Riff Tone

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1973 model, used by Angus Young on studio recording)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt (Plexi, non-master volume, cranked for natural overdrive, studio recording 1981)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely patent sticker T-tops, not PAFs)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5

mid4.5

treble5.5

reverb0.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1981. Angus Young plugged straight into Marshall Super Lead 1959 head, no pedals. Wireless Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) used as a buffer/booster in the studio, but not a pedal. No effects loop, no pedals, no amp reverb or built-in effects. Pickup selector on bridge. No evidence of any pedals or effects on the riff section. All sources confirm a direct guitar-to-amp signal chain for the rhythm/riff part.

Tone Character(10)

raw and uncomplicatedcrunchy, overdriven roarbiting midrangeBritish crunchtight and percussiveedge-of-breakup crunchdirect and undiluted attacknatural tube overdriveclassic Marshall cruncharticulate and dynamic

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise timing, and dynamic pick attack to achieve the signature crunch and groove, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns.

Sources

For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) - Guitar Cover Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone AC/DC - Angus Young's Guitar Gear Rig and Equipment The Gear Used By Angus Young and Malcolm ...Angus's guitar tone : r/ACDC

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