Solo Tone

Shot in the Dark

AC/DC

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (likely late 1960s or early 1970s, as per Angus Young's studio use)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100W head (vintage Plexi, as used by Angus Young in studio recordings)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, vintage output, likely patent sticker or T-Top type)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence4

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSoloDallas SoloDallas Schaffer Replica

Notes

Studio recording, 2020 (Power Up album). Angus Young is known for using his vintage Gibson SG into a Marshall Super Lead Plexi for studio work, with minimal pedals. The Schaffer Replica (SoloDallas) is sometimes used as a boost/compression, but no other effects are confirmed for this solo. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the solo section. Settings are estimated based on multiple AC/DC tone breakdowns for this era and song.

Tone Character(10)

tight, biting lead toneclear note separationdynamic pick attacksinging sustainclassic British cruncharticulate highspunchy midsslight natural compressionno audible delay or reverbraw, in-your-face solo sound

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced pentatonic technique, expressive bends, and precise picking, but does not involve extreme speed or complex modern techniques.

Sources

Getting the AC/DC Sound with SoloDallas (Guitar Lesson) How to play AC/DC Gear Guide - Sound like Angus & Malcolm Young - YouTube Angus Young's SG Guitars, Gear & Amps | Equipboard Hit the Tone | Shot in the Dark by AC/DC (Angus Young) | Ep. 42

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