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About this sound

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The opening guitar riff from AC/DC's Thunderstruck, a high-energy rock intro often used for rugby highlights, sports edits and hype moments before a big play.

The clip captures the instantly recognisable opening of AC/DC's Thunderstruck, built around Angus Young's rapid, hammering guitar riff that repeats with relentless, driving energy. It is loud, punchy and deliberately repetitive, with a sharp electric attack that feels like a countdown building toward impact. Even in a very short burst, it signals confidence, aggression and excitement, making a highlight, entrance or reveal feel bigger and more dramatic. Listeners tend to react immediately, associating the riff with stadium atmosphere, sporting intensity and the moment just before something explosive happens on screen.

Thunderstruck was released by Australian rock band AC/DC in 1990 as the opening track of The Razors Edge, and its stripped-back guitar intro quickly became one of the band's most recognisable signatures. Over time, sports broadcasters, stadiums and fan editors adopted it as a shorthand for intensity, pairing the riff with tries, tackles and team entrances, often alongside crowd cheering. Its use in rugby edits reflects that wider sporting life, where a few seconds of the riff can instantly raise tension and signal that a decisive moment is coming.

Pro Tip for Usage

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Drop the riff right on the cut into a try, tackle or entrance, letting the first guitar hits land with the action rather than fading it in. Keep the clip short, cut it as the play peaks, and avoid layering commentary over the opening notes.

Use Cases

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  • Highlighting a rugby try in a sports edit.
  • Introducing a player before a big match.
  • Adding hype to a gym workout montage.
  • Punctuating a dramatic reveal in a video.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Thunderstruck rugby sound?
It is a short clip of the opening guitar riff from AC/DC's Thunderstruck, commonly used in rugby edits to add energy to tries, tackles and player entrances.
Where does Thunderstruck originally come from?
Thunderstruck is a 1990 song by Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the opening track of their album The Razors Edge and famous for its repeating guitar intro.
How can creators use this sound in a video?
Place it on a hard cut into the main action, keep it brief, and let the riff carry the moment before cutting to the next clip or lowering it under commentary.

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