Unlock Spooktacular Guitar Skills: Highway to Hell AC/DC – Halloween Riffs Masterclass with Steve Stine!

Learning the Riffs of Halloween

In the spirit of amazing spookiness, I thought it would be fun to dig into some iconic tunes that resonate with the eerie atmosphere of Halloween. Be it the riff’s sound or the lyrics, different songs have an element of spookiness that perfectly fits the Halloween theme. Today, I’ll walk you through one of the classics “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. It’s an incredible song to practice during this season and, trust me, it can elevate your guitar playing skills.

Let’s break down the song and understand the key building blocks. We start with a chord, playing the fifth string, the fourth and third strings (if you choose). However, we need at least the fifth and fourth strings. Strum that three times then mute the strings. That’s the start.

Next, we move to a D chord. If you can, take your thumb and bring it over the top to the second fret of the sixth string. Strumming that entire thing — whether or not you hit the first string — doesn’t make a major difference. However, this note on the second fret makes a significant difference if you can reach it comfortably.

Now, after playing that chord twice, we move on to a G chord and strum that. You may notice that Angus, the guitar powerhouse of AC/DC, does something here. He takes the first finger out, implying that the fifth string should then be muffled by the middle finger. Simply using a bit of the flesh from the bottom of that finger, you can silence that string and obtain what we call an open power chord. This open chord has an added punch, what we call a power chord sound.

After strumming that G chord once, we repeat the whole process again – the beginning chord thrice, followed by the D chord twice, and then the G chord once. Finally, we return to the D and the A chords for a single strum. This sequence is repeated twice and forms the primary structure of the riff.

This song is great to master, particularly for new guitarists. I recall my younger days, the thrill of learning to play and the excitement of being able to reproduce some of my favorite artists’ music. It’s a feeling I’m sure a lot of my students can relate to when they’ve just learned a few different chords. That’s why I love making these videos, to share the joy of guitar learning with you all.

And that’s not all. If you’re interested in exploring more Halloween riffs, we offer a Halloween Licks bundle where you’ll get the tablatures for 13 Halloween inspired riffs. You’ll also get to enjoy some of my favorite licks from 2019. With a range of different styles and techniques to learn from, it’s a great way to expand your repertoire and take your playing to the next level.

Remember to stay positive and keep practicing. Happy Halloween!
The Importance of Chord Transitioning

In our guitar adventure, we’ve been exploring the 13 riffs of Halloween. In doing so, we picked up on an essential skill that we see a lot in these riffs and in playing guitar more globally – chord transitioning.

Think of each song as a journey map. Each chord is a different city, and the transitions are the roads connecting these cities. Just as we can’t magically teleport in real life, we can’t jump from one chord to another without transitioning. These transitions hold the melody together, providing flow and continuity. So let’s delve deeper into this crucial skill using AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” as an example.

We start with a beginning chord, playing on the fifth, fourth, and third strings. The constant movement of our hands across these strings models the precise and deliberate motion required in chord transitions. After strumming this chord combination three times, we silence, or “mute,” the strings. From there, we transition from this starter chord to a D chord.

This transition might seem small because we’re simply moving from one chord to the next, but in reality, it’s a critical part of becoming a skilled guitarist. Transitioning from one chord to another smoothly, while keeping time and maintaining rhythm, is a skill that continues to be refined as long as you play the guitar. And each song’s transition is unique.

For example, in “Highway to Hell,” once we’ve played the D chord twice, we move to a G chord. Now, here’s a technique that Angus Young – AC/DC’s lead guitarist – often uses: he removes the first finger, which means the fifth string then needs to be muted by the middle finger, creating an open power chord. It’s a different sound, one with more punch or “power”.

After playing the sequence again, we return to the D and A chords for a single strum each. The essence of this transition lies in understanding the shift from multiple strings and complex strumming to the simplicity and clarity of a singular strum in a fraction of a second.

So, all my budding rockers out there, remember that these chord transitions are a crucial piece of our guitar journey. They add an essential flavor to any song and set the pace for our melody. Richness in music comes from understanding each shift and transition, and the more we practice, the smoother our shifts will be.

I recall my younger days when I was just picking up the guitar, the thrill of learning to play, and the excitement of moving between chords. I can still feel that rush! That’s why I love teaching, to pass on the joy of music and guitar playing to you all. As much as it’s about getting the chords right, it’s equally about transitioning seamlessly between them. After all, how else could we travel the musical journey of a song? So, keep up the practice, and enjoy your Halloween with these spooky riffs. Happy strumming!
Encouraging New Learners

Remember starting out on a newly chosen path? Recall the trepidation, the shaky first few steps, the relentless nagging in your mind if the decision made was a sound one? Young minds pursuing the art of guitar often find themselves in these shoes. The vicissitudes of learning, the effort it involves might appear exasperating, but I’m here to tell you that it’s worth every second.

I cannot emphasize enough the thrill of learning how to play the guitar. To me, imparting that joy of music to my students has been one of the most gratifying journeys of my life. I remember the magic of holding the guitar for the first time, learning the chords, and eventually playing tunes that I love. The guitar was not just an instrument to me; it became the voice I never knew I had.

One of the first songs I vividly remember teaching my students was AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” Now, there are songs you listen to, and then there are songs you feel. This song resonates with that feeling. Its intriguing begining chord played on the fifth, fourth, and third strings creates a pulsating rhythm that surges through every note in the track.

The journey from merely playing a set of strings to creating beautiful melodies is where the true school of learning resides,” the transition from one chord to the other, the softness or intensity of strumming each chord, cultivates the art of detailed observation and focused listening among learners.

And then comes the vital role of practice and perseverance. I often remind my students that there’s no rush. Some of them might have only learned a few chords so far, and that’s perfectly okay. Learning an instrument isn’t a race; it’s about enjoying the journey. Knowing even just a few chords opens up a world of possibilities.

Give yourself the liberty and time to practice and explore. Just with these few chords, you can start to play the music of artists that you admire. Every new song, every new chord, and every transition will signify a milestone on your journey. Little by little, these bits and pieces start coming together, forming the bigger picture.

Guitar playing is a skill, but it also becomes a part of your identity. As you continue on this path, you’re not only learning to play the guitar, but you’re also developing resilience, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. You will discover parts of you unknown before.

I create these video lessons to bring the essence of guitar learning right to your screens, irrespective of where you are in the world. But remember, these lessons are just tools. The magic is in your hands, quite literally. So string along with me on this marvelous journey to create, learn and appreciate the fine art of guitar playing. Keep your spirits high and continue strumming those strings. Remember, stay positive and keep playing!

Interested in elevating your guitar playing to the next level? Take a moment to explore the experience of fellow musicians on their guitar journey at GuitarZoom.com.

For those new to guitar or looking to reinforce their foundations, you’ll find great resources in the Basics and Fundamentals section on my website. And, as you get comfortable with strumming and picking, you can explore detailed exercises and insights in the Strumming and Picking Techniques category.