How to Play Back in Black – Chords, Tabs, & Lyrics

Alrighty, folks, it’s about time I did a lesson on a legendary rock classic, and there’s no better way to kick this off than by learning how to play Back in Black! AC/DC’s hard-hitting song is an easy tune for beginners to pick up. It makes use of open chords and power chords, and there are a couple of easy licks thrown in there.

Before you jump into the video lesson, I want to let you know that it does not include the guitar solos. But if you’re an intermediate to advanced player and you want to learn the solos, tell me in the comments!! I will be happy to put a second video together for you! I know it’s super frustrating to watch a video lesson waiting for a detailed breakdown of a guitar solo that never arrives. Please tell me if you want the solos broken down, and I will deliver it for you.

OK, now it’s time to rock n roll! WOO! Check out our YouTube lesson below! And if you need to take a bit of time to digest any part of the lesson, you can scroll down this page and find chord diagrams and tablatures!

Gear & Chords

Gear Corner

Marshall stacks. Lots and lots of Marshall stacks. To get into the tone of AC/DC’s lead guitar work you’re going to need a Gibson SG paired up with a 100-watt Marshall JMP100 Super Lead. The only problem with a full-stack JMP100…where the heck do you put it?!

If you’re like most of us, a combo Marshall with EL34 tubes in it will suffice for bedroom playing and for most live gigs that the average guitar slinger plays. You’ll be surprised to find that Angus uses a lot less distortion than you would think. Most AC/DC tones I hear on YouTube or played live by cover bands are way too distorted, and it makes the song sound more like heavy metal. There’s nothing wrong with that heavy metal shred tone, but it’s just not AC/DC.

I read an article once where the Young brothers were quoted saying that if they could, they would play their guitars a little cleaner. Yes, they wanted the records to hit you in the face with guitar, but the heavy heavy distortion was never their intent. (Thank god someone, maybe the other Young brother, told them to dirty it up a little bit).

The Chords

This is one of the first songs that many guitarists learn nowadays. Once you start learning how to play Back In Black, you’ll quickly realize why. It uses basic open chords in the key of E and incorporates power chords in the chorus. You’re going to get exposed to both in this lesson, and these tools will help you immensely in your guitar journey.

Nashville Numbers

Some of you may laugh when I describe the Nashville numbers because “OY! Those blokes were from down under mate!” Yeah, I know. I think the theory may be beneficial for some…so let’s just get ‘er done real quick and get to the chord diagrams.

This verse is in the key of E. The verse follows a 1-b7-4 progression. But the chorus is very interesting because it feels like the song switches to the key of A. The chorus, if we’re in the key of A, goes 1-5-2, and then ends with b7-4-1. So let’s break it down.

In the key of E, if you play the major scale, and assign one number to each note in ascending order, your first note is E, 2nd is F#, 3rd is Ab, 4-A, 5-B, 6-Db, and 7-Eb. So to play the 1, flat 7, and 4 chords of a song in the key of E, you need to know the E, D, and A chords!

For the chorus, you will play the same major scale, but this time in the key of A. The first note is an A, the 2nd is B, 3-Db, 4-D, 5-E, 5-F#, and 7-Ab. Therefore the first progression in 1-5-2 will require the A, E, and B chords. The second progression of b7-4-1 will require a G, D, and A chord.

Verse!

The verses are super easy for Back in Black. Just play the E chord once, the D chord 3-times, and the A chord thrice as well! When you finish the A chord, there are two riffs that Angus Young alternates, so you just throw in the lick before you play the E chord again. Scroll down to the main riff section to learn these!

• 

• 

Chorus!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Chords & Lyrics

Sweet! Now that you’ve got the chords and main riff down, let’s put it all together with the lyrics!

E

Back in black

D

I hit the sack

A

I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back

E

Yes, I’m let loose

D

From the noose

A

That’s kept me hanging about

E

I’ve been looking at the sky

D

‘Cause it’s gettin’ me high

A

Forget the hearse ’cause I never die

E

I got nine lives

D

Cat’s eyes

A

Abusin’ every one of them and running wild

………………………..A…E…B

‘Cause I’m back

………………………..A…E…B

Yes, I’m back

………………………..G…D…A

Well, I’m back

………………………..G…D…A

Yes, I’m back

…………….A…E…B………A…E…B

Well, I’m back…………..back

…………….G

Well, I’m back in black

……………D

Yes, I’m back in black

E

Back in the back

D

Of a Cadillac

A

Number one with a bullet, I’m a power pack

E

Yes, I’m in a bang

D

With a gang

A

They’ve got to catch me if they want me to hang

E

‘Cause I’m back on the track

D

And I’m beatin’ the flack

A

Nobody’s gonna get me on another rap

E

So look at me now

D

I’m just makin’ my play

A

Don’t try to push your luck, just get out of my way

………………………..A…E…B

‘Cause I’m back

………………………..A…E…B

Yes, I’m back

………………………..G…D…A

Well, I’m back

………………………..G…D…A

Yes, I’m back

…………….A…E…B……A…E…B

Well, I’m back………..back

…………….G

Well, I’m back in black

…………..D

Yes, I’m back in black

That’s It!

You’ve just learned how to play Back in Black!! If you’re looking for more beginner classic rock tunes, check out our lesson on Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival! Or take a stab at learning Blue Oyster Cult’s (Don’t Fear) The Reaper! They’re both super easy songs and have great guitar licks!

Also, go check out some of our country lessons! If you’re a beginner looking for more simple chords, try Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show or Willin’ by Little Feat! These simple songs are great to learn!

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player, how about trying Can’t You See by The Marshall Tucker Band or Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line by Waylon Jennings!

And if you liked the guitar we used in today’s video, check out our full review of the Gibson SG 61 Reissue!

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And if you struggled with any part of this lesson, reach out and let me know! I’d be happy to help you work through one part of the song or another!