Riff Tone

Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

AC/DC

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1971, used by Angus Young)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100W (Plexi, late 1960s/early 1970s, no master volume)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely patent sticker T-tops)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1976-1977 for 'Let There Be Rock' album. Angus Young's main SG into a cranked Marshall Super Lead. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section. Rhythm guitar by Malcolm Young likely Gretsch Jet Firebird into Marshall amp, but this entry focuses on Angus's distorted riff tone.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchtight, punchy rhythm attackopen, dynamic responsearticulate chord definitionmidrange-forward biteraw, uncompressed feelslight natural compression from amppercussive, aggressive pickingdistinct pick attackno audible effects

Difficulty

The riff requires solid right-hand technique for punchy, percussive attack and dynamic control, but uses straightforward chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

ACDC Malcolm + Angus Amp Settings | Guitar Forum How do i get the highway to hell guitar tone?ac-dc: Latest Updates - Premier Guitar

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