Highway to Hell

How to play Highway to Hell by AC/DC on guitar

These are the sounding chords. With a capo on fret 1 you play G#, D, Em, G, C, F and more, the shapes the player above shows.

This song is a great one to learn because it has a strong, driving feel and a steady pulse that keeps you locked in. You get a classic rock groove that feels powerful right away, and it is rewarding once you can keep the changes clean.

The chart uses two open shapes, A and Am, plus harder barre shapes like D#, Fm, G#, C#, and F#. The main thing to watch is the move from the open shape into the barre shapes, especially in the opening progression A - D# - Fm - G#, where you need to stay relaxed and keep your fretting hand ready.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly until the shifts feel automatic. Then add the rest of the chart in small sections, making sure each barre shape rings clearly before you push the tempo. Once the changes are smooth, bring it up to speed with a steady, even strum.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.