Скачать или смотреть AC/DC’s Back in Black – There is MORE to this song than you might think!

Today we examine AC/DC’s GREAT song “Back in Black”! What an incredible song and band! I was blown away by the writing and the tightness of this band. In this episode, I’m going to analyze the song in a way no one has ever done. Plus, we were feeling a bit silly on this shoot so there is lots of fun here (and information!). Be sure to watch the blooper reel at the end. It’s terribly funny (at my expense!).

In summary, we cover:



1. The Key Lick – This “Summary Gesture” contains many hidden codes that tell you all you need to know about the music in this song. It’s like it’s a DNA strand with all the information encoded in it!

2. The Chords (or lack thereof) – I argue that this song only has ONE chord in it (i.e., 1 triad). We make an allowance for one other possible chord, but this song only has one fully formed triad in it.

3. Harmonic Rhythm – this song has some of the most brilliantly contrasting Harmonic Rhythm I have ever heard! Plus, we use ping pong balls and marbles to teach the concept! Brace yourself for fun and knowledge;)

4. Key Signature (or lack thereof) – This song could arguably have 4-5 key signatures…why?.....watch and see (hint…it’s in the last point)

5. Pentatonic Environment – We wrap up with where we started, the opening lick is a pentatonic pitch collection as are the bass notes of all the chords, as are the melody notes…and as such, Back in Black exists in this vague key signature realm of a pentatonic environment.

I loved deciphering Back in Black, one of the greatest heavy rock songs in the classic rock repertory! I hope you enjoyed it. I’d love to do many more of these classic rock breakdowns. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts and any suggestions you might have for which classic rock songs you’d like to see me break down in future videos.

Peace,

Carl Baldassarre

Composer, Guitarist, Musicologist