Malcolm Young news and features

Phrasing, vibrato and rock-solid timing: inside the essential elements of AC/DC's legendary guitar style

By Jon Bishop published 5 July 23

All aboard the Rock ’N’ Roll Train as we take the long way to the top with this in-depth lesson in the raw hard-rock perfection of Angus and the late Malcolm Young's playing style

Satchel: Malcolm Young influenced more guitarists than Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton

By Matt Parker published 27 February 23

"Think about all the bands that have come after AC/DC that have tried to write AC/DC-sounding songs with three chords," the Steel Panther guitarist said in a recent interview

Gretsch Malcolm Young Beast Signature Jet

Gretsch honors Malcolm Young with all-new, limited-edition “Red Beast” Signature Jet

By Matt Owen published 5 October 22

Based on the rhythm great's original Beast as it appeared during AC/DC's early years, the signature sports three pickups, a Vintage Firebird Red finish and gold hardware

Nile Rodgers performs with Chic in Bristol, England

How to improve your rhythm guitar strumming

By Simon Barnard published 9 September 22

It's time to take your rhythm chops to the woodshed with this lesson in the most fundamentally important technique in guitar

Gretsch's new Nigel Hendroff signature Penguin (left) and Malcolm Young signature Jet

Malcolm Young's triple-pickup "Beast" joins new Nigel Hendroff model in Gretsch's 2022 signature lineup

By Jackson Maxwell published 15 June 22

The G6131G-MY-RB is a recreation of Young's beloved "Beast" (before he stripped its paint and made a number of other mods), while the G6134TFM-NH features a stripped-down control set

(from left) Malcolm Young, Angus Young and Phil Rudd of AC/DC perform live in Munich, Germany

AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm Young: "Most of our early tracks speed up toward the end. After the guitar solo we’d start to take off!"

By Richard Bienstock published 6 January 22

In this classic Guitar World interview from 2003, the brothers Young revisit the albums and songs that made them guitar giants

Malcolm Young: "We were going to get a keyboard player, but I got Angus instead"

By Matt Owen published 31 March 21

A recently unearthed interview sees the late AC/DC guitar great take a deep dive into his guitar-playing relationship with Angus

AC/DC's iconic Thunderstruck originated as one of Angus Young's acoustic guitar warmup licks

By Matt Owen published 23 February 21

Young revealed the larger-than-life lead lick had an unlikely origin while in conversation with Apple Music

Angus Young pays tribute to his brother and AC/DC rhythm man Malcolm: “It was his creation, his idea, his whole thing”

By Sam Roche published 18 November 20

On the third anniversary of the guitar icon's death, Angus and Brian Johnson sit down with 60 Minutes to discuss his legacy

Brothers Malcolm Young and Angus Young of AC/DC perform on stage at Melbourne Park on February 11th 2001 in Melbourne, Australia.

Angus Young: “Malcolm could solo even better than me”

By Michael Astley-Brown, Richard Bienstock published 9 November 20

The AC/DC icon looks back at his brother’s unsung lead talents in an exclusive new Guitar World interview

Guitarist Angus Young performs onstage during the AC/DC Rock Or Bust Tour at Madison Square Garden on September 14, 2016 in New York City.

Angus Young: “I can still feel Malcolm communicating to me when I’m playing guitar”

By Michael Astley-Brown published 28 October 20

The AC/DC icon on his eternal connection and final encounters with his brother and bandmate

AC/DC's Malcolm Young performing live onstage, playing Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird guitar

Angus Young explains why Malcolm’s playing is not on AC/DC’s 'Power Up' album

By Richard Bienstock published 20 October 20

“Malcolm himself wouldn’t like me trying to splice his guitar work,” he says

Guitarist Malcolm Young performing in Berlin, Germany, Olympiastadion

Malcolm Young co-wrote every song on the new AC/DC album, Power Up

By Richard Bienstock published 14 October 20

“He’s there with us in spirit,” Angus Young says in new video interview

AC/DC's new album will feature riff ideas from late guitarist Malcolm Young

By Sam Roche published 5 October 20

Longtime producer Mike Fraser confirms PWR/UP will include contributions from the legendary rhythm man

Malcolm Young's guitar gear: how the AC/DC rhythm machine perfected high-voltage rock 'n' roll tone

By Total Guitar editors published 26 August 20

The late AC/DC great liked his rig simple and loud

"He was our spiritual leader": A tribute to the life and career of AC/DC's Malcolm Young

By Alan di Perna published 6 January 20

Young's influence and contribution to rock music continue to loom large

Review: Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet

By Chris Gill published 19 June 19

The Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet nails Malcolm’s tone while also providing players with an outstanding instrument for developing their own sound.

Watch Anthrax's Scott Ian Discuss the "Magic" of Malcolm Young, Play His Favorite AC/DC Riffs

By Richard Bienstock published 5 November 18

"He was my guitar teacher," Ian says in new video interview with Gretsch.

Gretsch Salutes Malcolm Young with New G6131-MY Signature Jet

By Guitar World Staff published 28 June 18

What to Remember When Performing AC/DC's "Touch Too Much"

By Jeff Perrin published 23 February 18