Song Rig
Thunderstruck
Angus Young · The Razors Edge · 1990
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Cleaner and brighter than Back in Black — the Razors Edge-era AC/DC used more controlled settings to cut through on radio. The famous tapped intro uses a lighter pick touch; the verse riff returns to full Marshall saturation.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson SG Standard
- 2Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W
- 3Marshall 1960A 4×12"
Amp Settings
Slightly more treble and less bass than the Back in Black era — production on The Razors Edge is more polished. Still no pedals.
Technique
How to Play It
The intro is a two-hand tapping sequence on the B string — hammer-ons from both hands create the rapid-fire cascading run. Angus uses just two fingers on the fretting hand.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Same as Back in Black — Marshall-voiced amp pushed hard. The tapping technique is what matters for the intro.
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