Distorted Tone

Back In Black

AC/DC

Bassrock1980s

Original Gear

BassFender Precision Bass

AmpAmpeg B-15 (studio recording, 1980)

PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass5.5

mid6

treble6

presence6

compression4

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1980. Cliff Williams tracked with a Fender Precision Bass into an Ampeg B-15. No evidence of live rig or SVT for the original album session.

Tone Character(9)

punchy midrangeslight breakup on hard attacktight low endclear note definitionmild overdrive from amp pushed hardaggressive pick attackclassic rock presencedry, not boomysits well in dense mix

Difficulty

The bass part is straightforward, mostly root notes with a steady, driving rhythm. The main challenge is maintaining tight timing and a consistent, aggressive pick attack to match the song's energy.

Sources

AC/DC – Back In Black - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Cliff Williams — Equipboard Gear And Settings Used In AC/DC's Iconic 'Back in Black'Cliff Williams (AC/DC) bass tone — TalkBass

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