Positive Grid Spark settings
Back in Black settings for Positive Grid Spark
AC/DC · adapted 66 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a Positive Grid Spark, set Gain 4, Master 6, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Mod 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-11-14
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Positive Grid Spark knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Master
- 6
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 5
- Mod
- 0
Playing tips
- Use a strong pick attack for a tight, percussive sound.
- Palm mute for added definition on the lower strings.
- Focus on dynamic playing to capture the raw, uncompressed feel.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Positive Grid Spark 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 are the best Positive Grid Spark settings for Back in Black?
Set Gain 4, Master 6, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Mod 0.
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 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
Popular songs on the Positive Grid Spark
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- 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.