Riff Tone

You Shook Me All Night Long

AC/DC

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1971 model)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt head (likely late 1960s/early 1970s model) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Back in Black' album, 1980. Angus Young's main guitar and amp for the riff section. No pedals used in the studio signal chain for the riff; signal path is guitar → amp. Some reverb may be present, likely added in post or via room mics. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

British crunchtight and percussivebright and articulateopen and dynamicclear note separationslight edge-of-breakupclassic Marshall biteminimal compressionpunchy attackuncompressed, raw feel

Difficulty

The riff is based on open chords and straightforward rhythm, but requires tight timing, dynamic control, and clarity at high volume to match the classic AC/DC feel.

Sources

Angus Young's guitars and gear: nail the AC/DC star's tone | Guitar World AC/DC – Back In Black - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Angus's guitar tone : r/ACDC - Reddit Angus Young of AC/DC Discusses Guitar Riffs and Brown Gibson SG's in 1991 Guitar World Interview | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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