Riff Tone

T.N.T.

AC/DC

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (circa 1968-1970, likely stock electronics)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (100-watt Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, no master volume)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely patent sticker or T-Top, stock to late 60s SGs)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1975. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section. Angus Young's rig was extremely simple for this era, typically just guitar straight into the amp. No wireless or Schaffer-Vega system on this album. All settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. No evidence of amp reverb or other built-in effects.

Tone Character(10)

gritty and powerfulmid-rangey cruncharticulate attacktight and punchyraw and aggressiveclear note separationdynamic response to pickinguncompressedvintage British amp characterno added effects coloration

Difficulty

The riff is based on simple power chords and straightforward rhythm, but requires tight, consistent strumming and dynamic control to achieve the punchy, articulate sound characteristic of the recording.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World AC/DC Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Gain & Metal: Is More Really More?!? - InSync

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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