AC/DC - Rock 'n' Roll Train - Guitar Tab

About Rock 'n' Roll Train

Few riffs in Hard Rock hit as hard as the opening statement of "Rock 'n' Roll Train," and that raw punch is exactly what you are here to learn. The main riff sits in E major in standard tuning, built around the open low E string and a handful of power chords, so your fretting hand does not need to travel far. What actually trips people up is keeping the attack consistent: every chord needs the same locked, percussive downstroke feel at 118 BPM, and any wavering in your pick angle will break the groove immediately. The verse sections ask you to stay tight and in the pocket, resisting the temptation to rush the beat. If the riff is not locking in cleanly at full speed, use the Practice Toolbar to loop it slowed down until the picking motion feels automatic. AC/DC built their entire sound on this kind of disciplined simplicity, and this song is a clear example of why getting the feel exactly right matters far more than playing anything complicated.

• The main riff is rooted on the open low E string in standard tuning, making it very approachable for players comfortable with basic power chords.
• Consistent downstroke picking at 118 BPM is the core technical challenge, as any variation in pick attack will undermine the locked-in groove.
• The song is a good study in right-hand control: keeping your strumming arm relaxed but firm across a full performance-length take is harder than it sounds.