The Ultimate Test of Vocal Stamina
Released on the 1990 album The Razors Edge, "Thunderstruck" is one of AC/DC's most iconic anthems and a definitive challenge for any rock singer. Brian Johnson delivers a masterclass in high-tessitura singing, staying consistently above the staff with aggressive distortion.
The difficulty lies not just in hitting the high notes, but in staying there. The song offers very little rest, requiring impeccable breath support and a healthy approach to vocal distortion to avoid blowing out your voice in the first minute.
AI Coach Tip: Distortion Safety
Many beginners squeeze their throat to get the "grit." This is dangerous. Our analysis checks if your volume drops when you add grit—if it does, you are constricting. Keep your airway open and engage your false cords for the distortion.
Phase 1: The Chant (0:00 - 0:54)
The song builds on the word "Thunder." While it seems simple, the rhythmic precision is key. You must lock in with the kick drum. The pitch is relatively low here, so focus on forward placement and sharp consonants to cut through the mix.
The Trap: Don't expend all your energy screaming the intro chants. You need to save your vocal folds for the verses where the pitch jumps significantly.
Phase 2: The High Tessitura (0:54 - 2:20)
Once the verse starts ("I was caught..."), you are living in the B4 range. This is the passaggio (break point) for most male singers, making it incredibly tiring.
- Vowel Modification: To sustain these high notes, narrow your vowels. "Track" should sound more like "Treck," and "Back" like "Beck." This helps keep the larynx stable.
- Compression: You need steady airflow. Imagine you are blowing up a stiff balloon—constant, pressurized air support from the diaphragm.
Phase 3: The Screams & Ad-libs
Throughout the choruses and the "Yeah, it's alright" sections, Brian Johnson jumps up to E5 using a reinforced head voice or a pharyngeal mix. These notes should feel lighter in the throat but sound heavy due to the microphone amplification and "twang" resonance.
Do not try to drag your heavy chest voice up to the E5, or you will crack. Instead, thin out the vocal folds and rely on the resonance in your nasal cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
He consistently sings a belted B4 in the verses and hits E5s in the screams. The tessitura (average pitch) is extremely high compared to standard rock songs.
Yes, but you may need to transpose it. Singing Coach AI allows you to lower the key by -2 or -4 semitones so you can practice the gritty technique without straining for the high notes.
Pain indicates constriction. You are likely grinding your true vocal cords together instead of using false cord distortion. Stop immediately, drink water, and practice your "fry" noise at a low volume first.
