Solo Tone

High Voltage

AC/DC

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1971, stock)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (100-watt, non-master volume, late 60s/early 70s model)

PickupsGibson humbucker (stock, likely T-Top)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSchaffer-Vega (or SoloDallas for replica) Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) preamp/compander (or modern equivalent: SoloDallas Schaffer Replica)

Notes

Studio recording, 1975-1976. Angus Young's rig for 'High Voltage' solo was extremely simple: Gibson SG into Marshall Super Lead, no effects except for the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) wireless preamp, which acted as a boost/compressor. No other pedals or effects confirmed for the studio recording. No amp reverb or delay used. Pickup selector set to bridge. No evidence of additional effects in the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and bitingtight, punchy midrangeclassic British crunchdynamic and touch-sensitivesinging sustain on single notesopen, uncompressed feelraw, in-your-face solo tonearticulate pick attackminimal compressionno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The solo features moderately fast pentatonic runs, aggressive bends, and requires precise articulation and dynamic control, making it challenging for intermediate players but not as technically demanding as advanced shred solos.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World The Gear Used By Angus Young and Malcolm Young on AC/DC’s Back In Black | Guitar.com AC/DC Gear Guide - Sound like Angus & Malcolm Young - Both Expensive & Cheap Options

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