Solo Tone

Hard As a Rock

AC/DC

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1968-1971 model, used by Angus Young on studio recordings in this era)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt Plexi head (vintage, non-master volume, used in studio for mid-90s AC/DC recordings)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely original T-Top humbuckers, stock to late 60s/early 70s SGs)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSoloDallas SoloDallas Schaffer Replica (if used, as a preamp/boost/compression)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Ballbreaker' (1995). Angus Young is known for using his main Gibson SG and vintage Marshall Super Lead Plexi heads for solos in this era. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo. No evidence of additional effects or pedals except for the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless/compression/boost) or its replica, which was sometimes used as a preamp/boost in the studio.

Tone Character(10)

raw and uncomplicateddirect and undiluted attackvicious Marshall crunchhigh-output, biting lead tonetight, punchy midrangesinging sustainbright, articulate highsdynamic, touch-sensitive responseaggressive bridge pickupminimal compression

Difficulty

The solo requires solid control of classic rock/blues phrasing, fast pentatonic runs, and expressive vibrato/bending typical of Angus Young's style. While not extremely technical, the tempo and articulation demand intermediate to advanced skills.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World Angus Young's SG Guitars, Gear & Amps | Equipboard Get Angus Young's gargantuan Back in Black tone in a box with SoloDallas's Schaffer Replica pedals | Guitar World

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