New Song: Shoot To Thrill

Let’s play this early 80s rock classic! Like many bluesy rock songs, it can be hard to put your finger on whether it’s in a bright-sounding major key or a dark-sounding minor key. It’s actually a blend – it borrows elements from both A major and A minor. This major/minor blending concept is essential to the style, and part of the reason why AC/DC can pound out these tough-sounding riffs that still make you smile and sing along.

“Shoot To Thrill”, made famous by AC/DC, is now available in Yousician for Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, and Singing.

Shoot To Thrill for Guitar
by: James Neilson, Music Education Designer for Guitar

In the main riff exercise (level 5) you’ll play a simplified version of the riff that still captures the core feel. It uses single notes and power chords, as well as lots of “double stops” – these are just two notes at once (like a power chord). Take your time, as they can be tricky to read at first.

In the full rhythm exercise (level 7) you’ll play the rhythm guitar part, using lots of single notes and big power chords. There are originally two different guitars playing (i.e. Angus and Malcolm’s parts), but we’ve arranged it for a single rhythm guitar. In between the chord stabs you can keep chugging on muted strings (e.g. the muted A-string) – you’d don’t need to be too precise, it just helps fill in the sound and keep the rhythm going.

In the full rhythm & lead exercise (level 9) you’ll play the full rhythm guitar parts, as well as the solos. There are a lot of bends to work through, and look out for the final Am pentatonic lick – it’s quite quick!

Shoot To Thrill for Ukulele
by: Joona Hasan, Music Education Designer for Ukulele

With the chords exercise (level 6) you’ll play side to side with the main rhythm guitar track. All familiar chords, but be aware of the syncopated rhythms!

Shoot To Thrill for Bass
by: James Neilson, Music Education Designer for Guitar

The basic bassline exercise (level 3) shows all the fundamental parts of this great rock song. It’s a long piece and there are a lot of different things to play, so you really need to concentrate on this one. Have fun!

Full bassline exercise (level 6): This AC/DC classic is full of straight 8th notes as usual, but there are also plenty of syncopated notes to keep you on your toes! Focus on keeping the 8th note groove stable and steady, and watch out for a couple of tricky fills.

Shoot To Thrill for Singing
by: Sonja Patrikainen, Music Education Designer for Singing

This song has a lot of attitude and energy! I could imagine listening to this song when running or at the gym, and the vocals really express that power. Try to get your energy levels up before singing this! Do push-ups, jump around and shake your legs and hands. Get up from that sofa and start rocking!