Learn How To Play "Hells Bells" by AC/DC On Guitar!

An All-Time AC/DC Classic!

Hells Bells is the first release from AC/DC Back in Black album in 1980. This is the 7th studio album and one of the Australian hard rock bands' best-known and most iconic albums.

In today's song lesson, you'll learn how to play Hells Bells by AC/DC on guitar. It's loads of fun to play, and there are some exciting parts to put into practice. You can play it individually, or even better, have a guitar mate join you! There are two separate parts of the guitar to learn here made for layering.

If you're following my Guitar Courses, this song will be perfect for Grade 4+ guitar players. So grab that guitar & get ready to rock! :)

How To Play Hells Bells On Guitar

To play Hells Bells, you'll need to learn four separate riffs. Learn the bits one at a time. Once you're confident with them, you can start piecing them together.

The best way to learn how to play this AC/DC tune is by giving the original recording a few listens. It'll help you get the groove and darker feel of this tune. I remember learning this riff as a kid and rockin' out 'doing an Angus' around my bedroom. Playing AC/DC is about as good as guitar gets & simple brilliance.

🚨 Remember that simple ain't easy. Getting these riffs solid and tight is a proper challenge, best faced by jamming with the original recording a lot! So take your time, take it slow & ease into it. Start slow, then increase your tempo as you improve.

Hells Bells Guitar Tips

Hells Bells has two separate guitar parts - the rather extreme one by Angus and Malvin. You'll have to choose what you want to play. You can play Angus' rather flashy role - but stay aware of the rhythm.

The rhythm of this song is not mathematical - when you play the music, you have to have a soul! That's what makes AC/DC a solid band - the unity between the instruments and the rhythm. So make sure you listen to the song to understand the emotion evoked behind it!

In the second repetition of the first riff, I recommend using your little finger on the seventh fret of the third string. This will easily bring you to a C power chord. Put your pinky to work - I know we often neglect it. Using it here will help you make that transition seamlessly. To get that sound, you'll have to play the bass with several chords throughout the song.

💡 You'll find the right way get that AC/DC groove is by playing along with the original recording. Trust your ears, and listen to the original recording, and see what bits you can edit to get their unique sound.

Want chords, tabs, and lyrics to follow along with my song tutorials? Check out JustinGuitar Tabs!