HeadRush Core settings
Back in Black settings for HeadRush Core
AC/DC · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a HeadRush Core, use the 68 PLEXIGLAS 50W (Marshall Super Lead 50W) amp model on the crunch channel, then set Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 4, Mid 7, Treble 5, Presence 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Squier Stratocaster · updated 2026-08-19
- Amp model
- 68 PLEXIGLAS 50W (Marshall Super Lead 50W)
- Channel
- Crunch
- Cab
- Marshall 4x12 with G12M Greenbacks
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 4
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 5
- Presence
- 5
Effects chain
- 1overdriveGREEN JRC OD (Ibanez TS808)Gain 3 · Tone 5 · Level 7
- 2reverbSPRING REVERB (Fender Spring Reverb)Mix 3 · Decay 3
Playing tips
- Focus on a tight, percussive attack to emulate the original riff's clarity.
- Use palm muting on the lower strings for added punch and definition.
- Experiment with finger dynamics 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 HeadRush Core 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 HeadRush Core for Back in Black?
Use the 68 PLEXIGLAS 50W (Marshall Super Lead 50W) (crunch channel) with Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 4, Mid 7, Treble 5, Presence 5, followed by GREEN JRC OD (Ibanez TS808), SPRING REVERB (Fender Spring Reverb).
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 Squier Stratocaster. 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 HeadRush Core
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Creep · Radiohead
- Alive · Pearl Jam
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.