Riff Tone

Big Jack

AC/DC

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (late 1960s/early 1970s, likely 1968-1970 model)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100W (plexi, late 1960s/early 1970s, EL34s, no master volume)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, vintage output, likely patent sticker T-tops)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Black Ice' album (2008), riff section. Angus Young is known for using his vintage Gibson SG plugged straight into a Marshall Super Lead with no pedals for rhythm/riff sections. No evidence of effects or pedals on the studio recording for 'Big Jack' riff. Settings are estimated based on era, genre, and multiple sources confirming Angus's minimal signal chain for studio rhythm work.

Tone Character(10)

crunchy and articulatebiting midrangetight, punchy rhythmBritish crunchclear and dynamicstrong pick attackminimal compressionopen, uncompressed soundno pedal colorationnatural tube breakup

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight timing, strong pick attack, and control of string muting to achieve the punchy, articulate AC/DC sound.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World AC/DC - Angus Young's Guitar Gear Rig and Equipment HELP W/ AC/DC guitar amp,effects settings AC/DC Gear Guide - Sound like Angus & Malcolm Young - YouTube

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