lead guitar from “thunder” by acdc | ToneDB
thunder
acdc
lead guitar
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
Classic, raw, and powerful AC/DC lead guitar tone with a biting midrange and crunchy overdrive. Think stadium rock with a bluesy edge.
Gear
- Gibson SGinstrument
- Reverb$1421Sweetwater
- Marshall JTM45amp
- ReverbSweetwater
- Neumann U67microphone
- ReverbSweetwater
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The Story
On AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," Angus Young used his signature Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall amp setup. The recording took place during the Razors Edge sessions, with the guitar sound featuring the characteristic Marshall crunch that became synonymous with AC/DC's stadium rock approach. The tone showcases Young's preference for cranked tube amps to achieve natural overdrive and sustain.
Production Credits
Producer: Harry Vanda
Engineer: Mark Opitz
Recorded at: Miraval Studios, France
Signal Chain
Instrument: Gibson SG
Amp: Marshall JTM45
Microphone: Neumann U67
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Gibson SG and dial in a moderately overdriven tone on a Marshall-style amp.
- Focus on the midrange frequencies to get that signature AC/DC bite.
- Experiment with different microphone positions to find the best balance of clarity and warmth.
Original Gear
- Gibson SG(guitar)
- Marshall JTM45(amp)
- Neumann U67(mic)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Gibson SG Standard
Delivers the essential SG humbucker sound and sustain at a fraction of the cost, perfect for achieving Angus Young's bite
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Marshall JTM45
20-watt plexi-style head captures the JTM45's tube saturation and midrange crunch at manageable volumes
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Marshall amplifier
Combines Blues Breaker and Angry Charlie circuits to push any amp into AC/DC-style Marshall territory
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Marshall amp tone
Includes accurate plexi-style amp models that nail the vintage Marshall crunch heard on classic AC/DC records
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Neumann U67
Industry standard dynamic mic that captures the midrange punch and presence needed for AC/DC-style lead tones
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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