Get this tone on your rig
Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
On "Thunderstruck", Angus Young’s searing lead is captured with a Gibson SG Standard using the bridge humbucker, played with the volume knob rolled back for the clean, rapid hammer‑on/pull‑off intro and then opened up for the full‑tone choruses. Malcolm Young’s rhythm chords were tracked on a 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird, delivering a thick, mid‑heavy sound.
Tuning E standard (E A D G B E)·Strings Ernie Ball Super Slinky .009‑.042
Signal chain
Reported gear
1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird
Guitar
Malcolm Young recorded the rhythm parts on his 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird, providing chunky, warm chord tones that anchor the song’s foundation.
Gibson SG Standard
Guitar
Angus Young’s blistering lead on “Thunderstruck” was played through a Gibson SG Standard with the bridge humbucker, delivering the bright, cutting attack needed for the rapid riff.
Marshall 1959 Super Lead
Amp
Both guitars were driven into a cranked Marshall 1959 Super Lead head, producing the raw, aggressive tone that defines the track.
Alternatives
Gretsch G6130 Jet Firebird
Modern equivalent · for the 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird
Marshall Super Lead 50W Reissue
Reissue · for the Marshall 1959 Super Lead
Epiphone SG Standard
Modern equivalent · for the Gibson SG Standard
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Roll the guitar volume knob back for the intro, then crank it up for the chorus and solo.
- 2.Use a fast hammer‑on/pull‑off pattern on the B string, keeping the pick close to the bridge.
- 3.Pick the bridge humbucker with a tight grip to emphasize clarity and sustain.
- 4.Mute dead strings quickly to maintain the tight legato feel.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Thunderstruck guitar tone?
The available research points to 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird into Marshall 1959 Super Lead. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Thunderstruck 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 Thunderstruck in?
The current research record lists E standard (E A D G B E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Thunderstruck 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.
