GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Thunderstruck Solo Guitar Tone Settings — AC/DC
AC/DC · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1968-1971, with lightning bolt inlays)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock, medium output, likely T-Top or patent sticker)
Amp
Marshall 1959SLP 100-watt Super Lead (vintage, late 60s/early 70s) into Marshall 1960BX 4x12 cabinets with Celestion Greenback speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1990 (The Razors Edge album). Angus Young is known for running straight into the amp with no pedals except for the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless (used as a boost/compressor in studio). No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the solo. All sources confirm basic signal chain. No effects loop. No amp reverb or delay used.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass4.5
Gain5.5
Reverb0.5
Treble5
Presence3.5
Effects Chain
- Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (used as wireless boost/compressor in studio) · boost
Gibson SG Standard → Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (boost/compressor) → Marshall 1959SLP Super Lead → Marshall 1960BX 4x12 (Celestion Greenbacks)
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Tone Character
- tight, articulate attack
- classic British crunch
- clear note separation
- singing sustain in solo
- bright, biting top end
- medium output humbucker clarity
- dynamic, touch-sensitive response
- raw, direct amp tone
- no pedal coloration
- no audible reverb or delay
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio knob settings for Thunderstruck solo found; amp settings are based on rig rundown and forum posts referencing Angus's typical studio setup.
- No evidence of any pedals or effects (delay, chorus, reverb, etc.) used on the Thunderstruck solo; all sources confirm straight guitar-to-amp signal chain.
- Schaffer-Vega wireless system used as a boost/compressor in studio, but not a pedal; included as part of signal chain for accuracy.
- Settings are averaged from forum posts and known Angus Young amp practices; minor variation possible between live and studio.
- No amp reverb or delay used; the solo is dry and direct.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Angus Young's 'Thunderstruck' solo tone is classic Marshall crunch—medium gain, strong mids, and bright treble for cut, with moderate bass and presence for clarity. The recording is dry with little to no reverb, matching late '80s/early '90s AC/DC production and Angus's typical amp settings.