SOUND ADVICE

Everything you need to know before playing ‘Hell’s Bells’

This month we’re looking at AC/DC’s iconic Back In Black album opener and staple in the band’s live show still today, Hells Bells. This is AC/DC at their rocking best, and, with trademark driving rock riffs, easy powerchords and some incendiary minor pentatonic licks, Hells Bells has something for every guitarist.

The main riff is an arpeggio that outlines an Am11 chord – and, though not too technically demanding, it can be tricky to get the feel. Practise slowly while making sure to always target the right string. Beware of the tempo in the intro, though. It shifts from a stately 96 bpm to a mid-tempo 108 bpm by the time the whole band comes in, so make sure to match your timing with the gradual push of the track.

Angus and Malcolm Young’s bone-crunching overdrive and masterful delivery are a great lesson in the notion that less is more. A Marshall style amp is a core ingredient, as is the combination of Gretsch G6131 and Gibson SG guitars with bridge pickups selected. In terms of tone, the approach here was to just plug straight into the amp and turn the volume up loud. Simple. Assuming your neighbours don’t share your interest in the sound of cranked Marshall stacks, wind down the volume, keep the preamp gain low (modern amps have more drive) and use a Tube Screamer style overdrive pedal for a mid boost on the lead parts. If you are in a position to crank a valve amp up loud, keep the drive low and aim for a loud, crunchy clean tone for the rhythm parts. Too much gain and fizz and that direct and powerful sound will be lost.