Thunderstruck Amp Settings
by AC/DC
Thunderstruck opens with one of rock's most iconic guitar intros — a rapid-fire hammer-on/pull-off pattern on the B string. The tone is bright, cutting, and clean enough to hear every single note at speed, while still having enough gain to sustain.
What Makes This Tone Iconic
What sets Thunderstruck apart is the clarity required. The intro riff demands a tone that's clean enough for individual notes to ring out during rapid legato playing, yet gritty enough to rock during the chorus. It's a masterclass in how a great tone serves the song's dynamics.
Key Tone Elements
- Marshall 1959 Super Lead with moderate gain for note clarity
- SVDS compression keeping dynamics tight during fast legato passages
- Bridge humbucker on Gibson SG for brightness and attack
- Rapid hammer-on/pull-off technique (not tapping)
- Volume knob rolled back for cleaner intro, full up for choruses
Original Recording Settings
Original Gear
- Guitar
- Gibson SG Standard
- Pickups
- Stock Gibson humbuckers (bridge)
- Amplifier
- Marshall 1959 Super Lead / Wizard Modern Classic
- Channel
- High treble input
- Tuning
- standard
- Pickup Selector
- bridge
- Strings
- 0.009-0.042 (Ernie Ball Super Slinky)
By Razors Edge era, transitioning to Wizard amps built by Rick St. Pierre.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
Playing Technique
Intro uses left-hand-only legato technique on B string - rapid hammer-ons/pull-offs. Fender Heavy picks. Wide vibrato.
Sources+
- Premier Guitar Rig Rundown: AC/DC, 2016
- Guitar World: Angus Young interviews
- Equipboard.com - Angus Young
Get This Tone on Your Gear
Adapt the "Thunderstruck" tone by AC/DC to your specific amp, guitar, and pedals.
Adapt to Your AmpFree — no account needed