Riff Tone

Back In Black (Live Capital Center, Landover MD, Dec. 21, 1981)

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1973, with stock Gibson 'T-Top' humbucking pickups)

AmpMarshall 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head (late 1970s) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12-65 speakers

PickupsGibson 'T-Top' humbucker (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

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

Notes

Live performance at Capital Center, Landover MD, Dec. 21, 1981. Angus Young used his main SG and Marshall Super Lead stack, with the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless (used as a boost/compander). No pedals or additional effects confirmed for live riff section. Settings estimated from studio and live rig evidence for this era.

Tone Character(10)

crisp treble and crunchy overdrivemidrange growlthick saturated grittight, punchy responseBritish crunchdynamic and touch-sensitivepercussive attackclear note separationaggressive but not high-gainraw and uncompressed

Difficulty

The riff requires tight timing, dynamic control, and precise muting to achieve the iconic punch and groove, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Angus Young's guitar tone on AC/DC's Hells Bells | Guitar World AC/DC – Back In Black - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album The Ultimate Gear Guide to AC/DC's 'Back In Black' Album | Ultimate Guitar Angus Young's SG Guitars, Gear & Amps

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account