Marshall MG15CFX settings
Back in Black settings for Marshall MG15CFX
AC/DC · adapted 6 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a Marshall MG15CFX, select the Crunch Channel preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 6, Master 5, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Standard Stratocaster (MIM) · updated 2026-10-23
- Preset / mode
- Crunch Channel
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall MG15CFX knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Volume
- 6
- Master
- 5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
- FX
- 0
- Contour
- 2
Playing tips
- Focus on palm muting for tight, percussive attack.
- Use a light touch for dynamic response and articulation.
- Strum aggressively to enhance the raw, uncompressed feel.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall MG15CFX 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 Marshall MG15CFX for Back in Black?
Start from the Crunch Channel preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 6, Master 5, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 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 Fender Standard Stratocaster (MIM). 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 Marshall MG15CFX
- Creeping Death · Metallica
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Hotel California · Eagles
- R U Mine? · Arctic Monkeys
- Creep · Radiohead
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Come As You Are · Nirvana
- Lithium · Nirvana
- Sad But True · Metallica
- Rooster · Alice in Chains
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.