Tone Profile

A searing, high-voltage rock tone with exceptional clarity and sustain for the iconic main riff, driven by a cranked Marshall and the unique character of a Schaffer-Vega preamp.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The iconic intro riff is played by Angus Young using a distinctive technique: fretting notes on one string (typically the B string) with his left hand using hammer-ons and pull-offs, while consistently picking the open string with his right hand.
• The guitar sound for the riff is surprisingly clear with a sharp, percussive attack, with much of the drive coming from the amp's power section and the SVDS, rather than heavy preamp distortion.
• The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) wireless unit, used by Angus Young, is a crucial and often overlooked component. Its built-in preamp, clean boost, and subtle compression contributed significantly to his sustain and signature tone, even when he was plugged in with a cable.
• Minimal studio effects were used on the lead guitar beyond the SVDS and amp drive; perhaps a touch of studio reverb and EQ.
• The album 'The Razors Edge' was produced by Bruce Fairbairn and engineered by Mike Fraser, known for achieving powerful rock guitar sounds.
• Multiple microphones might have been used on the cabinet, with an SM57 close-up being a standard, possibly blended with a condenser like a Neumann U87 further back for ambience.

Recreation Tips

• Use a Gibson SG or a similar guitar equipped with humbucking pickups.
• A Marshall-style amplifier is essential (e.g., JCM800, Plexi, or high-quality emulations). Focus on power amp saturation by running the master volume high, keeping preamp gain moderate.
• Boost the treble and presence controls on your amplifier to achieve the characteristic AC/DC bite.
• The 'Thunderstruck' riff technique is paramount: Practice the left-hand legato (hammer-ons/pull-offs) on a single string (e.g., B string: notes B, A, G, E, D, E, G, E) while consistently picking the open B string. Ensure all other strings are muted to maintain clarity.
• To replicate the SVDS effect, consider using a replica pedal such as the SoloDallas The Schaffer Replica. This will provide the necessary clean boost, sustain, and harmonic richness.
• If miking an amp, use a dynamic microphone like a Shure SM57 positioned close to the speaker cone, slightly off-center.
• Avoid using excessive distortion or modulation effects. The core tone is raw, direct, and dynamic.

Recommended Gear

• Gibson SG Standard(guitar)
• Marshall JCM800 2203(amp)
• Marshall 1959 Super Lead (Plexi)(amp)
• SoloDallas The Schaffer Replica (EX Tower or Pedal)(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• Celestion G12-65 Speaker(preamp)