Solo Tone
Shot Down In Flames
AC/DC
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
Guitar1968 Gibson SG Standard
AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt head (late 1970s, likely JMP era) with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12M speakers)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock 1960s SG Standard)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
boostSchaffer-Vega Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless unit with built-in boost/compression)
Notes
Studio recording, 1979. Angus Young plugged his SG straight into the Marshall head with no pedals. The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless unit was used in the studio and acted as a clean boost/compressor. No effects loop or amp reverb/delay. No pedalboard. All tone comes from guitar, wireless boost, and cranked Marshall amp.
Tone Character(10)
raw and bitingmidrange-forwardtight and percussivesinging sustainbright and articulatedynamic and touch-sensitiveaggressive but controlledclear note separationBritish crunchno pedal coloration
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced pentatonic technique, fast picking, and expressive bends/vibrato at a brisk tempo, but does not involve extreme technical complexity or advanced shred techniques.
Sources
AC/DC - Angus Young's Guitar Gear Rig and EquipmentAngus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar WorldWhat guitar does Angus use on the Power Up Tour? : r/ACDC - RedditAC/DC Gear Guide - Sound like Angus & Malcolm Young - YouTubeAC/DC guitar tech Trace Foster explains why Angus Young’s live sound requires no fewer than 12 Marshall stacks | MusicRadar
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Original Gear
Guitar1968 Gibson SG Standard
AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt head (late 1970s, likely JMP era) with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12M speakers)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock 1960s SG Standard)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
boostSchaffer-Vega Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (wireless unit with built-in boost/compression)
Sources
AC/DC - Angus Young's Guitar Gear Rig and EquipmentAngus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar WorldWhat guitar does Angus use on the Power Up Tour? : r/ACDC - RedditAC/DC Gear Guide - Sound like Angus & Malcolm Young - YouTubeAC/DC guitar tech Trace Foster explains why Angus Young’s live sound requires no fewer than 12 Marshall stacks | MusicRadar
Notes
Studio recording, 1979. Angus Young plugged his SG straight into the Marshall head with no pedals. The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless unit was used in the studio and acted as a clean boost/compressor. No effects loop or amp reverb/delay. No pedalboard. All tone comes from guitar, wireless boost, and cranked Marshall amp.
Tone Character(10)
raw and bitingmidrange-forwardtight and percussivesinging sustainbright and articulatedynamic and touch-sensitiveaggressive but controlledclear note separationBritish crunchno pedal coloration
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced pentatonic technique, fast picking, and expressive bends/vibrato at a brisk tempo, but does not involve extreme technical complexity or advanced shred techniques.
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