Fender G-DEC settings
Back in Black settings for Fender G-DEC
AC/DC · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a Fender G-DEC, select the British–2 preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 0, Tone 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Kramer Focus VT-211S · updated 2026-09-29
- Preset / mode
- British–2
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Fender G-DEC knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
- Tone
- 6
- Compressor
- 0
- Phrase mode
- 0
- Phrase level
- 1
- Phrase source
- 0
Playing tips
- Focus on a tight picking attack to enhance the percussive nature of the riff.
- Use palm muting selectively to accentuate the rhythmic elements.
- Experiment with dynamics; play softer for verses and harder for choruses.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Fender G-DEC 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 Fender G-DEC for Back in Black?
Start from the British–2 preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 0, Tone 6.
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 Kramer Focus VT-211S. 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 Fender G-DEC
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Unholy Confessions · Avenged Sevenfold
- Enter Sandman · 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.