Riff Tone

Big Balls

AC/DC

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1971-1973, with Maestro Vibrola, stock humbuckers)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt Plexi (cranked, likely with 1960A 4x12 cabinet, G12M Greenback speakers)

PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers (stock, not high output)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1976. Angus Young plugged straight into the Marshall Plexi, no pedals except possibly a Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless (used as a preamp/boost in some studio sessions, but not confirmed for this specific track). No effects loop. Rhythm section (riff) tone. No evidence of additional pedals or effects on this song's riff. No reverb or delay audible. All tone comes from guitar and amp. Pickup selector likely on bridge for main riff.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchtight, percussive rhythmbright and articulateraw, open amp tonemidrange punchdynamic, touch-sensitive responsebridge pickup biteslight natural compression from ampaggressive pick attackno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The riff is based on straightforward power chords and rhythm playing, but requires tight timing, consistent muting, and a strong pick attack to capture the classic AC/DC feel.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World Iconic Guitar Tones: AC/DC's "Back in Black" - InSync Angus's guitar tone : r/ACDC

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