The biggest thing in Angus's playing, something that most people overlook very often is Malcolm...his sense of rhythm and his technique of punching out those riffs definitely added to Angus's impact as a solo guitarist....IMHO..
One of the best pieces of advice I was given by Ed Speight at MI London was "sing your solo's under your breath, you'll run out of breath before you run out of ideas" it really helped me over the years
I apologize ahead of time if asking you to honor this seemingly arduous request to elaborate and breakdown the meaning of this quote appears a bit naive on my part, but I'm really interested in learning the lesson and what melodic aspects this piece of advice most applies to. If you don't mind, that is...
Angus is a master at playing what I would call bread and butter rock guitar and also with a guitar sound that is kind of the template for rock. On top of that he's a one of a kind original as a stage performer. You don't need to be a guitar player or have any understanding of what is easy or hard to play to like his playing, it's pure rock energy that goes directly to that teenage rebel soul you have inside no matter how old you get. I just love him.
I couldn't have said it better then listen he's guys forever or my favorite band when I was 10 years old and it just spoke to me and get you moving man never have I come across a band that gets you toe tappin like this band and now I'm 45 and I've come back to him. Uncle it's going to be a sad day when the world has no more Angus Young. Although mist of time does feel like an official we're done album. I get emotional just thinking about it time goes by too fast
Ditto ! This genre of video could be a whole new series for you Pete. Provided of course you can get past the youtube copyright filters as another viewer posted :) But your pal Rick Beato manages it with his “What makes this song great” series. So there must be possibilties. Look forward to more “What makes this solo great” or “What makes this player different” type videos from you. YOUR attitude and observations can present things in another light. Inspiring, educational and entertaining. 💪
Guitar players doing "too much all at once" is THE thing right now. Everyone's in a big hurry to show off loads of technique in short videos, and phrasing is getting lost.
Pete has such humility. He blamed his attention span for a possible reason why he tunes out on busy shredding. It's not you Pete, you're dead on about crafting phrases and space.
well said. Been some great vibrato players ..but i cant think of one with as much energy . Its really hard to emulate - it seems to be a shade quicker than normal...yep, its magic
Angus is my favourite vibrato ever. This video is sadly all the obvious points, but the Angus vibrato is the key. Also, having Malcolm there to write the rhythm parts helped I reckon ;)
I was a teen when my cousins played me "Let There Be Rock" off "If You Want Blood" album. A few months later, the little band that could, AC/DC released "Highway to Hell" in the US and my mother was furious, telling me to find a different song to listen to, so "Girls Got Rhythm" was this 15 year old's favorite tune. I was lucky enough to see them on the "Back in Black" and "For Those About to Rock" tours soon after, but I never got the chance to see Bon Scott live with the band. Angus was my idol though, and continues to be to this day. Thanks for this analysis. I try to tell other guitarists and students that if you're going to play a solo that people remember, it's something they can hum or sing. You see the way the crowd in Rio reacts to Iron Maiden, they're singing every single riff! The guitar can sing a language that transcends words. Awesome video yet again, Pete!
The 'You Shook Me All Night Long' solo is brilliantly structured imo. It has a beginning, middle and end. It's actually going somewhere...not just a string of notes.
I think what I like most about Angus' solos is his variety. He has a very good musical vocabulary and with that, he shapes his solos to the songs. He changes speeds, scales, and dynamics to take us on little roller coaster rides, as Pete alludes to. He's very musical and fun to listen to. He doesn't have obvious bad habits, either--he's not endlessly recycling old riffs he's done millions of times before. His solos are mostly about note choices rather than technique. I think that's why he's one of the greatest.
Angus and the rest of the band have been raised on Rock and playing live. I met them in 1978 when they came over to the UK for a speculative tour (i.e. very few pre-arranged dates). They played live almost every night, anywhere they could. This honed their sound, tightness and recipe for success! Hard work, talent and single-mindedness paid off! Always ploughed their own furrow and thankfully, no manufactured band syndrome with these gen guys! Rock on AC/DC!
His phrasig is just unbeatable... He is the best story teller with the guitar. To do so, you need a lot of imagination. Thanks for the video and the tips.
You mentioned it in passing... you can sing his solos. There are so recognizable so melodic he never puts a show off section in a song, its a natural transition that everyone can relate to.
I agree totally about the too many notes thing. A ton of very talented players out there but they over play and don't do enough different things that give personality to a guitar solo. Great video Pete. Cheers!
Never thought of Angus as a master of phrasing, although as you point out he very much is. The music is so enjoyable I just take it in and smile! Good job Pete, awesome
I sent you an email about a Black Crowes solo tone, let me know what you think! The solo from their cover of Hard to Handle has been my favorite guitar tone for 20 years.
that makes so much sense- digestable, he like asks a question, sometimes twice, then, another, and, then, answer it in full effect with an electrified satement!
This may be my favorite RUclips video of all time. In modern guitar playing with all the widdly-woo, widdly-woo shredding and tapping, it’s common to see people pass Angus off as just another old school blues rock player. But his playing has a lot more to it than just pentatonic wankery. It ages like fine wine.
I have been having this conversation with a friend for a while now and we were just talking about it again the other day! Dynamics, building the excitement and it always tells a story and takes you somewhere. Brilliant Pete.
Great vid, and it's brought me to a conclusion. I need to stop beating myself up for not being Vai or Satriani, and instead enjoy "moving people" with my music. If you have a great car, a sunny day, and your "significant other" then AC/DC wins every time. Why? Because it makes you grin, not because it's clever, but because it's simple genius. Your head WILL bob :O)
Hi Pete . I realize this Video is a few years old , but I'm hoping that you might see this Comment sometime . This might be the BEST Guitar Lesson and BEST Playing Advice I've ever heard . You did an Amazing job explaining yourself and your take on Angus's playing . Like all of your Lesson Videos I'm sure this one will have a significant affect on my playing . Thanks for sharing your Knowledge and Skills . Hope you're doing well , Pete . 🎸
Positively my favorite Guitarist, who can range in any musical direction! That is Pete thorn! cheers to this beautiful craft. This ability to play a lead in, a verse, chorus, lead and back within a 4 min (or so) is Paramount radio possiblity
I really appreciate this video. These are really important points that are very well articulated. I've learned a lot from Angus and Malcolm's guitar playing - mostly the deliberate, brilliance of their interplay, their singularity of intention, importance on right hand discipline, and how damn in tune they are. Angus' bends (especially the double stops) are so in tune they almost sound like a harmonica. I dig your playing, your channel, and your insights. Cheers!
About time Angus ,got some love ,you did him justice,many players are snobbish about AC/DC, I always loved Angus persona on stage,he speaks very quietly in interviews,and his energy is infinite,nice one Pete.
My Social Studies teacher would say "K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid" Angus is a great example of just that, doing what's right for the song. Not over doing it, while taking you on this little bonus journey during the song.
This was a great study and breakdown of some of the most iconic playing in Rock 'n Roll by an iconic but often under-rated player. Someday, Pete, future musicians may be doing this in honour of your talent. Oh... and that SG just SCREAMS!!! What a sound!
Funny I should see this video today, as myself and my friend (both guitar players) were discussing this very same topic, and what it boils down to for me, is that he doesn't waste a note. Every one has a purpose in the grand scheme of the solo, that's what makes him a master, who remembers Malmsteen solos?
What a great video Pete!!! Yeah Angus, Memorable, tasteful, melodic, and badass!!! The soundtrack of our lives!!! Great concepts that work!! Have a great weekend and thanks for the great Vid!
Guitarist in general could use these techniques more often. Angus uses mixolydian and pentatonic minor/major. I call it mixotonic. Very pleasing to the ears.
It also helps that Angus lives in The Netherlands. Eddie van Halen grew up there too. It's the amount of oxygen I guess. Both Angus and Eddie let their solo's breathe. That must be it. Naaaaah...., probably not. ;-P
Great playing, you really do justice to Agus's playing, tone and techniqe! I consider the live in Paris 79' concert film to be the pinnacle of the Young brother's tone. It's shocking how good they sound live. So tight, rehearsed, yet a mountain of feel is present. I hear the neck in Angus's leads, like with Kossof's vibrato, you can literally hear/feel the string against the wood as the end note of a phrase dies.
My favorite Angus solo to this day is still on Let's Make It. Short and simple, and his phrasing is so slinky and tasteful. Razors Edge has some of his best work for me.
The biggest thing in Angus's playing, something that most people overlook very often is Malcolm...his sense of rhythm and his technique of punching out those riffs definitely added to Angus's impact as a solo guitarist....IMHO..
One of the best pieces of advice I was given by Ed Speight at MI London was "sing your solo's under your breath, you'll run out of breath before you run out of ideas" it really helped me over the years
I apologize ahead of time if asking you to honor this seemingly arduous request to elaborate and breakdown the meaning of this quote appears a bit naive on my part, but I'm really interested in learning the lesson and what melodic aspects this piece of advice most applies to. If you don't mind, that is...
@@hendrix5757 I don't think I know a way to make more clear than Ed said it and I've already written it.
Angus is a master at playing what I would call bread and butter rock guitar and also with a guitar sound that is kind of the template for rock. On top of that he's a one of a kind original as a stage performer. You don't need to be a guitar player or have any understanding of what is easy or hard to play to like his playing, it's pure rock energy that goes directly to that teenage rebel soul you have inside no matter how old you get. I just love him.
I couldn't have said it better then listen he's guys forever or my favorite band when I was 10 years old and it just spoke to me and get you moving man never have I come across a band that gets you toe tappin like this band and now I'm 45 and I've come back to him. Uncle it's going to be a sad day when the world has no more Angus Young. Although mist of time does feel like an official we're done album. I get emotional just thinking about it time goes by too fast
Angus and Malcolm always had a natural feel for blues. Some people are very gifted
More of these would be awesome Pete! Thanks.
I second that request
Absolutely. King EVH next, please!
Ditto ! This genre of video could be a whole new series for you Pete. Provided of course you can get past the youtube copyright filters as another viewer posted :)
But your pal Rick Beato manages it with his “What makes this song great” series. So there must be possibilties.
Look forward to more “What makes this solo great” or “What makes this player different” type videos from you. YOUR attitude and observations can present things in another light. Inspiring, educational and entertaining. 💪
Evh
Randy Rhoads next ... P L E A S E ? ? ? ? ? ?
These four reasons are much of what makes Angus one of the great lead guitarists in all of rock n roll. His phrasing is second to none.
Guitar players doing "too much all at once" is THE thing right now. Everyone's in a big hurry to show off loads of technique in short videos, and phrasing is getting lost.
check out math rock for example.
Pete has such humility. He blamed his attention span for a possible reason why he tunes out on busy shredding. It's not you Pete, you're dead on about crafting phrases and space.
Acdc songs is the holy grail introduction to rock for any guitar beginners
His vibrato is definitely awesome.
well said. Been some great vibrato players ..but i cant think of one with as much energy . Its really hard to emulate - it seems to be a shade quicker than normal...yep, its magic
Yes! It's smooth and agressive! And it isn't too wide. Just awesome!
Yes! I've said it so many times: one of the best vibratos in rock.
His vibrato on upward bends is fucking incredible!!
Angus is my favourite vibrato ever. This video is sadly all the obvious points, but the Angus vibrato is the key. Also, having Malcolm there to write the rhythm parts helped I reckon ;)
I was a teen when my cousins played me "Let There Be Rock" off "If You Want Blood" album. A few months later, the little band that could, AC/DC released "Highway to Hell" in the US and my mother was furious, telling me to find a different song to listen to, so "Girls Got Rhythm" was this 15 year old's favorite tune. I was lucky enough to see them on the "Back in Black" and "For Those About to Rock" tours soon after, but I never got the chance to see Bon Scott live with the band. Angus was my idol though, and continues to be to this day. Thanks for this analysis. I try to tell other guitarists and students that if you're going to play a solo that people remember, it's something they can hum or sing. You see the way the crowd in Rio reacts to Iron Maiden, they're singing every single riff! The guitar can sing a language that transcends words. Awesome video yet again, Pete!
The 'You Shook Me All Night Long' solo is brilliantly structured imo. It has a beginning, middle and end. It's actually going somewhere...not just a string of notes.
Switches from a minor to major licks. Beauty
Agreed. That's one of those solos you can "sing" , it's not just a few patterns strung together.
I think what I like most about Angus' solos is his variety. He has a very good musical vocabulary and with that, he shapes his solos to the songs. He changes speeds, scales, and dynamics to take us on little roller coaster rides, as Pete alludes to. He's very musical and fun to listen to. He doesn't have obvious bad habits, either--he's not endlessly recycling old riffs he's done millions of times before. His solos are mostly about note choices rather than technique. I think that's why he's one of the greatest.
Angus and the rest of the band have been raised on Rock and playing live. I met them in 1978 when they came over to the UK for a speculative tour (i.e. very few pre-arranged dates). They played live almost every night, anywhere they could. This honed their sound, tightness and recipe for success! Hard work, talent and single-mindedness paid off! Always ploughed their own furrow and thankfully, no manufactured band syndrome with these gen guys! Rock on AC/DC!
Woah dude that’s actually badass. Most people cant do the full angus, great job
Angus just had a really great ability to write solos that really complimented the songs.
His phrasig is just unbeatable... He is the best story teller with the guitar. To do so, you need a lot of imagination. Thanks for the video and the tips.
It’s like punctuation in language. Great video as ever Pete.
Love Angus seem him play so many times here in Australia back in the day local pubs etc the best times mate
You mentioned it in passing... you can sing his solos. There are so recognizable so melodic he never puts a show off section in a song, its a natural transition that everyone can relate to.
I agree totally about the too many notes thing. A ton of very talented players out there but they over play and don't do enough different things that give personality to a guitar solo. Great video Pete. Cheers!
Glad to see you got past the copyright police! Excellent video.
These are excellent pointers for music full stop. Jazz, classical, world music, traditional folk - the works. Thanks Pete.
Angus Young is my favourite guitar player. To be able to play these solos and headbang and run around like he does makes me grin from ear to ear.
By the time he hits the end of his solo the band just explodes. Like Have a Drink On Me.❤
So true
SOLO: Beginning, middle and end. There needs to be a story.
Amazing how great playing is timeless. I have been listening to AC/DC for over 35 years but my 9 year old loves them just as much with no prodding.
Never thought of Angus as a master of phrasing, although as you point out he very much is. The music is so enjoyable I just take it in and smile! Good job Pete, awesome
Thanks Mike!
Angus is one of my all time favorites. I love how his solos build up, and how he always brings it back at the end.
Angus is a beast, so much soul in his playing- Nobody can play exactly like him. Well almost nobody
He knows how to build tension in his solos. It builds and builds and then releases at the end.
Great playing and video Pete!
Thanks Pete! Awesome observations. Angus has been my #1 inspiration for over 40 years. Man I'm old.
Me too!!!
I’ve got solo homework now. I’ve been inspired! Thanks Pete!
Hi Pete, amazing insights!
Also, I just watched Deadpool 2 and you were great as Cable
You Shook Me has always been one of my favorite solos. Fantastic tone too.
I sent you an email about a Black Crowes solo tone, let me know what you think! The solo from their cover of Hard to Handle has been my favorite guitar tone for 20 years.
that makes so much sense- digestable, he like asks a question, sometimes twice, then, another, and, then, answer it in full effect with an electrified satement!
Angus and Malcolm are in all of us ... Long live AC/DC !!!!
Holy....!!! That solo amazing, and you sooooo brought it. Thank you.
Another tip from Pete: Practice using the same t-shirt you will use on stage ;)
angus is such an awesome one of a kind!
The best lead guitar players are the ones who write the most melodic, memorable, most singable solos. And yes Angus does a have a great vibrato!
This may be my favorite RUclips video of all time. In modern guitar playing with all the widdly-woo, widdly-woo shredding and tapping, it’s common to see people pass Angus off as just another old school blues rock player. But his playing has a lot more to it than just pentatonic wankery. It ages like fine wine.
Thanks Charlie! Glad you liked it!
Angus is the master of mixing major and minor. Great breakdown!
I have been having this conversation with a friend for a while now and we were just talking about it again the other day! Dynamics, building the excitement and it always tells a story and takes you somewhere. Brilliant Pete.
Great vid, and it's brought me to a conclusion. I need to stop beating myself up for not being Vai or Satriani, and instead enjoy "moving people" with my music. If you have a great car, a sunny day, and your "significant other" then AC/DC wins every time. Why? Because it makes you grin, not because it's clever, but because it's simple genius. Your head WILL bob :O)
Excellent analysis, summary, and to the point of one of the best, if not the best rock 'n' roll guitarists of all time: The Scottish-born Angus Young!
I agree completely with this entire video. Especially number 4
Yes, more like this!
This is great!! Thanks so much for your many videos!! Long live Angus!!
Tons of fun, Pete! Thank you!
I see Pete Thorn, I see Angus Young. It's a good day!
Hi Pete . I realize this Video is a few years old , but I'm hoping that you might see this Comment sometime . This might be the BEST Guitar Lesson and BEST Playing Advice I've ever heard . You did an Amazing job explaining yourself and your take on Angus's playing . Like all of your Lesson Videos I'm sure this one will have a significant affect on my playing . Thanks for sharing your Knowledge and Skills .
Hope you're doing well , Pete . 🎸
Digestible Phrases.....Yes !
Thanks Pete, well put.
Always a treat, thanks Pete!
Angus young is one of my all time favorites.
Great analysis of the Angus attitude. Very listenable and great playing as usual.
That tone! Always great playing!
I think this is going to go down as one of the most important guitar lessons I've ever had. Thanks Pete. You nailed it for me
I find the mix of major and minor the most difficult of all 4 points. The attitude is not achievable :-)
How does Pete not have a 1M subscribers?...Yes to more of these (Gilmour?)
Positively my favorite Guitarist, who can range in any musical direction! That is Pete thorn! cheers to this beautiful craft. This ability to play a lead in, a verse, chorus, lead and back within a 4 min (or so) is Paramount radio possiblity
Perfect! Love it. Apparently, there are 10 toothless Jaw Harp players that just don’t get rock guitar.
Bad-assery and humour. Nailed it. Great video Pete, you called out all the key elements to Angus's solo composition. Well done.
"What is it about Angus?" Well, his solos are more addictive than crack cocaine.
Angus makes such killer user of those open basic chords!
I really appreciate this video. These are really important points that are very well articulated. I've learned a lot from Angus and Malcolm's guitar playing - mostly the deliberate, brilliance of their interplay, their singularity of intention, importance on right hand discipline, and how damn in tune they are. Angus' bends (especially the double stops) are so in tune they almost sound like a harmonica. I dig your playing, your channel, and your insights. Cheers!
About time Angus ,got some love ,you did him justice,many players are snobbish about AC/DC, I always loved Angus persona on stage,he speaks very quietly in interviews,and his energy is infinite,nice one Pete.
Thank you Pete
I've been putting in some effort trying to learn some Angus. This video helps a lot. Clear and concise. Quality content, Pete! thx
Pete! What an excellent attitude and playing here!!! You nailed it to perfection! Wow! Really impressed! Such a great player and down to earth dude!
Thank you!
Pete Thorn you’re more than welcome! I hope to see more videos like this one! Cheers!
U shook me solo was the first solo I learned and still the best...Cheers from Italy
That boy's got the devil in his fingers & the blues in his soul.
Thanks for the content Pete. Always awesome.
Superb. Just superb.
and last but most important, his magical vibrato!
My Social Studies teacher would say "K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid" Angus is a great example of just that, doing what's right for the song. Not over doing it, while taking you on this little bonus journey during the song.
All Hail! Great vid, Pete. Thanks!
You laid that down in digestible terms. Now I'm hungry. Thanks.
This was a great study and breakdown of some of the most iconic playing in Rock 'n Roll by an iconic but often under-rated player. Someday, Pete, future musicians may be doing this in honour of your talent. Oh... and that SG just SCREAMS!!! What a sound!
“digestible phrases” Yes! Thank you for saying that. Great video.
Love it! Keep it simple people! But, simple ain't easy!
Thanks for the Master Class Pete.
I have become a recent SG convert, they sound great, don’t they? Thanks for everything you do.
Informative and entertaining. Good stuff.
Another great video Pete. Love Angus! ⚡⚡⚡⚡
I wish I had friends like Pete. Pete, buddy, if you're ever in Montreal, let's hang out. We have cold and grey weather here, you'd love it!
I love Montreal! Great city
Great video! We need more like that.
Great video Pete, thanks for posting!
Funny I should see this video today, as myself and my friend (both guitar players) were discussing this very same topic, and what it boils down to for me, is that he doesn't waste a note. Every one has a purpose in the grand scheme of the solo, that's what makes him a master, who remembers Malmsteen solos?
your guitar playing has feeling and i appreciate your studio tips
Great analysis! There's so much to learn from Angus!
So cool to look into the technical side of things. Thanks for the incredible tips.
What a great video Pete!!! Yeah Angus, Memorable, tasteful, melodic, and badass!!! The soundtrack of our lives!!! Great concepts that work!! Have a great weekend and thanks for the great Vid!
Guitarist in general could use these techniques more often.
Angus uses mixolydian and pentatonic minor/major. I call it mixotonic. Very pleasing to the ears.
Finally I understood that I REALLY NEED Gibson SG! Thank you Peter!
It also helps that Angus lives in The Netherlands. Eddie van Halen grew up there too. It's the amount of oxygen I guess. Both Angus and Eddie let their solo's breathe. That must be it.
Naaaaah...., probably not. ;-P
Great playing, you really do justice to Agus's playing, tone and techniqe! I consider the live in Paris 79' concert film to be the pinnacle of the Young brother's tone. It's shocking how good they sound live. So tight, rehearsed, yet a mountain of feel is present. I hear the neck in Angus's leads, like with Kossof's vibrato, you can literally hear/feel the string against the wood as the end note of a phrase dies.
My favorite Angus solo to this day is still on Let's Make It. Short and simple, and his phrasing is so slinky and tasteful. Razors Edge has some of his best work for me.
Thanks Pete!
Man, I loved this video Pete!! You should do more of these..Awesome playing too BTW!