Solo Tone

Back in Black

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1970 Gibson SG Standard

AmpMarshall 2203 JMP 100-watt Master Volume head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, late 60s/early 70s spec)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSchaffer-Vega Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless/boost/compression)

Notes

Studio recording, 1980. Angus Young used his 1970 Gibson SG Standard into a Marshall 2203 JMP head for solos on 'Back In Black', with the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless unit as an always-on boost/compression. No other pedals or effects confirmed. No amp reverb or delay used. All sources agree on a straight signal path for the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

midrange growlthick saturated gritcrisp treblecrunchy overdriveBritish crunchtight and percussivesinging sustainaggressive bridge pickupdynamic and responsiveclear note separation

Difficulty

The solo features moderately fast pentatonic licks, expressive bends, and dynamic phrasing that require intermediate to advanced technique, but does not reach shred-level complexity.

Sources

AC/DC – Back In Black - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Angus Young's guitar tone on AC/DC's Hells Bells | Guitar World Iconic Guitar Tones: AC/DC's "Back in Black" - InSync Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World Tony Platt Shares the Secret to Angus Young's "Back in Black" Tone

This tone has been researched 8 times by the community

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