A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Guitar
A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Ukulele
A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Piano
A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Banjo
A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Mandolin
A5tap to play
D5tap to play
G5tap to play
E5tap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
A5 · D5 · G5 · E5
Highway to Hell Chords – Harmonica
The ultimate road trip anthem. Four power chords with Angus Young’s signature palm-muted crunch.
Chords used: A5, D5, G5, E5 · Key: A · Difficulty: Intermediate
Rock Rhythm (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Palm mute the verse for a tight, chugging sound. Open up fully on the chorus for maximum impact.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
A5 – D5
G5 – D5
A5 – D5
G5 – D5
Chorus
A5 – D5 – A5
D5 – A5 (×2)
E5 – A5
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of A: A5 D5 G5 E5. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding any strumming — clean, in-time changes matter more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Highway to Hell"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: A5, D5, G5 and E5.
Is "Highway to Hell" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Highway to Hell" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Highway to Hell"?
It was written by AC/DC.