Solo Tone

Hail Caesar

AC/DC

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1969 Gibson SG Standard

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (Plexi) or JTM45 head with Marshall 1960AX 4x12 cabinet (Celestion Greenbacks)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock 1969 SG Standard)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSoloDallas SoloDallas Schaffer Replica

Notes

Studio recording, 1995 (Ballbreaker album). Angus Young is known for plugging straight into the amp with minimal effects. The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (or modern SoloDallas Schaffer Replica) was likely used as a wireless/boost, as on other 1990s AC/DC recordings. No evidence of additional pedals or amp-based effects. Pickup selector set to bridge for solo. No reverb or delay used; tone is dry and direct.

Tone Character(10)

midrange-focusedtight and punchydry and directcrunchy British overdrivesinging sustainaggressive bridge pickup attackdynamic response to pickingarticulate note separationminimal compressionno ambient effects

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced blues-rock technique, with fast runs, expressive bends, and dynamic picking, but does not involve extreme technical difficulty or complex modern techniques.

Sources

Hail Caesar Guitar Solo by AC/DC: Gear Breakdown - TikTok Amp Settings for Highway to Hell by AC/DC (album tone) - Guitar Chalk Amp Settings for Hells Bells by AC/DC (guitars and tone) - Guitar Chalk Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World Academy of Tone #57: The ultimate AC/DC guitar tone search with Thomas and special guest Max Carton!

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