Song Rig

T.N.T.

Angus Young · T.N.T. · 1975

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The Australian-era AC/DC sound — slightly rawer and looser than the UK/international recordings. TNT predates the fully established sound by a year; the SG's bright attack is more prominent in the simpler recording chain. The riff alternates between a sustained open-string note and a power chord punctuation, creating the characteristic thud-and-ring pattern.

Signal Chain

1Gibson SG Standard
2Marshall Super Lead 100W
3No effects

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass6

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

Similar to Back in Black settings but slightly brighter — the simpler 1975 recording chain means the SG's natural brightness isn't softened by studio processing. Mid pushed to 7 for the rhythm definition needed on the riff's power chord punctuations.

Technique

How to Play It

The riff alternates a held open-string note with a palm-muted power chord — timing the release of the chord so it lands exactly on the beat creates the "thud" quality. Verse riff uses mostly downpicks at a medium-fast tempo. The chorus uses full downstroke power chords with no palm muting for the open, ringing quality.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

SG or guitar with bridge humbucker → Marshall or Marshall-style amp (Orange, Laney) at gain 8. Keep bass at moderate level and push the mids — the treble character of SG humbuckers in bridge position handles the brightness naturally.

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