Solo Tone

Thunderstruck

AC/DC

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1968-1971, with lightning bolt inlays)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP 100-watt Super Lead (vintage, late 60s/early 70s) into Marshall 1960BX 4x12 cabinets with Celestion Greenback speakers

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

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass4.5

mid5

treble5

reverb0.5

presence3.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSchaffer Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (used as wireless boost/compressor in studio)

Notes

Studio recording, 1990 (The Razors Edge album). Angus Young is known for running straight into the amp with no pedals except for the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless (used as a boost/compressor in studio). No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the solo. All sources confirm basic signal chain. No effects loop. No amp reverb or delay used.

Tone Character(10)

tight, articulate attackclassic British crunchclear note separationsinging sustain in solobright, biting top endmedium output humbucker claritydynamic, touch-sensitive responseraw, direct amp toneno pedal colorationno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The Thunderstruck solo requires fast, accurate alternate picking, string skipping, and precise timing, making it challenging for most intermediate players and demanding for advanced players.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone AC/DC Tone : r/HeadRush - Reddit [DISCUSSION] Angus Young's guitar tone - Reddit Angus Young: “I've always said if I do anything music-wise, I can ...

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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