Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 settings
Back in Black settings for Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2
AC/DC · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2, select the Crunch preset, then set Gain 4, Reverb 0, Isf 7. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-10-12
- Preset / mode
- Crunch
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Reverb
- 0
- Isf
- 7
Playing tips
- Use a tight picking technique for a percussive attack.
- Focus on muting the strings with your palm for clarity.
- Play with a strong dynamic to emphasize the riff's aggressive nature.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson SG Standard (1970s, likely '69-'73, stock humbuckers)
- Amp
- Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100-watt Plexi (1970s, 4-input, non-master volume, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 7.5
- Treble
- 4.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get Back in Black adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts AC/DC's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 for Back in Black?
Start from the Crunch preset, then set Gain 4, Reverb 0, Isf 7.
Which pickup should I use for Back in Black?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did AC/DC use on Back in Black?
Guitar: Gibson SG Standard (1970s, likely '69-'73, stock humbuckers). Amp: Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100-watt Plexi (1970s, 4-input, non-master volume, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Back in Black on other amps
- Back in Black on Fender Mustang LT25 · 295
- Back in Black on Boss Katana · 287
- Back in Black on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 157
- Back in Black on Fender Frontman 10G · 143
- Back in Black on Boss GT-1000 · 107
- Back in Black on Fender Champion 20 · 79
- Back in Black on Fender Tone Master Pro · 75
- Back in Black on Positive Grid Spark · 66
Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Creep · Radiohead
- Wonderwall · Oasis
- Layla · Derek & The Dominos
- Nothing Else Matters · Metallica
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.