Thunderstruck

The harmonic strength of Thunderstruck lies in its simplicity and its use of a B pedal point. The entire song is built around the B tonic, using the bVII (A) and IV (E) chords to create a sense of circular motion rather than linear progression. This lack of a leading-tone (A#) in the rhythm section (favoring the A natural) gives the song its heavy, modal rock character. The use of the open B string as a drone in the lead work acts as a harmonic anchor, making the eventual shifts to A and E feel like temporary departures from a powerful, unmoving center.

The song began as a guitar exercise. Angus Young developed the distinctive opening riff using a 'hammer-on' and 'pull-off' technique on a single string. He brought the idea to Malcolm Young, who added the heavy rhythm foundation. The 'Thunder!' chant was added during the arrangement to give it a stadium anthem feel.

Serving as the definitive comeback anthem for AC/DC in the 1990s, 'Thunderstruck' combines relentless rhythmic drive with stadium-ready vocals. Its legendary status is cemented by its ubiquitous presence in sports culture and its showcase of technical guitar prowess.