He was one of the most original and greatest rhythm guitarists of all time. His sound helped create a band who’s sound is instantly recognizable. His name was Malcolm Young, one of two brothers who defined a timeless hard rock sound with power chords, fury and youth filled rage in a little band known as AC/DC. All while simply being himself and never settling for less than authenticity. This death is yet another huge loss in a 24 month long period that started with Scott Weiland in December of 2015. But this one really hits hard.
While Malcolm’s younger brother Angus is the face of AC/DC and certainly gets more publicity. Malcolm was the driver of the band, which is rare for a guitarist. He was the parent of the group. The guide if you will. He was the creator of their three chord riff style that is just so damn catchy. And he didn’t just keep with the three power chords as some might think. He also has some very catchy single string riffage as well. Displayed on such tracks as ‘Night of the Long Knives’ and ‘That’s the Way I Wanna Rock ‘N Roll’. He was the backbone of the band. And he did it with such unusual gear for a rhythm guitarist. And it’s what gave AC/DC their signature sound.
Malcolm’s influences came from the 50’s as opposed to the late 60’s and early 70’s. As a result his style is more in tuned with the rhythm players of the 50’s. Playing open chords though Marshalls with low volume and little to no gain. Which is really unusual for a hard rock band from the late 70’s onward. Most band take the overdrive route. Cranking up the Marshalls so loud it dominates the entire show. But it wasn’t just Malcolm’s influences and gear that made him such a stand out player. It was also his touch. He can make one chord sound like a freakin’ symphony. No moment displays this better than the extended live version of ‘High Voltage’ on the full live album recorded on the ‘Razors Edge’ tour. He literally plays two chords for about three minutes. By himself! Just drums and him. And he just owns it, feels it and it’s some of the best rhythm playing of all time. It’s so catchy. And it’s barely anything. Yet, it’s everything.
And through that playing shines a brilliant supporter. He was always there with the exception of two tours. One due to entering rehab for alcohol addiction and one because he was diagnosed with dementia. And even then he still supported and was present for the group. No matter what happened live he was there playing the rhythm perfectly and everything was all good. If someone screwed up, he was there playing his thing and keeping it together. His playing and presence says ‘I got your back bro, go for it. If you screw up, I’m here to catch you and everything will be okay.’ And that is a quality of a truly great artist, not just musician. There was no ego. And that’s why he’s one of the most underrated musicians of the 20 and 21st centuries. It’s not technicality. It’s feel and support. And he lived in that truth his whole life. So raise a glass and drink up for Malcolm Young. Here’s to your journey down the Highway to Hell. May you rest in rock.
Amazing rhythm playing.
He also had an ability for single string riffage. As shown on this deep cut from ‘For Those About to Rock…We Salute You’.
Showing the rhythmic aggression that Malcolm helped create.
