Learn to play "Ride On" by AC/DC on the guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Ride On by AC/DC on the guitar. This song showcases a subtler side of the band, proving that not everything has to be balls-to-the-wall rock and roll.

What makes Ride On a fantastic piece to learn is its compelling blend of rock and roll and blues. Even if you're deeply into AC/DC, this song offers a refreshing perspective. It's a beautiful use of blues vocabulary in a rock context and showcases the seamless relationship between rock and traditional blues. So, as we go through this lesson, remember to enjoy the ride (pun intended) and relish the rich musical experience it offers. Let's dive in!

A Deeper Look at the Chords

First off, let's talk about the verse chord progression. It's mostly open chords, with a little B flat barre chord thrown in for good measure. What's interesting about this song is the top note of each chord. This might seem like a small detail, but it's actually quite significant, and you can hear Angus and Malcolm doing different things with this concept.

The first two chords are a C chord and an F chord. The C chord is a regular old C, but for the F chord, you leave your first and third fingers where they were for the C chord, put your little finger down the third fret of the fourth string, and move your second finger down onto the second fret of the third string.

It sounds to me that Angus is doing the top note here on the second string, and when he goes to the F, he's making the top note the note A, which is the third string. On the other hand, Malcolm seems to keep the C note the same both times. These subtle variations in the chords' top note add depth and richness to the sound.

Strumming Techniques

Another thing worth noting here is how hard you're picking. If you play the chords quite hard, it gets a bit of dirt in there. But if you play softly, it's essentially clean. So, it's a good thing to learn about pick control and being able to change the tone just by how hard you pick.

Verse Chord Progression

So, there's the C to F there quite a few times, about four times around for the intro. Then the verse starts. It does it twice more, then goes to an F, then to a B flat. Then we go to a G chord, then to a C chord. Then it's B flat going to F. Then it's C chord back to F twice. And it repeats that whole section for the verse again before we get to the bridge.

The Bridge

This is where we'll see the differences between Angus and Malcolm. Angus plays an F power chord, but he just plays the sixth string, then the fourth string. They're both the note F. It's an octave. Malcolm's part is exactly the same, with the same rhythm, but he's playing the whole power chord.

It'll be easier to understand, and you'll see the bridge in more detail when you watch the video.

The Chorus

The chorus is where the song takes an exciting turn. The chords in the chorus come just before the beat, creating a captivating rhythm that is both engaging and challenging to play. The chorus involves a series of transitions from F to C, C to G, and B flat to F, showcasing the diversity of chord progressions in the song.

Final Thoughts

Ride On by AC/DC is an excellent song to learn, offering a unique blend of rock and roll and blues. It's a song that lets you appreciate the artistry and precision required in playing rhythm guitar parts. Remember, learning by ear and playing along with the original recording is a fantastic way to improve your timing and feel like you're part of the band.

So, are you ready to give it a try? Make sure to watch the video for a full walkthrough and demonstration. And remember, practice makes permanent. So, don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Keep at it, and you'll be playing Ride On like a pro in no time.

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