Boss GX-1 settings
Back In Black settings for Boss GX-1
AC/DC · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back In Black" riff tone on a Boss GX-1, use the MARSHALL 1959 amp model on the crunch channel, then set Gain 1, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin · updated 2026-10-16
- Amp model
- MARSHALL 1959
- Channel
- Crunch
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Greenbacks
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Boss GX-1 knobs
- Gain
- 1
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 5
Amp block
- Drive
- 4
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 7.5
- Treble
- 4.5
- Presence
- 5.5
Effects chain
- 1overdriveBoostGain 3 · Level 7
- 2reverbSpringMix 2 · Decay 3
Playing tips
- Focus on a tight, percussive attack to match the original riff's clarity.
- Use palm muting on the lower strings for added definition and punch.
- Experiment with dynamic picking to achieve a raw, uncompressed feel.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss GX-1 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 amp model should I use on the Boss GX-1 for Back In Black?
Use the MARSHALL 1959 (crunch channel) with Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 4, Mid 7.5, Treble 4.5, Presence 5.5, followed by Boost, Spring.
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?
These settings were adapted for a PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin. 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 Boss GX-1
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Heart-Shaped Box · Nirvana
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
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.