Solo Tone

Guns for Hire

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

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

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (100W, late 1960s/early 1970s, with Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless/preamp in studio signal chain)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely T-Top or patent sticker humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7.5

treble7

reverb0

presence4

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSchaffer-Vega (or Solodallas for replica) Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless preamp/boost, or Solodallas Schaffer Replica for modern covers)

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Angus Young plugged his Gibson SG into a Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) wireless unit, which acted as a preamp/boost, then into a cranked Marshall Super Lead 1959 head into a 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers. No pedals used except the SVDS (or modern equivalent: Solodallas Schaffer Replica for reissues/modern covers). No evidence of additional effects or pedals in the studio for this solo.

Tone Character(10)

midrange-focused crunchbiting and articulate leadtight and punchy attackdry, unprocessed soundsmooth sustainbright and cutting bridge pickupnatural tube saturationminimal compressionno ambient effectsclassic British rock amp voicing

Difficulty

The solo requires fast, articulate picking, aggressive bends, and tight timing at a brisk tempo, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Amp Settings for Hells Bells by AC/DC (guitars and tone)Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone AC/DC - Angus Young's Guitar Gear Rig and Equipment AC/DC Amp Settings The Gear Used By Angus Young and Malcolm ...

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