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Boss GX-1 settings

Highway to Hell settings for Boss GX-1

AC/DC · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt

To get the AC/DC "Highway to Hell" riff tone on a Boss GX-1, use the MARSHALL 1959 amp model on the crunch channel, then set Gain 4, 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 Closed Back
Pickup
Bridge pickup
Guitar knobs
Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9

Boss GX-1 knobs

Gain
4
Bass
5
Mid
5
Treble
5

Amp block

Drive
6
Master
7
Bass
6
Mid
7
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects chain

  1. 1overdriveTube ScreamerGain 5 · Tone 6 · Level 7
  2. 2reverbSpringMix 3 · Decay 4

Playing tips

  • Focus on palm muting for tight, punchy riffs.
  • Use aggressive pick attack to enhance the gritty tone.
  • Maintain a steady rhythm to capture the driving energy of the riff.

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 (late 1960s, likely 1968-1970, stock humbuckers)
Amp
Marshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt (plexi, late 1960s/early 1970s, no master volume)
Gain
6
Bass
6
Mid
7
Treble
7
Presence
6.5
Reverb
0
Full Highway to Hell tone breakdown, effects and sources →

Different guitar or pedals? Get Highway to Hell 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 Highway to Hell?

Use the MARSHALL 1959 (crunch channel) with Drive 6, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 7, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, followed by Tube Screamer, Spring.

Which pickup should I use for Highway to Hell?

Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.

What gear did AC/DC use on Highway to Hell?

Guitar: Gibson SG Standard (late 1960s, likely 1968-1970, stock humbuckers). Amp: Marshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt (plexi, late 1960s/early 1970s, no master volume).

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.

Popular songs on the Boss GX-1

All 26 songs for the Boss GX-1 →

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.