Solving the Malcolm Young Lead Guitar Mystery

Could the greatest rhythm guitarist in rock play solos?
Watch and discover the definitive answer.
All Tabs available via my Patreon - and your support most gratefully accepted.
www.patreon.com/user?u=50184983
Played all of these solos on my lovely ‪@gibsonguitar‬ Gibson, The Paul. (Because I do not own a Gretsch, or an SG. Just saying...)
Various sources state he played lead guitar on:
* Soul Stripper
* Little Lover
* Show Business
* Gone Shootin'
* Can I Sit Next to You Girl
* Baby, Please Don't Go
* Evie Part 1
* Silver Shoes, Strawberry Wine
In this vid I go forensic and find out the answers for myself!
Chapters
Intro 00:00
Evie Part 1 00:42
Silver Shoes, Strawberry Wine 01:19
Soul Stripper 03:17
You Aint Got a Hold on Me 04:29
Show Business 05:41
Little Lover 11:14
Can I Sit Next To You Girl 13:20
Baby, Please Don't Go 14:16
Gone Shootin' 14:30
Conclusion 15:38
#acdc #Malcolm #leadguitar

[@jstnxprsn]

Angus was once asked how it feels to be one of the best guitarists in the world. He laughed and said, I'm not even the best guitar player in this band. That says it all (and speaks volumes about how humble a guy he is)

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I love his humility!

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

I've heard Angus say it. Such a fitting compliment to Malcolm.

[@toddinthemiddle]

pretty much what lennon said about ringo. wouldn't read too much into it.

[@jstnxprsn]

@@toddinthemiddle That makes no sense at all. You can't make a self-effacing comment about somebody else.

[@rabcarroll691]

Did he not say once that Mal could do what he does but he can’t do what Mal does? 🤔 Sure i heard Angus say that.

[@leokimvideo]

When your rhythm guitarist can be a secret weapon lead it's a beautiful trick to have up your sleeve

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Leo.

[@nscollay]

I like the story of Malcolm writing the riff to Back in Black and Angus saying he thinks he never got the descending lead lick quite right from Mal's original recording!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Would love to hear that demo!

[@caprise-music6722]

@@dannyeddyguitar oh boy I hope they release that one day!

[@RodCalidge]

I, also, can't quite play it right. It's small timimg issue that makes a huge difference.

[@stovepipe9er]

Anyone who’s read about AC/DC knows that Malcolm was the brains behind the band. He put Angus on lead because he had a gift for it.

[@caprise-music6722]

He had a gift alright, and Mal knew that very well. Excellent decision

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Succinct!

[@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re]

Now THAT'S what you call brotherly love....

[@TheJessicarabbit09]

and that he taught and showed angus how to do most of them.. he clearly could.. just never wanted that attention

[@PETERODZZ]

Absolutely right

[@realjoshhayes]

From everything I've researched (including a lot of the books you mentioned), Angus becoming the permanent lead had less to do with guitar talent and more to do with stage presence. Malcolm was a very shrewd businessman. He knew that the schoolboy running all around would be a golden ticket to selling out concerts. Plus AC/DC was Malcolm's band. Angus always followed his brother behind the scenes, so if Mal said "You're the lead now," Angus was.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I agree - almost - entirely! Yes, Malcolm was shrewd, the boss, the big brother. But I do believe Angus to be a better improviser with a truly original sound to his playing. Thanks for weighing in Josh!

[@kbf9644]

This. Angus is such a tornado of entertainment he’s more of a frontman than their frontmen. The entire band moves back when not singing so Ang can just eat the stage. But I tell you what, I think they are both incredibly talented individuality and yet are a unit in AC/DC. Like fraternal twins…musical twins. Together they were even greater than the sum of their parts, imo.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

K B F I remember reading where Bruce Howe the bass player from Fraternity was commenting on the musical interplay between Angus and Malcolm. I think it might have been when Bon was auditioning for AC/DC but he said it was incredible and that those guys Angus and Malcolm were like telepathic! Definitely such great interplay between the two of them and having grown up together and learning licks from each other really helped shape their sound I'm sure 👍

[@kbf9644]

@@jonathanhudak2059 There are videos on here of Malcolm isolated in the songs so you can clearly hear what’s him and it was enlightening.

[@mrjw6701]

You’re correct ACDC was Malcolm’s band a lot of people don’t know that Angus was the last to join the original ACDC line up.

[@thomaskittrell6550]

That kid is blessed to live in a house with music..all children deserve that kind of life…Outstanding

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@briantaylor2.023]

Malcom played lead on some of their VERRRRY early (like ‘74/early ‘75) songs. Their song, “Show Business”, is one example of Malcom playing lead. He was an absolutely incredible lead player and an even better rhythm player! Angus had the edge on him in terms of lead playing, but honestly not by a huge gap; Malcom was a VERY well-rounded guitarist.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers Brian.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Brian Taylor 2.0 can't agree more with you! 👍

[@parkerstyers4812]

Soul Stripper is one of my favorite solos of all time

[@jasonpickering4980]

All you did was repeat what was said in the video…

[@freepressright]

Lead solo at 2:30 on Show Business is Malcolm. He plays the solo in You Ain't Got a Hold on Me, and the duel on Soul Stripper begins with Mal and alternates.

[@drewweikum5073]

You nailed that soul stripper duel. Such an awesome song. Great breakdown of the brothers playing.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks kindly, Drew!

[@sholland42]

Could Malcom play lead? Yes, however as Jimi explained, the world is full of lead guitar players, but the rhythm is the thing.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Rhythm is the thing. Rhythm is the KING! Thanks for checking it out.

[@Patrick-857]

A great rhythm player is like a great bass player. They can push or drag the rhythm, or stay in the pocket, and they make or break a song. It's way harder to be great at that than to be great at lead, but then this particular band wouldn't exist without both players.

[@robertlynch3534]

I agree. John Lennon was a hot rhythm player but couldn’t play lead really

[@DaleChiTown]

Great breakdown. I’m a lifelong crazy AC/DC fan and while I was pretty sure I knew who was doing what on Aussie High Voltage/74 Jailbreak here in the States, you really distilled the parts for us. Very cool. Also, that 78 bootleg from Nashville is excellent and maybe my favorite version of Gone Shootin. There is no question that Mal is the Rhythm and Angus lead on all part of this song. They also only play the same part together in the pre-chorus. It’s one of my favorite all time songs period.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Dale! Yeah, I'd almost forgotten about Gone Shootin' - brilliant song! So glad to get the approval of such a super-fan.

[@peterlanglois1334]

This breakdown of the traded solos is AMAZING! Thank you thank you thank you. More content like this please!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Peter! Glad you liked it mate.

[@Marleystrummer]

The brothers just complemented each other perfectly, and I think Mal was just happy to stand back and play and let Angus have the limelight, Angus is perfect for that

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Nailed it!

[@paulaeden5934]

Mal let Angus go out front as he wanted to concentrate on drinking..his words

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Fantastic discussion! Loved this episode and had heard about his supposed playing on several earlier AC/DC songs. Now you have erased any doubt in my mind. Your playing of these solos and guitar parts was spot on and sounded just like the real thing, thank you!! No doubt about it Malcom and Angus are both fantastic players

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for watching, Jonathon. Glad you liked it!

[@greatdelusion7654]

Mal could play a solo but his solos sound 'cleaner' and more methodical/conventional to me whereas Angus solos sound more daring and menacing. It's not that I don't like Mal's solos, but I think Angus solos really do compliment the sound of the band better.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Well said. Yeah Angus plays SO aggressively. It's always intense!

[@bluegrassboy2448]

I always heard Mal played some lead, but this is awesome! Very detailed and informative and it helps me know what to listen for next time! 🤘🤘🤘

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@abercrombiemontague7729]

omg, YES. Thanks so much Danny. This is GOLD. Thanks for mentioning the stuff he did on Tales of Old Grandaddy.. I have had so much joy in listening for the young Young brothers on those recordings, and what an album...!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks man! You're always so generous with your feedback. I truly appreciate it. I hadn't even heard of that 'Tales' album until researching for this!

[@jerrylev59]

I got that album many years ago, the 1979 vinyl reissue that is just titled Marcus Hook Roll Band. I thought it was a local band at first, as there is a Marcus Hook near me in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It's an obscure rarity here, but I've always cherished my copy. Some great tracks on it!

[@kinniecas9004]

you captured the soul stripper tone so well.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

It's all about the pick attack and that short delay.

[@MrZardoz777]

Thanks dude, I really appreciate that you learned and played everything; this is good music, must be nice to know you can demonstrate the difference between Angus' and Malcolm's vibrato! All the best.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

So welcome! It's just so much fun digging deep into this stuff.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

He and Cliff Williams had a role they played it like no act ever did flawless

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for watching and commenting Scott!

[@seanmcgoldrick4870]

Status quos rick parfitt and Alan lancaster come very close too

[@sanzmantra]

Great video -well researched, fascinating stuff. I particularly liked the Back in Black intro scrapes as sound fx for the captions! 👍🏻

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I wondered if anybody picked up on that. Great ears Mark!

[@ScottDaddyMac]

Some of my favorite Malcolm moments come from the "Live at Atlantic" recordings. He does so much cool shit on it that, to me, he was the best thing on the album. The whole band was at the top of the game.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I'm gonna revisit that, Scott. Thanks!

[@ScottDaddyMac]

@@dannyeddyguitar Listen particularly what he does in "The Jack". It is so tasty!

[@groggyk]

Yeah it's probably my favourite live recording in Bons era. The polite clapping at the beginning of the set, to the full blown roar from the small studio audience at the end. It showed just what unbelievably good performers they were. Just blistering from start to finish.

[@ScottDaddyMac]

@@groggyk I'll never forget the first time I heard it. They played it in it's entirety on KMET-Los Angeles in 1981 without any commercials. I thought I died and went to heaven because I just got into AC/DC 6 months prior. It was such a great musical moment for me. I looked for years to find it to no avail and it finally came out in the Bonfire box set.

[@CentralScrotiniser]

Loved his re-entry to "Rocker" and the way the two of them played off each other

[@Gruntle]

Awesome video! Really well put together and thoroughly researched.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks again, Gruntle!

[@simesh1547]

Malcom & Angus worked on lead solos & riffs together in the studio, but it was Angus who took them to the stage, Malcolm stuck mainly to rhythm on stage, but they were equally proficient!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yeah man! Thanks for checking it out and commenting.

[@JohnAber-ct4vf]

I bought the red Australian High Voltage album in a used record store in Boston in 1984 and I learned all the solos. I had read that Malcolm also played lead in the early days and after learning the solos I could tell which ones he played on. Besides the different guitar sound and looser vibrato, Malcolm also favors using chord tones while Angus seems less concerned with that. Listen to You Ain't Got A Hold On Me, and you can hear that the notes Malcolm plays correspond to the chords underneath more directly than Angus typically does. Also, Mal plays the guitar solo on the very first AC/DC recording, Rockin' In The Parlour, and he emphasizes chord tones in that solo as well. What an incredible guitar player and songwriter he was. I'm 55 years old, I've heard Back In Black a zillion times and I still get goosebumps when I hear it.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks John. Yes, I found that too - the more I figured out, the easier it became to tell who was who. That's a great observation that Malcolm uses more chord tones. Although, I noticed on Show Business which is in E, he plays the typical G to G# lick - but does it over the A chord. To me, this is the sort of thing that a soloist of Angus' calibre doesn't do. Also agree that Back in Black still generates spinal shivers!!

[@mariofabela7518]

Great segment and info, thanks for your insight!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers, Mario!

[@mikelair9144]

Beautifully executed! Thanks!!!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you kindly for checking it out, Mike!

[@Adlemtbadv]

Dude. Where have I been? The Malcolm Young mystery was the gateway drug, and now I'm hooked🤣👌

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Haha! Good news. Thanks for watching!

[@victordanielfonseca1173]

I love to see people so excited talking about rock n roll, specially ACDC. Great video.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for commenting, Victor. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@therealtruth4898]

Love this. What a guitar tone you have. Soul stripper is amazing

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks heaps! Yeah, the old Firebrand sounded alright that day...

[@WelderMetal]

Danny, thanks for sharing this information !

[@dannyeddyguitar]

You're most welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@surlyjerk8031]

Great episode…I subscribed as soon as I saw your interaction with your kid…love it!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks! Yeah, she's always close by. The kids make a few appearances throughout the channel.

[@pattayaguideorg]

Awesome vid and breakdown, well done mate.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers! Thanks for checking it out and letting me know.

[@TheWheelchairDude]

It's funny I came across this video today, I write music reviews or articles revolving around old school Rock 'n' roll and heavy metal. I had just got done writing a piece speculating about Malcolm Young playing lead guitar. I have never known for sure, but now I do! Awesome video man! 🤘🏼

[@dannyeddyguitar]

That's so cool! Thanks Wheelchair Dude!

[@TonyTalks5150]

Really interesting.I learned this not for note when I started playing lead and always thought Angus was playing the intro.great review

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AlanTClark]

The reason? The reason is quite simple and it is the fact that Angus has more stamina and stage presence then Malcolm would care to try. Malcolm knew what he was doing when he made Angus lead guitar! It isn't that he couldn't do it, he just knew who the better fit was.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yeah! Was Mal the band's best rhythm guitarist, or their best image-maker / direction-setter?

[@andocobo]

Angus was also a much more creative and confident lead player, he’s one of the best ever. Nothing wrong with Malcolm’s lead playing but Angus’ lead playing is legendary

[@Fleeinhorse]

Thanks ,that was a great video! Big up from Scotland... Big Acdc fan

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers, Martin!

[@exebit9366]

Thank you for this great video, educating the world on My Boys.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

You're very welcome! Thanks for checking it out and commenting.

[@rattletraprock]

Love the breakdown on this! Thanks! Oh, also love your kid popping in. Lol.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks so much, Bryan.

[@scottschlemmer4787]

The lilting rhythm he played on Thunderstruck is preposterously excellent.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yes! And preposterously hard to maintain for that long!

[@danishskiwarehouse]

Danny, what a superb video! I commend and thank you. I had no idea Mal played the solo on Evie pt 1l. I knew he was at the sessions (and apparently played on stage with Stevie in the ~1974 Sydney Opera House show, NOT the 1978 one where there’s video), but didn’t know he soloed. As for Gone Shootin’, I wonder if people are referring to the outro. There’s that really funky bit when the song is fading. To my ear, it’s Ang, but I wonder because it’s so rhythmical if that’s why people suppose it’s Mal… There’s a cool interview with the recently late Stuart Fraser talking about jamming with Mal in the 70s, where Stuart was impressed with Mal’s solos and said “why don’t you play lead on some AC/DC songs?”, and Mal immediately shut him down saying “AC/DC only has one lead guitarist”. I really enjoyed this, Danny, thank you very much!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks so much Roddy. And thanks for sharing the Chet story! I hadn't heard/read that. Wow, imagine hearing those two blokes jamming!

[@sircharles7323]

Great stuff!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Why, thank you, Charles of the Realm!

[@sircharles7323]

@@dannyeddyguitar Honor to whom honor is due!

[@uncommonfriendsracing3663]

Thanks for the great in depth piece. Someone has probably already commented, but I love the patent drawing of a Mosrite guitar at 3:17 into the video. I own 5 of these classics including a bound Ventures model built in 1985 and signed by Semie Mosely on the headstock (he put several coats of clear on top) that says "Mosrite Forever Semie Mosely '85". I put medium jumbo frets and humbuckers on one of my "60's era Ventures models that had a bit of wear and tear-which definitely transformed it into a modern weapon!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Wow! That's so cool. I didn't give it much thought to be perfectly honest. I just wanted a 'blue-print-y' looking pic to represent a scientific breakdown of the topic. Your collection sounds awesome!

[@grigorirasputin9507]

I think a better question would be... Did Angus have the patience to play rhythm?

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Haha! Great question. But seriously, Mal's rhythm playing is like no one else. It's SO in the pocket, it's like funk! Maybe he just sensed that he needed to be driving...

[@TheMasonator777]

He does play rhythm, and incredibly well. You aren’t a guitarist if you can’t/don’t play rhythm.

[@Tedanson]

@@TheMasonator777 bb king's not a guitarist?

[@TheMasonator777]

@@Tedanson There is a lot there to be said on B.B. He’s pretty much the only exception to the rule, and in some ways not even. He only got away with it because he’s also an iconic singer. Pretty much the only iconic guitarist you could mention that (arguably) stopped playing traditional rhythm at all. He COULD easily have played traditional rhythm if he wanted to. Nobody with that much feel is incapable of playing rhythm guitar. In fact, his fills are a type of call and response rhythm. He’s more of a singer/frontman/instrumentalist than a guitarist. He approached guitar like a saxophone or a trumpet. In that way, he’s not really a guitarist. He’s a singing horn player that uses a guitar.

[@EbonyPope]

@@TheMasonator777 That put it perfectly. He had troubles with playing bar chords though probably because he had big fingers and it would get crowded especially on an electric guitar neck.

[@mufflersponge8969]

Malcolm played the solo on the track “Cant Stand Still” from Stiff Upper Lip in 2000 using Angus’s guitar

[@mrjosh92100]

Thank you! I was looking to see if anyone brought this up!

[@daronkeogh3941]

Keep up the good work mate

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks, will do my best!

[@castleanthrax1833]

Just came across your channel today. Subbed immediately. This was great work mate. ✌️🇦🇺

[@dannyeddyguitar]

thanks so much! Hope you find more on my channel that entertains you.

[@edoetschedoetsch]

Flick of the Switch in the background! The first one released after I became a fan. One of my favorites.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yeah, I really enjoyed that lesser respected album. Although I LOVED For Those About to Rock!!

[@jaynedoe1959]

Angus does a pick tap at the end of his solo on Let There Be Rock & when I picked up that album new in the the USA "import" bin in 77 (?) it took me forever to realize what he was doing! LOL Gotta love them Young Brothers! Acca Dacca, the most underrated Band ever! AC/DC FOREVER & LONG LIVE ROCK n ROLL!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

True! He does. Although, it's more of a random noise, as opposed to using tapping to add melody notes. But thanks for alerting me to that moment - I'd missed it!

[@santabenjamin7232]

Awesome job Thanks!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks so much Ben!

[@akilluminati47]

I want to finish this video another time. Liked and subscribed

[@dannyeddyguitar]

thanks!

[@timmotel5804]

9/2023: Love your audience! Heartbreaking shame that Malcolm died. The Brothers were very special. Thank You for this wonderful video. Beautiful Playing on your part. Best Regards to You and Yours.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you so much, Tim! They were indeed so special. I think many people play down AC/DC's talent because they - cleverly - have such broad appeal. But to my mind, they were the pinnacle of a genre that contains a legion of distant seconds!

[@IKnowYouStranger]

Came here because of AC/DC,stayed because of how interesting and high quality this video is (and also because of that cutee baby). You earned my subscription just continue making high quality videos 💜

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support.

[@daviddelaval6630]

Malcolm is the most underrated guitar player I’ve ever heard

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yeah, one of those guys that when his name comes up everyone agrees he was amazing, but if someone says "Who's your fave guitarist?" he's rarely mentioned.

[@csumme7]

Malcolm was my idol and what got into playing guitar back in the late 70s along with Ace. Angus was awesome but there is just something about Malcolm standing in the background just jamming doing his thing.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Chris! Hey, have you watched this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHzaeaGtftd2eq8

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

Great playing Danny.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks!!

[@shieldsymusic]

Love your video!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you!!

[@el0blaino]

Great analysis!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers Blaine!

[@user-km4qt3ow2h]

This video was quite enlightening. I already knew that he COULD play lead, but you made me realize why I love certain tracks more than others. Angus is plenty talented, but those bluesy riffs just speak more to me.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yeah! It's amazing when you dig deep into this stuff and find those differences. On the surface they sound similar, but after a close listen - very different guitarists!

[@mck974]

im 48. in 1980.. I was 6 years old. My family had just moved to a new town and one of the neighborhood kids had records at his house. I was over at his house and he played back in black for me. It had just been released. I was 6!! so it was really the first time I heard anything like that. my parents only listened to church music in the house. Still to this day... I maintain that it was the most profound impact on my brain when it comes to music, And still to this day... when I hear mal and angus' guitar and phil's drums.... it hits me right in that sweet spot... just like when I was 6!! Rip malcolm! Rip Bon. Thank you Acdc for changing lives for the better with your music! ACDC for life!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I'm 53 and a mate played me TNT. It blew me away. Later, the You Shook Me All Night Long 45 was the 2nd piece of vinyl I ever purchased.

[@ampguide]

Great vid mate 👍

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers!

[@ralfney8394]

Nice playing 🤘😁👍

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers Ralf!

[@rocknroll1973]

Up to my neck in you. Simple song. But i can listen to his isolated track all day. Best and clearest example of his playing. You hear the attack,little notes he plays, big open chords, his tone, feel, and timing.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

I'm gonna seek that out!

[@shaneholbeck6697]

Fantastic video

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers once again Shane!

[@caprise-music6722]

Excellent video! Super entertaining and very interesting. RIP Mal p.s 5:59 i want that as a poster on my wall!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks! It's an awesome pic isn't it. Half the fun of making these clips is trawling for pictures I haven't seen before.

[@timothya.olmeda7299]

The outro of the song Little Lover was always a favorite of mine of Malcolm playing lead. Till this day that moment in the song gives me goosebumps and a tear in my eye as it fades off into silence.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

It's beautiful!

[@williamlawson12]

I jus always knew Malcolm could play leads too. Any player that could write all them killer riffs and tunes just had to be able to play leads.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Yes, that makes sense too. Anyone with that level of musicality and melodic sensibility can also play great leads.

[@tutevermouth666]

You are a beast, man! What a genius.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks!!

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

Best band ever! Great playing by you also!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you kindly!

[@BeAGoodDoga]

I think you’ll find that the original recording of Can I Sit Next To You Girl with Dave Evans on vocals has both brothers on lead (check out the original intro, as well as the first half of the solo; it’s distinctly Malcolm’s style. The B-side, Rockin’ In The Parlour also has Malcolm on lead, especially near the end. Also Can’t Stand Still from Stiff Upper Lip has a distinctly Malcolm flavoured solo too.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

You're spot on about the original version of Can I Sit Next To You Girl, although, it's only a single line at the beginning of the guitar solo. The intro isn't technically 'lead' playing. Mal is simply sustaining chordal tones high on the neck whilst Angus answers with improvised licks. I don't believe Can't stand Still is Mal. I know many people say it is. But it definitely sounds like Angus to me. BUT... Rockin' In The Parlour - you've opened my eyes to another Malcolm lead on this one!! Thank you so much. Love that tone!

[@BeAGoodDoga]

@@dannyeddyguitar in the end, it was the Maximum Rock ‘N’ Roll biography that claims Can’t Stand Still is Mal’s playing, but outside of that, it’s not been officially verified. In the end, it could very well be Angus. Thanks mate.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lachlangrant1588]

@@dannyeddyguitar I know I'm late to the game here, but I'm going to add a little more fuel to the fire of Mal playing the lead on "Can't Stand Still". I have recently finished re-reading Jeff Apter's book on George Young, which does mention the Stiff Upper Lip sessions, as it was the last time George produced Acca Dacca. According to Apter, George issued the challenge for Mal to play the lead on that track, which he did. To my ears, the playing doesn't seem as fluid as Angus's usually does, and incorporates a lot of the double stops and trilling that are hallmarks of Mal's lead playing. Bear in mind it had been a good thirty years since Mal last played lead on record, so during that period his lead technique most likely evolved, even though he never played lead publicly. Maybe it is Mal?

[@georgerodrigues4638]

Ahh, mate I could listen to you play all day long. You really lean into that guitar! lol. Sublime tone from that Les Paul too btw. Excellent video: not well versed in AC/DC lore I hadn't known much beyond Malcolm playing one or two lead bits on the first album. Consider me subscribed 😃

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks SO much for your kind words and subscription, George!

[@danielpetrucci8952]

He played lead on Soul Stripper Can I sit next to you and show Business and he played some licks here and there on all the other albums

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Daniel.

[@RythmTR]

Little lover is awesome, Malcolm did beautiful bluesy songs

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Absolutely! Thanks, @Rythm TR

[@davidh.8798]

Loved the Little Lover rhythm sequence.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks, David. Yeah, so good weren't they?!

[@javiertaramona5982]

Very interesting and you're such a good player

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank so much, Javier! I really appreciate your support.

[@brendancronin3796]

I've no doubt Malcolm was a very good lead player but NOBODY can play like Angus , his controlled ferocity is just awesome . For me the 'Let there be rock ' album was the pinnacle of rock guitar playing .Songs like the title tune and Bad boy boogie are almost perfect .He is without doubt one of the greatest to ever play. He can attack the guitar like a whirling dervish but he can also play soulful blues like on the track 'Ride on ' .

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Great comment, Brendan! And, yes, Ride On - what a CLASSIC!

[@brendancronin3796]

@@dannyeddyguitar I'm a fan of Brian Johnston but Bon was an extremely underrated song writer and had a great voice .In the song 'Ride on ' I can actually envision a shitty hotel room with empty bottles and the way he conveys the emotion of being stuck in a rut but ultimately thinking " fuck it ..I'm gonna keep on going " that's fantastic writing . To even think of writing " Big Balls " is just hilarious, he had that cheeky humour that in the hands of another writer would have come across as pervy but it was like Bon was winking at you as if to say " we're having a laugh " That trio of the young brothers and Bon was just dynamite .After his passing for me the dynamics weren't the same .They still did some great songs after that but the albums started to have filler tracks on them. People used to piss me off when they called ACDC a heavy metal band ...the Bon era was a hard rock and roll band made up of rock mixed with sublime blues playing

[@dannyeddyguitar]

@@brendancronin3796 You've summed up my feelings too. I love the early Johnson albums, but Bon was something else! AC/DC have never gotten near his lyrical content since his death. The man was insanely good at writing, singing and entertaining!

[@ericmc6482]

@@dannyeddyguitar notable is that the early ACDC stuff was in 432hz tuning.

[@michaelr.5676]

Thank you! I always knew that man was a beast

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers, Michael!

[@6969jezabel]

Great content✌️

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you 🙌

[@Aspi-vision]

you're a magnificent nerd ! great licks !

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thank you kindly, Igor!

[@Aspi-vision]

You are very talented ! I've seen the whole guitarists of Tom Waits and now this ! Wow !Hats off ! greetings from Belgium ,Ghent .

[@jgsheehan8810]

Good analysis 👍🏻

[@dannyeddyguitar]

thanks heaps!

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

He played lead on Evie, his older brother said "Get Malcolm to Play the Solo" Evie was Stevie Wright's massive hit in Australia and is one of the greatest Rock tracks in History. No Question. Here is Evie Parts 1 2 3 with Malcolm on Lead Guitar...this production was basically mostly the Youngs and Stevie was another Scottish Blooded Aussie. The solo is at 1 : 58. But if you have never heard it prepare to be mind blown. This is Aussie Rock, bred in the pubs at its best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnNaXWIi519otU

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Part 1 has always been one of my absolute favourite tunes. A real 'awakening' for me as a kid. By the way, the lead guitar on Part 3 was played by Harry Vanda according to Wikipedia.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Dude, there is footage of Malcolm playing lead in the early days. It’s never been a question.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for clearing that up, Cornelius.

[@GByePorkPieHat]

Love that Firebrand, The Paul, guitar. I’m fortunate enough to have a Firebrand 335-S; it’s become my #1.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Oh wow! Just Googled - that's a great looking bit of kit too!

[@billybob1723]

Your number one fan! How adorable.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Billy Bob. She's a doll!

[@KCJAM1]

This is a great video on the human metronome, Malcolm Young! A man who put the rhythm in the term rhythm guitar. I have loved this band since before I made my sister take her 5th grade brother to see his 1st rock concert, right outside Heidelberg, Germany. It just so happened that my two favorite bands were playing on the same ticket. It was AC/DC touring for “Highway to Hell” and Judas Priest supporting with “Unleashed in the East” (I realize that was a live album, but that was the artwork the used for posters so…). She walked away enjoying 1 of the 2, but it was not enough to stop her incessant playing of Barbra Streisand's record that featured “Evergreen” (This record so traumatized me that I can't bear even looking it up to see the details of the album! It was the bane of my existence! ARRGH!) As an aside and after noticing your prominently displayed copy of one of the boys' least popular albums, I think “Flick of the Switch” is one of their best guitar albums the band ever composed. It also highlighted just how many times Brian could say “you” at the end of songs on the same album without anyone noticing! What is your take on "Flick of the Switch"?

[@dannyeddyguitar]

This is my favourite type of comment. I've read and reread your tale! I love the thought that discussing the intricacies of the music of AC/DC can generate connections across the globe. Thanks for sharing!

[@luisguderodriguez8658]

Tocas muy bien las frases del gran Malcom Young. Excelente trabajo.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Una vez más, muchas gracias!

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Angus the king of the Minor pentatonic scale

[@mattharris5067]

Short answer...ken oath he could, great video and great breakdown of guitar parts 😎

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it, Matt!

[@austinsandefer649]

Enjoyed it. Thank You... 👍👍 🎸 🇺🇸.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Cheers, Austin!

[@julian4863]

Great deep Dive into this topic, very much appreciated, If you do get a chance would be great to know roughly what ur amp settings were, if any boost pedals were used ect. I ask because apart from clearly being a very accomplished player those settings sounded great

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks, Julian! I created all the tones in Logic. Different choices for different songs, but for example Mal's tone on Soul Stripper was an AC30 with the gain up full, bass mid and treble at 12 o'clock, a pair of drive pedals stacked as well, and most importantly, a 5dB scoop in the mids - around 900 Hz and a narrow 10 dB punch at 2820Hz to get that sweet pick attack. My Angus tone on that track was a Fender blackface through a 4x10. Vintage drive pedal on full. Amp gain on 6, Bass up full, Mids 6, Treble 8. And again, a 10dB spike at 3180Hz to accentuate his pick attack.

[@mikefagan7249]

Really enjoying this vid. I actually watched a year or two ago and have come back to it. Malcolm was so underrated but Angus always gave him his due and rightfully so. I especially love your take on the Soul Stripper licks. Played beautifully and great tone!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks Mike! So grateful that you came back for another look - and generously tipped as well! You're a bloody legend.

[@JoelPerri7777]

Always heard Mal played the little lover solo, which I gotta say, sounds so much like Angus…the one handed hammer on’s, the attack, the vibrato, and his tone. But multiple ppl in the know have said that it’s Malcolm so I guess gotta believe that. His licks on all the jailbreak ‘74 stuff, is def cool and you can tell it’s 2 guys playing lead.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Wha? Even after my thorough forensic investigation? You're still going against me because 'multiple ppl' said it? lol

[@JoelPerri7777]

@@dannyeddyguitar your demonstration has actually made me stick to my original theory that it’s angus. It’s just weird that Angus would say it was his brother, knowing angus wasn’t a drunk or druggie, he’d probably remember correctly. But I trust my ears, and so I agree with you, it’s angus

[@johncollins5552]

Really enjoyed this video, great insight and playing. I was a fan since Blow Up Your Video which I got on casette as a teenager. They didn't play in Ireland too often and the only time I saw them live was on the comeback Runaway Train tour , if thats what it's called😂 So glad I went, Malcolm obviously was visibly ill so it was a bit sad to see. Angus stole the show with his killer 15 minute solo. Unforgettable. They always played their socks off in Ireland as the fans react so well to them. That double cd Live in Dublin? from a decade earlier sold me on going. Anyway thanks Malcolm for bringing the riffage We Salute You❤ RIP.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks so much, John. Wow, I had that Blow Up Your Video too! Completely forgot about it. I never saw them live. Which is something I'll always regret now that Mal's gone.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

Oh! I've just remembered as I watched your outro, Mal did play lead on stage one time with the Rollin Stones as jam. Yes he can play good lead.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Wow! Is there footage? I had a quick look and could only find Rock Me Baby, where Angus plays some lead with Keef, but Mal just keeps chugging that boogie riff.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

@@dannyeddyguitar that's the right gig but it was before it as the sound checks were happening. I have looked on hear for it but no luck but I do have it on DVD. I will fish it out and up load it send you a link.

[@OfficialAshArcher]

Malcolm Young isn’t just one of, if not the best, rhythm guitarists EVER, he’s one of the best guitarists ever. Absolutely the brains and genius behind AC/DC

[@dannyeddyguitar]

True story, Ash!

[@zandig666]

Dude I like that Jr or special u gots there man!!! I have a double cut but I like the single cut !!!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

It's a beauty! It's actually a '78 Firebrand, or "The Paul"

[@zandig666]

@@dannyeddyguitar the paul deluxe ? Very cool !!!!

[@m.loughlin1915]

It's been said over the years that Malcolm could do whatever Angus could do, but Angus could not do what Malcolm did.

[@georgecampbell1453]

With the Young BROTHERS it was all about the band’s success not about being a star. Malcolm’s rhythm guitar is all balls the guts to their music. Malcolm was and will always be my favorite. I listen to their music every day of my life and until my death. 🤘🎸🤘🎸

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks for chiming in with such passion, George.

[@josearraiza9784]

Well documented work guys! The way I see it, he didnt need to lead. His riffs are universally great. Remember you might be a great lead guitarrist... but you need riffs tio play to. Brothers. Mean guitar players. Superstars.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

So true Jose! Thanks for watching and commenting mate.

[@jonginder5494]

PS great playing!! I listened to this in the car without watching the video and I seriously thought you had isolated the lead guitar and put an acoustic underneath!

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Wow! Thanks Jon. That's wonderful praise mate!

[@thevoxofreason8468]

Well done.

[@dannyeddyguitar]

Thanks so much!