Angus McKinon Young, who was born on March 31, 1955 (in Glasgow, Scotland), has been the lead guitarist and songwriter for the band AC/DC since the group's formation. AC/DC has been around since 1973, and Young has been a crucial member since day one. Although he is primarily a hard rock style guitarist, he also uses other techniques and elements in his playing, ranging from arpeggiated folk techniques to wild vibrato and blues styles.

Although Young didn't play much guitar until the family moved to Australia in 1963, he made up for lost time after purchasing a Gibson SG from a catalog. When Angus and his brother, Malcolm, formed AC/DC, they included Colin Burgess on drums, Dave Evans on vocals, and Larry Van Kriedt on bass: this because their starting lineup, which would change a bit over the years. Angus traditionally wore a schoolboy's suit as his costume and it helped build his contrasting image and playing style.

Ordinarily, Young's style is very blues but with lots of flavor packets from other styles. He has been known to use power chords occasionally, and even uses the folk arpeggiations of Scottish folk music in songs like "Thunderstruck" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." He also has interesting vibrato technique as well as complex improvisations, but is often criticized for recycling the same chords and progressions.

Young feels the simplicity of the harmonic structure of AC/DCs songs make them easier for the average person to enjoy, and that complexity isn't necessary to have good music. While this approach may not make sense to music aficionados, it seems to make sense to the fans-in fact, any more complexity may have taken away from Young's stage presence. His capers, such as running across the stage and standing on Bon Scott's shoulders as they wove their way through the crowd, may have been overshadowed too much by thick harmonies and runaway progressions.