You Shook Me All Night Long Guitar Lesson: Complete Tutorial with Chord Diagrams & Tablature

Introduction: Master AC/DC’s Iconic Rock Anthem

“You Shook Me All Night Long” is one of AC/DC’s most beloved tracks and a must-learn song for any rock guitarist. This comprehensive tutorial will teach you everything you need to know to play this classic, from basic chord progressions to advanced techniques.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson:

Complete chord progressions
Detailed tablature for all sections
Strumming patterns and rhythm techniques
Solo breakdown and lead guitar parts
Performance tips and tricks

H2: Song Overview and Key Information

Basic Song Details

Artist: AC/DC
Album: Back in Black (1980)
Key: G Major
Tempo: 120 BPM
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Guitar Tuning: Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E)

Song Structure

Intro (8 bars)
Verse 1 (16 bars)
Chorus (8 bars)
Verse 2 (16 bars)
Chorus (8 bars)
Bridge/Solo (16 bars)
Final Chorus (8 bars)
Outro (8 bars)

H2: Essential Chords and Chord Diagrams

Primary Chords Used

G Major Chord

e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---3---

Fingering: 3rd fret (3rd finger on low E), 2nd fret (2nd finger on A string), 3rd fret (4th finger on high E and B strings)

C Major Chord

e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---3---
E|---X---

Fingering: 1st fret (1st finger on B), 2nd fret (2nd finger on D), 3rd fret (3rd finger on A)

D Major Chord

e|---2---
B|---3---
G|---2---
D|---0---
A|---X---
E|---X---

Fingering: 2nd fret (1st finger on G and high E), 3rd fret (3rd finger on B)

Em (E Minor) Chord

e|---0---
B|---0---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---2---
E|---0---

Fingering: 2nd fret (2nd and 3rd fingers on A and D strings)

H2: Complete Chord Progressions by Section

H3: Intro Progression

Chord Sequence: G – C – G – D Strumming Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up

Tablature:
e|---3---3---0---0---3---3---2---2---|
B|---3---3---1---1---3---3---3---3---|
G|---0---0---0---0---0---0---2---2---|
D|---0---0---2---2---0---0---0---0---|
A|---2---2---3---3---2---2---X---X---|
E|---3---3---X---X---3---3---X---X---|

H3: Verse Progression

Chord Sequence: G – C – G – D – G Rhythm: Emphasize the downbeats with palm muting

Verse Tablature:
e|---3-3-3-3---0-0-0-0---3-3-3-3---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3---|
B|---3-3-3-3---1-1-1-1---3-3-3-3---3-3-3-3---3-3-3-3---|
G|---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---2-2-2-2---0-0-0-0---|
D|---0-0-0-0---2-2-2-2---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---|
A|---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3---2-2-2-2---X-X-X-X---2-2-2-2---|
E|---3-3-3-3---X-X-X-X---3-3-3-3---X-X-X-X---3-3-3-3---|

H3: Chorus Progression

Chord Sequence: Em – C – G – D Strumming: More aggressive, open strumming

Chorus Tablature:
e|---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---3-3-3-3---2-2-2-2---|
B|---0-0-0-0---1-1-1-1---3-3-3-3---3-3-3-3---|
G|---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---2-2-2-2---|
D|---2-2-2-2---2-2-2-2---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0---|
A|---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3---2-2-2-2---X-X-X-X---|
E|---0-0-0-0---X-X-X-X---3-3-3-3---X-X-X-X---|

H2: Advanced Techniques and Playing Tips

H3: Strumming Patterns Breakdown

Basic Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U (Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up) Count: 1-2-&-3-&-4-&

Verse Strumming (with Palm Muting)

Rest your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge
Mute between chord changes for a tighter sound
Emphasize beats 1 and 3 with harder downstrokes

Chorus Strumming (Open and Aggressive)

Remove palm muting for fuller sound
Use more wrist action for dynamic strumming
Accent the Em chord at the beginning of each chorus

H3: Power Chord Variations

For a more authentic AC/DC sound, try these power chord variations:

G5 Power Chord

e|---X---
B|---X---
G|---X---
D|---5---
A|---5---
E|---3---

C5 Power Chord

e|---X---
B|---X---
G|---5---
D|---5---
A|---3---
E|---X---

H2: Solo Section Breakdown

H3: Solo Chord Progression

Progression: G – C – G – D (x2)

H3: Basic Solo Tablature

Solo (Simplified Version):
e|---3-5-3---3-5-7-5-3---3-5-3---5-7-5-3---|
B|---------3-----------3-------3-----------|
G|-----------------------------------------|
D|-----------------------------------------|
A|-----------------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------------|

H4: Solo Techniques

String Bending: Focus on half-step bends on the 3rd fret
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Connect notes smoothly
Vibrato: Add vibrato to sustained notes for expression

H2: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

H3: Chord Transition Issues

Practice chord changes slowly before attempting full speed
Use a metronome to maintain consistent timing
Focus on clean chord changes rather than speed

H3: Strumming Problems

Keep your wrist relaxed to avoid tension
Don’t grip the pick too tightly
Practice the strumming pattern without fretting any chords first

H3: Timing and Rhythm

Count out loud while playing
Start with a slower tempo and gradually increase
Record yourself playing to identify timing issues

H2: Practice Routine and Progression

H3: Beginner Practice Schedule (Week 1-2)

Chord memorization (10 minutes daily)
Slow chord transitions (15 minutes daily)
Basic strumming pattern (10 minutes daily)

H3: Intermediate Practice Schedule (Week 3-4)

Full song at 80% speed (15 minutes)
Solo section practice (10 minutes)
Playing along with track (10 minutes)

H3: Advanced Practice Schedule (Week 5+)

Full song at tempo (20 minutes)
Performance dynamics (10 minutes)
Improvisation over changes (10 minutes)

H2: Equipment and Tone Tips

H3: Recommended Guitar Setup

Electric guitar with humbucker pickups
Marshall-style amplifier or amp simulator
Overdrive/distortion pedal for authentic AC/DC tone

H3: Amp Settings for AC/DC Tone

Gain: 6-7/10
Treble: 7/10
Mid: 5/10
Bass: 6/10
Presence: 5/10

H3: Effects Chain

Guitar → Overdrive Pedal → Amplifier
Optional: Noise gate for cleaner sound between chords

H2: Performance Tips and Stage Presence

H3: Playing with Confidence

Master the transitions before performing
Practice standing up while playing
Work on your stage presence – rock the performance!

H3: Playing with a Band

Lock in with the drummer on the rhythm
Leave space for the bass player in the low end
Communicate chord changes clearly

H2: Conclusion: Master This Rock Classic

“You Shook Me All Night Long” is an excellent song for developing your rhythm guitar skills and rock playing technique. The combination of power chords, dynamic strumming, and classic progressions makes it a perfect addition to any guitarist’s repertoire.

Key Takeaways:

Practice chord transitions until they’re second nature
Master the strumming patterns for each section
Focus on timing and rhythm over speed
Have fun with the performance – it’s rock and roll!

Next Steps:

Practice daily using the schedule provided
Record yourself playing the full song
Try playing along with the original track
Learn other AC/DC songs to expand your skills

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