I liked the solo you added in but maybe needs a bit of work to balance the lead and rhythm in this. Haven’t gone back to listen to an original.
Given this is now studio production rather than ‘live’, perhaps try duplicating your rhythm track, panning one left and one right and then put a short delay on one side to get them just slightly out of sync, say 30-50ms. This creates what is known as the Haas Effect. Will create extra width and allow the lead to sit in the centre over the backing. You could also use a volume envelope to maybe drop the rhythm level when the solo is playing.
Wow, what a way to start off a great project!
You’ve got great sustain on your guitar - maybe add a bit more staccato (kill off a note with the palm mute) when you are playing so the chords run into each a bit less. I hope you know what I mean - you do it at times, just do even more of it!
Funny enough I was listening to this on my own Highway to Hell a few weeks back - the 8 hour trip, which usually takes 3, back from London to Derbyshire.
What went well:
I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the stuck 3 & 4 chords, especially moving between the big G and Cadd9 shapes. You can’t really see my fretting hand clearly in the video (poor mic placement on my part), so you’ll just have to trust me on that one! Strumming also felt more natural this time — I’ve been working on 16th‑note patterns, and while it’s still a work in progress, I can hear the improvement. I played this version a little slower than the original, practicing around 70 bpm on the metronome, which gave it a more laid‑back vibe that suited me.
I also consciously worked on not looking down at the guitar when playing. Happy with how that worked out in this one.
Challenges:
Vocals were definitely the tougher part. Even after detuning down to Eb, the song sits a bit high for my range, so there are a few squeaky moments as I stretched for the notes. Still, I managed to get through it, and I’m glad I pushed myself to sing and play together — it’s all part of the journey.
Overall:
This cover felt like a step forward in both chord transitions and rhythm control. The singing wasn’t perfect, but tackling songs outside my comfort zone is helping me grow. Onward to song 3!
Nice version and great strumming Tosh! You’re looking so relaxed, maybe because you are not even glancing at your fretboard. Interesting how this makes you look more confident and that confidence then transcends to the viewer. Have never seen this so clearly. So stick with it, you’re on the right track here!
Thanks Molly. Yeah, I believe Richard at one point suggested I try not to look down at my hands, or at least something to work on. I had never even thought about that before, but it helps. Now I do it in my practice too.
I’ll admit - being in the U.S, I had never heard this track before starting the Rock Songbook. A little digging told me it was a pretty bit hit in the U.K, but never hit the charts in the U.S. I’ve really enjoyed listening to it and learning to play it.
What I’m working on:
I’m just finishing up Module 10 in the Justin app course, so this song was great practice for the weak finger G and more time with D minor.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten from the community is about my regular 3 finger G chord. I tend to lay my 3rd finger flat on the high E string. I hadn’t noticed it before, but it’s definitely a bad habit I’ve consciously been working on.
Watching back on this video, I noticed my G chord transitions were a bit slow and timid - probably because I was overthinking that 3rd finger placement. Still, it’s improving, and I’m happy to see progress.
Very consistent performance that kept well in time with the ‘backing track’. The mix of picking and strumming was well handled and the bulk of your chord changes were very tidy. Enjoyed it!
Hi Brian, thanks for the kind comments and for checking out my latest video. the arpeggiated chords is at bit different than the original version but it felt and sounded interesting to me. And like Justin always says, if it sounds good, it is good. lol.
Jumping ahead a bit since I already am pretty familiar with this song (and frankly am struggling with La Grange). Also, I’ve been working through the blues improv lessons with Justin so thought I’d throw some licks in there (not sure you can actually call what I did a solo). lol
Song #1 – AC/DC – Highway to Hell (re-covered with an improvised (like, really improvised!) solo attempt)
Also, congrats for working on the solo.