Riff Tone

Hard As a Rock

AC/DC

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (mid-90s, likely 1968-1971 model, as used by Angus Young in studio)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead (100W, non-master volume, vintage or reissue)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely patent sticker T-tops or early 490s)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1995 (Ballbreaker album). No pedals or wireless boost used on this track; guitar plugged straight into amp. Settings are for the studio recording, not live. Pickup selector set to bridge.

Tone Character(10)

bright and snappingcrisp midsmodest gainbiting midrangecrunchy, overdriven roardirect and undiluted attackraw and uncomplicatedtight, percussive rhythmfast, aggressive pickingminimal compression

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, aggressive picking and tight muting at a brisk tempo, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques, making it intermediate for most players.

Sources

Rocker Guitar Tone Settings — AC/DC | ToneMirror 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

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