SYDNEY - Australians paid tribute to AC/DC co-founder and fellow countryman Malcolm Young on Sunday, a day after the legendary guitarist passed away aged 64.

Young, who founded the rock group with his brother Angus in 1973, died Saturday after suffering from dementia for several years, according to his family and the band.

Best known for their hit song Highway to Hell, AC/DC formed produced 17 studio albums, selling more than 200 million records.

"AC/DC were incredibly special," Australian rock historian Glen A. Baker told national broadcaster ABC Sunday.

"They became a part of Australian music at a time when we needed heroes and people who were totally reliable, who wouldn't deviate for one second, who had a clear vision of where they wanted to go.

"The architect of that sound was Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist who wrote every song, every original song they did."

Young emigrated to Australia with his family as a child, and was in his early 20s when the band released their debut album "High Voltage".

While Angus was the public face of the band, Malcolm was renowned for being behind the famous riffs that left fans thunderstruck.

"Devastated to hear of Malcolm Young's passing... For me personally, the GREATEST rhythm guitarist of ALL TIME," Australian country star Keith Urban tweeted.

Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes said Young's death was a "sad day for music".

"You were the greatest rhythm guitar player ever," he wrote on Twitter. - AFP