rhythm guitar from “back in black” by ac/dc | ToneDB
back in black
ac/dc
rhythm guitar
95% ai confidence
Tone Profile
A powerful, crunchy, and clear rhythm tone with strong midrange presence, achieved through a cranked non-master volume Marshall.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Gretsch G6131 Jet Firebird ('The Beast', heavily modified)
Amp: Marshall Super Lead Plexi (likely 1959SLP) or JMP 2203/2204
Microphone: Shure SM57 / Neumann U87
Other: Amp volume set extremely high ('dimed'). Minimal effects, potentially subtle studio compression/EQ during mixing.
Recording Notes
- Recorded at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas.
- Produced by Robert John 'Mutt' Lange.
- Malcolm's parts were often single-tracked to maintain clarity against Angus's parts.
- Emphasis on driving the power tubes of the Marshall amp for natural overdrive.
- The Gretsch Jet used had the neck and middle pickups removed, leaving only the bridge Filter'Tron pickup.
- Heavy gauge strings were likely used (e.g., .012-.056).
Recreation Tips
- Use a guitar with a bridge humbucker (Filter'Tron style preferred).
- Employ a Marshall Plexi or JMP-style amplifier.
- Turn the amplifier volume up significantly to achieve power tube saturation. Keep preamp gain relatively low if using a master volume model.
- Avoid using distortion pedals; the overdrive should come from the amp.
- Use a hard picking attack with heavy-gauge strings.
- Focus on playing open chords cleanly and powerfully.
- Set amp EQ for a strong midrange, moderate bass, and present treble.