting at the open E string), you can play the leads when ready. The notes are E, G, A, B, and D, and they sit in a box shape on the fretboard.
The lead riff that comes in after the first verse is just a variation of the main riff played higher up the neck. It uses the same three-note shape but moves it around the pentatonic box. Play it with the same steady eighth-note feel as the main riff.
The solo section is longer and more expressive, but it stays within the same scale. Use bends, slides, and vibrato to add character, but the underlying notes are all from E minor pentatonic. If you know the scale, you can improvise your own solo or learn the recorded version by ear.
Rhythm Playing and Chord Shapes
The rhythm guitar underneath the lead riff is usually just power chords — two-note shapes that sit lower on the neck. The main progression is E5 to G5 to A5, played as power chords on the lower strings. These are not full chords but simplified shapes that give the song its heavy feel.
An E5 power chord is the open E string plus the 2nd fret on the A string. A G5 is the 3rd fret on the low E string plus the 5th fret on the A string. An A5 is the open A string plus the 2nd fret on the D string. Play them as downstrokes to match the original recording's attack.
If you are playing with a band or backing track, keep the rhythm locked in with the kick drum. The power chords sit right on top of the bass line, so timing is everything. Practice the chord changes slowly until they feel automatic.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is playing the riff too fast before the basic shape is solid. Slow down and make sure each note rings clearly. Muted or buzzing notes mean your fingers are not pressing hard enough or you are not holding them long enough.
The second mistake is inconsistent timing. The riff sounds straightforward, but it only works if every note lands exactly on the beat. Use a metronome from the start — it is much harder to fix sloppy timing later than to build good timing now.
A third issue is using too much distortion while learning. Use a clean tone or light overdrive so you can hear every note clearly. Once the riff is solid, add the heavy tone. Distortion hides mistakes and makes it harder to know if you are playing it right.
Gear and Tone Considerations
The original recording uses a Gibson SG through a Marshall amplifier with heavy distortion. You do not need that exact setup, but the tone is thick and saturated. A standard electric guitar with a decent overdrive or distortion pedal will get you close.
The key is to use enough gain that the notes sustain but not so much that they blur together. Start with moderate distortion and adjust based on how clearly you can hear each note. The riff should cut through even with heavy tone.
If you are playing through headphones or a small practice amp, use less distortion than you would with a full rig. The tone will sound different in a bedroom than in a venue, so focus on playing the riff correctly first and adjust the tone later.
Building Up to the Full Song
Start by learning just the main riff. Once that is solid, add the rhythm chord progression underneath. Then learn the lead section that comes after the first verse. The solo is the hardest part, but it uses the same scale and shapes you have already practiced.
The song structure is straightforward: intro riff, verse, chorus riff, verse, solo, and outro. The chorus uses the same riff as the intro, so there are really only two main ideas to learn. Once you have those down, you can play the whole song.
Record yourself playing along with the original track. Hearing yourself against the real recording shows you exactly where your timing drifts or where your tone does not match. This is the fastest way to tighten up your playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special tuning to play Highway to Hell?
No. The song uses standard tuning throughout. You do not need to drop-tune or use any alternate tuning. If your guitar is in standard tuning, you are ready to start.
What if I cannot play the riff cleanly yet?
Slow it down to 60 or 70 BPM and focus on pressing each note hard enough that it rings clearly. Make sure your fingers are not muting adjacent strings. Once every note sounds clean, gradually speed up using a metronome. This usually takes a few weeks of regular practice.
Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?
Technically yes, but it will not sound right. The song is designed for electric guitar with distortion. An acoustic will sound thin and lose the heavy feel that makes the riff work. If you only have an acoustic, learn it there and move to electric when you can.
How long does it take to learn the whole song?
Most players can play the main riff cleanly in two to four weeks with regular practice. The full song, including the solo, usually takes six to eight weeks. Speed depends on how much you practice and whether you already know the minor pentatonic scale.
Should I learn the lead or rhythm part first?
Start with the main riff, which is the lead part. It is simpler and more recognizable. Once that is solid, add the rhythm chords underneath. Learning the riff first gives you the foundation for everything else in the song.