Highway to Hell by AC/DC is played in the key of A at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1970s. It uses 3 chords — A E D — arranged in the I-V-IV progression.

About the I-V-IV progression

The I-V-IV progression is a stripped-down cousin of the four-chord pop pattern with the minor chord removed. It feels direct and uptempo — great for straight-ahead rock and folk strumming.

Playing in the key of A

A major is rock and blues territory. A, D, and E are open shapes; F#m requires a barre. The E7 chord sits naturally under the fingers in this key, which is why it feels made for country and blues players.

Related songs

More songs in the key of A

Learn to play Highway to Hell by AC/DC on guitar. It sits in the key of A and uses the I-V-IV progression with the chords A E D.