Riff Tone

Back In Black (Live)

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard

AmpMarshall 1959 Super Lead (100W, late 70s/early 80s, live version)

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

Amp Settings

gain4

bass4

mid7.5

treble4.5

reverb0.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionSoloDallas SoloDallas Schaffer Replica Ex Tower

Notes

Live performance, early 1980s era (post-album release, e.g., 1981-1983). Angus Young's live rig closely mirrored the studio setup but with more amp heads and cabs for stage volume. The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless with preamp/compression) was used live as well as in the studio. No effects pedals except for the Schaffer Replica (preamp/compression).

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivemid-forward crunchclear note separationdynamic and responsive to pickingarticulate attackslight compression and punchdry, unprocessed soundno ambient effectsclassic British Marshall characteropen, uncompressed highs

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, dynamic muting, and need for tight timing with the band, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Gear And Settings Used In AC/DC's Iconic 'Back in Black'Steal the sound: Angus Young (AC/DC)AC/DC – Back In Black - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Unlocking the Secret Behind Angus Young’s Iconic “Back in Black” Tone – SoloDallas LLC

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