How can I recreate the Highway to Hell tone on my own amp?

Start from the reported guitar, pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order, then translate that target to your own equipment. ToneTwin models the controls for the amp and pedals you actually choose.

Highway to Hell

Q: What gear was used for the Highway to Hell guitar tone?

The available research points to Gibson 1970 Gibson SG Standard into Marshall 1959 Super Lead. See the full signal chain and individual evidence notes on this page.

Q: What tuning is Highway to Hell in?

The research record lists the tuning as Standard. Check the cited evidence and correction note if the recording has competing published accounts.

AC/DC

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The recording

Angus Young recorded the main riff using a 1968 Gibson SG Standard with PAF‑style humbuckers, plugged straight into a cranked 1959 Marshall Super Lead Plexi at Roundhouse Studios. No pedals were used; a Schaffer‑Vega wireless unit added a subtle pre‑amp boost that tightened the top end. [faderandknob.com](https://faderandknob.com/recipe/angus-highway-to-hell-riff)

Tuning E A D G B E

Signal chain

Reported gear

1968 Gibson SG Standard

Guitar

Angus Young used a 1968 Gibson SG Standard with PAF‑style humbuckers for the riff, delivering a bright, aggressive tone that cuts through the mix.

Schaffer‑Vega wireless preamp boost

Wireless preamp

A Schaffer‑Vega wireless unit provided a subtle pre‑amp boost, tightening the top end of Young’s SG signal.

1959 Marshall Super Lead Plexi

Amp

The SG was plugged straight into a cranked 1959 Marshall Super Lead Plexi, driving the power tubes into saturation for the iconic overdriven tone.

1965 Marshall 4x12 Greenback 25‑inch

Cabinet

The amp was paired with a 4×12 Greenback 25‑inch cabinet, delivering the classic British rock crunch.

Alternatives

Epiphone SG Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1968 Gibson SG Standard

$250 to $350

Marshall JCM800 100W

Modern equivalent · for the 1959 Marshall Super Lead Plexi

$1,200 to $1,800

Fender Wireless System

Modern equivalent · for the Schaffer‑Vega wireless preamp boost

$200 to $300

Marshall 1960 4x12 Greenback Cabinet

Still made · for the 1965 Marshall 4x12 Greenback 25‑inch

$800 to $1,200

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1.Attack the strings with a strong down‑stroke for maximum bite.
2.Use the bridge pickup to capture the SG’s bright, cutting tone.
3.Let the amp’s natural breakup shape the sustain; avoid excessive pedal gain.
4.Keep the picking hand tight and rhythmically consistent for the chug.

Sources

Angus Young's Highway to Hell Riff Tone – Fader & Knob Highway to Hell – AC/DC Amp Settings – Guitar Chalk AC/DC Rhythm Tone Recipe – Fader & Knob Angus Young – AC/DC Guitar Gear – Guitar Kizai Hikaku Guitar Tone AC/DC Highway To Hell – Marshall Forum

Frequently asked questions

What gear was used for the Highway to Hell guitar tone?

The available research points to 1968 Gibson SG Standard into Schaffer‑Vega wireless preamp boost. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.

Are the original Highway to Hell amp settings documented?

Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.

What tuning is Highway to Hell in?

The current research record lists E A D G B E. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.

How do I recreate the Highway to Hell tone on my own gear?

Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.

Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.