Riff Tone

Play Ball

AC/DC

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1973, with Maestro Vibrola removed)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (Plexi, 100-watt, likely with Marshall 1960AX 4x12 cabinet, Greenback speakers)

PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers (vintage, low-output)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2014 (for 'Rock or Bust' album). Angus Young's rig is extremely consistent: Gibson SG into Marshall Super Lead, no pedals except possibly a Schaffer Replica for boost/companding. No evidence of additional pedals or effects on 'Play Ball' riff. Pickup selector set to bridge. No reverb or modulation effects. Rhythm section only.

Tone Character(10)

raw, dry crunchupper mids pushedbiting mids and strong sustainbright and cleartight, percussive rhythmnatural tube overdrivemidrange bark and biteminimal reverbarticulate attackclassic British crunch

Difficulty

The riff is straightforward and based on power chords, but requires tight, punchy rhythm and dynamic picking to match the AC/DC feel.

Sources

Amp Settings for T.N.T. by AC/DC (guitars and tone)Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World AC/DC Amp Settings | ACDCfans.net

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