It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll) — AC/DC1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll) Guitar Tone Settings

AC/DC · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird 'The Beast'
Pickups
Gretsch Filter'Tron (bridge position)
Amp
Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Plexi)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1975. Malcolm Young's Gretsch was modified to have only the bridge pickup active. The amp was likely cranked to achieve natural power tube distortion.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
4.5
Gain
7
Reverb
0
Treble
6.5
Presence
5

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Tone Character

  • raw and biting
  • powerful midrange punch
  • clarity and articulation
  • dynamic response
  • minimal processing
  • unadulterated rock 'n' roll power
  • cranked amp saturation
  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive attack
  • natural power tube distortion

Sources