VOX VT20X settings
Back in Black settings for VOX VT20X
AC/DC · adapted 8 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a VOX VT20X, select the BRIT 800 preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Presence 5, Value 1 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Ibanez GIO GRX70QA · updated 2026-10-30
- Preset / mode
- BRIT 800
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
VOX VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 5
- Presence
- 5
- Value 1
- 5
- Value 2
- 5
- Power level
- 8
- Noise reduction
- 1
Playing tips
- Use a strong palm muting technique for a tighter attack on the lower strings.
- Strum aggressively to emphasize the percussive nature of the riff.
- Focus on picking dynamics to achieve a clear articulation of each chord.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your VOX VT20X 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 VOX VT20X for Back in Black?
Start from the BRIT 800 preset, then set Gain 4, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Presence 5, Value 1 5.
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 Ibanez GIO GRX70QA. 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 VOX VT20X
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Walk · Pantera
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
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.