Solo Tone

Hell or High Water

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1973 model)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt head (plexi, late 1960s/early 1970s, non-master volume) with Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSchaffer Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (preamp/boost section, as used in studio)

Notes

Studio recording, 1985 (Fly on the Wall album). Angus Young is known for plugging straight into the amp with no pedals except for the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless (which acts as a preamp/boost). No evidence of additional pedals or effects in the studio for this song. All sources confirm a minimal signal chain for solos, with the Schaffer preamp providing a slight boost and compression. No evidence of live-specific gear or effects for this studio solo.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchbright and biting lead tonetight, percussive attacksinging sustainarticulate note definitionminimal compression from Schaffer preampraw, in-your-face solo soundupper-midrange emphasisdynamic response to pickingno ambient effects

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced blues-rock lead technique, including fast pentatonic runs, expressive bends, and dynamic picking, but does not feature extreme technical demands or complex timing.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World This Is the Gear Angus and Malcolm Young Used on AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' Album | Ultimate Guitar Angus Young Amp Settings? - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar

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