AC/DC is known for their iconic “loud” sound, and part of that comes from the amps they use in their performances. Over the band’s four-decade career, AC/DC have used a variety of amp brands and models.
Angus Young, the founding lead guitarist for the band, has historically favored the Marshall amp. He has mainly used two versions of the classic brand’s stack: a JCM 800 2203, which he began using in 1981 and continues to use today, and the 1959 Super Lead, which was used in the band’s earlier years.
Brian Johnson, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, has primarily used the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier model, and Phil Rudd, the former drummer and percussionist, used Ludwig 400 Double Bass amps. Malcolm Young, the other founding lead guitarist, favored the Fender Twin Reverb amp.
The various amps used by the band create a unique and powerful sound which has become part of AC/DC’s signature style.
How do I get ACDC sound on my amp?
If you want to get that classic AC/DC sound on your amp, there are a few things you should consider. First, you will need to use an amp with some level of gain. Many AC/DC tracks are recorded with a Marshall amp, so you may consider getting an amp with a similar sound.
Second, you should use an overdrive or distortion pedal to get the saturated sound that AC/DC is known for. You can find pedals specifically voiced to sound like a Marshall amp, which can help you get a similar sound to what AC/DC used.
Finally, you may want to add a bit of chorus or delay to the signal chain as well, which will help add some of the classic AC/DC vibe. With these elements in place, you should be able to get a great AC/DC sound out of your amp.
How do you get the ACDC guitar sound?
To get the classic AC/DC guitar sound we all know and love, you will need to make sure you have a few key elements in place.
First, you’ll need a good amp head. AC/DC are most known for their Marshall stack, but you can get similar tones with other amps. Make sure to set the controls to a medium-high gain setting.
Second, you’ll need a clean and bright guitar—preferably a Fender Strat or Tele for the iconic AC/DC riffs.
Third, you’ll want to equip your guitar with aged pickups. Stock pickups in modern guitars tend to give a smoother and less aggressive sound, so if you can acquire a set of vintage-style pickups, they will be closer to the sound Angus Young achieved.
Finally, you’ll need to use a moderate amount of active distortion. Overdriving the preamp on the amp will give you more sustain and crunch, plus it’ll help to mix the notes in the rhythm. Get creative with the effects, but don’t forget to spend time getting your fundamental guitar sound dialed in.
Mix all these elements together and you’ll have a nice, crunchy, AC/DC sound.
Does ACDC use distortion or overdrive?
AC/DC has always been known for their signature sound, which features a combination of big chords and power riffs, as well as heavy blues influence. Much of this signature sound is due to the use of distortion and overdrive on their guitar riffs and solos.
While AC/DC does utilize distortion quite frequently, it also does not rely solely on it, as their sound relies heavily on the combination of both distortion and overdrive.
Distortion is used to change the sound of an instrument or voice by emphasizing certain qualities such as pitch, harmonic distortion, and volume, while overdrive is a type of distortion effect where the gain or volume is increased to the point where it clips the sound wave, creating a smooth, fuzzy tone.
Using both of these effects together, AC/DC is able to create the explosive sound they are known for. From the heavy crunch of the rhythm guitar parts to the raunchy leads of lead guitarist Angus Young, AC/DC is able to create a powerful and driving sound that still stands the test of time.
How do I make my amp sound crunchy?
In order to make your amp sound more “crunchy,” the most important factor is to tweak your gain setting. This is usually done with the preamp gain or master volume knob (depending on the amp) and should be adjusted until the distortion desired is achieved.
Additionally, increasing your mids can help give your amp a more “crunchy” sound. This can be done with the amp’s EQ knobs, or through a distortion or overdrive pedal. Pay close attention to the attack of your guitar strings; if the attack is too light, the amp may sound less than crunchy.
Finally, the presence can often make an amp sound more barky or “crunchy”, and can be adjusted with the amp’s presence control knob. Ultimately, adjusting these settings will take some trial and error, but tweaking your preamp gain, mids, and presence should help you achieve the “crunchy” sound you’re looking for.
What tuning is ACDC in?
AC/DC is an Australian rock band that has made its mark in the music world with their iconic blues-inspired sound. The group has stayed true to the same hard rock tuning since they first gained fame in the 1970s, and their signature sound is commonly referred to as “AC/DC tuning.”
AC/DC tuning consists of two guitars typically playing in unison, often with a 5th interval—playing the same note but at two octaves apart. The two guitars are tuned to either E-flat or B-flat, with one guitar tuned down a full step.
Additionally, the low E string on the guitar is often tuned down two steps to a D to give it a more gritty tone. The majority of AC/DC songs are written in either the key of B-flat, E-flat, or a combination of the two.
This tuning is often used by other classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, and many others.
Is ACDC in standard tuning?
No, AC/DC does not typically use standard tuning. They’re known for playing most of their songs at least a half-step, or two semitones, lower than standard tuning (E♭ instead of E). This difference in tuning gives their sound a unique driving crunch that has become a signature of the band.
The lower tuning is thought to be conducive to the blues-based hard rock sound their recordings are known for.
Does ACDC use reverb?
AC/DC is not known for making heavy use of reverb in their recordings. However, they have used it on certain songs in small, subtle doses. For example, the rhythm guitar on their classic anthem “Back In Black” features a slight reverb, adding to the already powerful and unmistakable tone of their lead guitarist, Angus Young.
In addition, reverb was used sparingly on the vocals of their hit single “You Shook Me All Night Long” to create a bigger, brighter sound emanating from the choruses. When AC/DC did use reverb, they kept it to a minimum, ultimately choosing to rely on the strength of their music, rather than heavily layering it with effects.
What amps did ACDC use on Back in Black?
AC/DC famously used legendary British amplifiers for the recording of Back in Black. The main guitars were recorded using Marshall 1959 SLP reissue 100-watt Super Lead amplifiers that were mic’d up using Shure SM57s.
The lead guitar parts were tracked with a Marshall JMP 50 Super Lead amp and a Fender Dual Showman Amp. For the soaring solos, Angus Young used a 1964 Vox AC30 guitar amp mic’d with a Neumann U87 microphone.
The rhythm guitars were recorded through a Fender Bandmaster amp and an MXR Distortion+ pedal. The bass was recorded with an Ampeg B15 amp. All the amplifiers were then recorded to a modified EMI TG12410 preamp/equalizer.
This combination of classic British amplifiers helped give the iconic album its instantly recognizable in-your-face sound.
What is the ACDC amp?
The ACDC amp is an amplifier that was designed and is manufactured by the ACDC company, an international leader in music amplification technology. The ACDC amp is based on a classic design that was popularized during the days of guitar rock—its ability to deliver terrific acoustics married with robust power and a no-nonsense design makes it a perfect choice for the home studio and the stage.
It has an impressive built-in preamp and tone filter that gives your guitar a smoother, more powerful tone. The ACDC amp also features a powerful Class AB power stage, which offers distortion-free sound even when cranked up to maximum volumes.
On top of that, its sturdy metal housing, and intuitive single-knob control makes it an ideal choice for the experienced and novice musician alike.
In conclusion, the ACDC amp is a superior quality amplifier designed with versatility and reliability in mind; it is an ideal option for the home or live performer who desires excellent sound quality with minimal effort.
What type of amp did Kurt Cobain use?
Kurt Cobain used a Fender Twin Reverb Amp for live performances and recordings with Nirvana. It was one of his favorite pieces of equipment and was a mainstay on tour with him. The Fender Twin Reverb Amp is a classic Fender amp and has a rich history in rock & roll music.
It produces a big, bold sound and is perfect for getting the “Nirvana” sound. It’s equipped with two 12 inch speakers for heavy bass and an adjustable reverb tank for added depth and resonance. Its great clean tones, gain control, and overdrive capabilities make it a great choice for achieving Nirvana’s signature sound.
Kurt’s setup additionally included a chorus pedal, delay pedal, and four-band EQ, as well as variations of audio processors he used.
Why SG is better than Les Paul?
The SG (Solid Guitar) is one of the most popular and iconic guitars in the world. It is often compared to its direct precursor, the Les Paul, and while they share many similarities, the SG has certain advantages that make it the preferred choice for many guitarists.
For one, the SG features a sharper, double cutaway design that allows better access to the higher frets. This is beneficial for lead guitarists who excel at complex solos and need to play the higher notes with ease.
In contrast, the Les Paul is a single-cutaway design and its pickguard limits access to the upper frets.
The SG also offers a lighter feel which allows for more maneuverability on stage. As a result, it is preferred by many of the world’s most renowned stage performers and professional touring guitarists.
In comparison, the Les Paul can be quite heavy; modern designers have tried to address this issue with lightweight mahogany and maple top-wood which has reduced the weight of the instrument but it still can’t compare to the SG’s lightweight frame.
Lastly, the SG produces a sharper sound than the Les Paul due to its thin, curved neck joint and thinner body. This is partially why the SG is the preferred instrument in genres such as rock, metal, punk, and alternative; its tones are bright, snappy, and easily driven.
In comparison, the Les Paul is typically seen as a jazzier, smoother sounding guitar.
To sum up, the SG has proven its position as one of the world’s most popular guitars for its lightweight feel, easy access to higher frets, and versatile sound options. While the Les Paul does have its virtues, the SG has become the go-to choice for most guitarists due to its unbeatable combination of style, performance, and tone.
What is Angus Young’s signature guitar?
Angus Young’s signature guitar is the Gibson SG. It was first introduced in 1961 as part of the Gibson Les Paul family. Young first used the instrument in 1975 and it has since become synonymous with his fiery and energetic style.
The guitar is easily recognisable by its distinctive double-cutaway body shape, as well as its three humbucking pickups and a single horn pickguard. It is known for its thick tone and plenty of sustain, and it is one of the most popular Gibson electric guitars in history.
Young often customises his SGs with stickers and paint, and he is known to use a variety of guitar amplifiers to get his signature AC/DC sound.
Does ACDC accept sound like?
No, AC/DC does not accept sound like most other rock bands. The band is known for its signature sound that combines hard rock riffs and heavy drums with blues-inspired vocal melodies and a strong focus on “The Rock”.
They are credited with pioneering a new style of hard rock sound which has been adopted by other bands since their inception in 1975. Known as the “specially designed sound of AC/DC”, this style uses distorted guitars with driving rhythm and powerful vocals.
AC/DC’s sound often features two guitars in harmony, along with the thunderous rhythm section. All of these components add to their overall hard rock sound, which has earned them legions of fans.
What is AC musical instrument?
An AC musical instrument (also known as an “ACM”) is a type of musical instrument that relies primarily on the transduction of electric signals, rather than acoustic vibrations. This means that ACM instruments use sound-making technology, including electronics and digital sound processing, to create sound or musical effects.
Examples of AC musical instruments include synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, drum kits, electric pianos and organs, and other electric or electronic instruments.
In contrast to acoustic instruments, the sound produced with an AC instrument is dependent on the user’s control of the electronic components, allowing them to be manipulated to create a wide variety of sounds, timbres, and textures.
With an AC instrument, the musician can integrate multiple sound sources to achieve desired effects, as well as adjust parameters like attack, decay, sustain, and release. AC instruments often have the capability to store and recall preset sounds, and many come equipped with built-in sound modulation capabilities, making it easier to create complex digital sounds.
AC instruments have become a popular choice for music producers, composers, and musicians due to their versatility and ease of use. By using AC instruments, a musician can make studio-quality recordings without the need for elaborate acoustic set ups or multiple microphones.
