AC/DC - Hells Bells - Guitar Tab

Back In Black

1980 5:13

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About Hells Bells

Few album openers hit as hard as "Hells Bells," and the guitar work is a big reason why. The main riff sits in A minor and is built around a dark, mid-tempo groove that rewards feel over speed. Getting it right means locking in with the kick drum and resisting the urge to rush, because the power comes from planting each note with weight and letting the rests breathe. The chord shapes themselves are not complex, but the picking attack and palm muting are where most players fall short. AC/DC have always made rhythm guitar the engine of the band, and this track is a perfect lesson in that philosophy. If the opening riff is slipping, use the Practice Toolbar to loop it at a reduced speed and focus on your right-hand control before bringing the tempo back up. Nail that, and the rest of the song falls into place naturally.

• The main riff relies heavily on controlled palm muting and a firm picking attack, so right-hand technique is the first thing to get right.
• Because the tempo is deliberate and mid-paced, any rushing or rushing in the groove becomes immediately obvious, making tight timing the core challenge.
• Looping the opening riff slowed down with the Practice Toolbar is the most effective way to build the consistent pick attack the part demands.