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rhythm guitar from “it's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock 'n' roll)” by ac/dc | ToneDB

it's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock 'n' roll)

ac/dc

rhythm guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A raw, powerful, and slightly overdriven rhythm guitar tone that provides a solid foundation for the song. It's characterized by its punchy attack, warm sustain, and overall aggressive feel.

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The Story

AC/DC recorded "It's a Long Way to the Top" at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, with Angus Young likely using his Gibson SG through a Marshall JTM45 amplifier. The raw, punchy tone was captured with close-miking techniques using a Shure SM57 microphone, and the recording may have included a direct input signal blended with the mic'd cabinet for added clarity and attack.

Production Credits

Producer: Harry Vanda, George Young

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Albert Studios, Sydney, Australia

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson SG equipped with humbucker pickups.
  • Use a Marshall JTM45 amp and set the gain to achieve a moderate level of overdrive.
  • Place a Shure SM57 microphone close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis.
  • In your DAW, blend the mic'd signal with a direct input signal to add clarity and punch.
  • Use a subtle EQ to shape the tone, focusing on the midrange frequencies.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone SG StandardShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Gibson SG

Features dual humbuckers like Angus's SG and delivers that punchy midrange attack essential for early AC/DC rhythm tones at a budget-friendly price

Marshall Origin 50HShop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Marshall JTM45

Based on the JTM45 circuit with modern reliability, providing that warm, crunchy overdrive when cranked that defines this classic AC/DC sound

Marshall JTM45 2245 ReissueShop on Reverb$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Marshall JTM45

Faithful recreation of the original JTM45 circuit used on the recording, delivering authentic plexi-era Marshall tone and response

Neural DSP Fortin Nameless SuitePlugin Boutique$120-$150

Alternative to: Marshall JTM45

Includes excellent Marshall-style amp models that can nail the raw, aggressive rhythm tone with proper speaker cab simulation

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

The exact same microphone model used on the original recording, still the industry standard for capturing guitar cabinets

Sources

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