Song Rig

Back in Black

Angus Young · Back in Black · 1980

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The definitive hard rock tone — SG into a Marshall 1959 Super Lead cranked flat-out through a 4×12". The AC/DC sound is built entirely on power amp saturation with no pedals whatsoever. Mid-forward, punchy, and relentlessly loud.

Signal Chain

1Gibson SG Standard (bridge humbucker)
2Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (cranked)
3Marshall 1960A 4×12" cab (Celestion G12T-75)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume10

Bass7

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

Every knob at 7 or above with the master volume non-existent (pre-master volume Marshall). The tone on Back in Black is about volume — the amp must be genuinely loud to achieve power amp compression and saturation.

Technique

How to Play It

Strict downpicking on the main riff — Angus almost never alternate-picks rhythm parts. The consistent downstroke creates the mechanical, almost inhuman tightness of AC/DC's rhythm guitar.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Any Marshall-voiced amp (DSL5, Origin 20) at maximum bedroom volume + an attenuator for the power amp character. SG or similar humbucker guitar essential.