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Here’s the breakdown of gear covered in this article:

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Angus Young’s guitars

1970/71 Gibson SG Standard

Young’s ‘70s SG isn’t just any guitar… it’s the guitar. The first in a long line of SGs, he acquired it at the tender age of 16 and has rocked it ever since, becoming an inseparable icon to the Gibson brand.

This hallmark SG featured the now-iconic Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, chrome pickups, the teardrop pickguard, and a reinforced neck volute to counter the infamous be-headstocks of vintage Gibsons.

As for the pickups, they’d have been the PAF originals which are so treasured amongst guitarists, with Young simply removing the pickup covers to get that extra jolt of output. If you want to recreate the vibe of the original, check out this Epiphone recreation of a similar era.

1967 Gibson SG Standard

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Another workhorse SG in the Young arsenal, this vintage warrior has accompanied the AC/DC man since the early days of the Let There Be Rock album. It’s a true road veteran that’s survived countless gigs and arena shows and remains a reliable workhorse to this day.

As Angus Young’s guitar and amp tech, Trace Foster, said, “he will play it till it’s out of tune… the last show, he played every single song but one on this guitar, and was in tune!”

Because it’s such an old reliable for Young, the ’67 SG requires constant maintenance.

The pots and electronics have been swapped and cleaned numerous times because of sweat and moisture damage, but everything is kept as close to Gibson Standard as possible – with the only exception being the custom wound wax potted Seymour Duncan pickups.

Set with 7.8 and 7.7 ohms resistances, these pups purr with a lower output vintage voice.

Go to any AC/DC show and there’s a high chance you’ll see this beast in the flesh!

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1970 Gibson SG Custom

A holy relic of guitardom, this SG is one of those musical artefacts that will be revered ‘til the end of time. Okay, maybe not that long, but as the main instrument for the legendary Back in Black tour, it’s earned a place in the Guitar Hall of Fame.

Originally a walnut colour and sporting three pickups with the bar tailpiece, this SG is probably one of the most modded mainstays in Young’s repertoire. It’s now (suitably) black and has had the middle pickup and bar tailpiece removed, in addition to a massive cavity ripped into the back body.

This sizeable hole accommodated Young’s wireless pack, as he was tired of the bulky unit getting bumped off his strap. The cavity has since been filled in and painted over, leaving a guitar that has its fair share of touring scars.

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Gibson SG Brian Ray

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A much newer acquisition compared to his older SG stalwarts, this Custom Shop model is a Brian Ray signature model.

As the guitarist for Paul McCartney for over 15 years, Ray has some serious music industry chops, and it speaks to Young’s reputation that he’d be gifted a bespoke version of Ray’s personal guitar.

Young plays it with the Bigsby removed and his custom pickups in place of the usual CustomBuckers loaded on a standard Brian Ray.

Other unique appointments that separate the signature from regular SGs are the contrasting white appointments and push/push electronics to thin out the sound of the pickups.

On top of all that, it sports a super sleek paint job that’s designed to highlight the wood grain. Based on classic Epiphone Casinos, this special translucent black went through quite the refining process to get it just right.

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Jaydee Custom SG

The Jaydee Custom SG is a unique and integral part of Angus Young’s guitar arsenal, showcasing lightning bolt inlays that became a key part of his aesthetic. Crafted by John Diggins in the late 1970s, this guitar was made at a time when Young was seeking something that could withstand the rigours of touring while providing the distinct, aggressive tone AC/DC is known for.

This custom-built SG features several modifications designed to enhance playability and sound. Notably, it might include a lighter body for easier manoeuvrability during Young’s high-energy performances, and custom-wound pickups tailored to produce a more pronounced, biting tone that cuts through the mix.

On top of these tweaks, a reinforced neck ensured minimal bending and bowing between sets, reducing the workload for his guitar techs.

Angus Young’s amps

Marshall Super Lead

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. A maxim that could be AC/DC’s band motto, as they’re all fond of sticking with what they know! And on that line of thinking, who doesn’t know the almighty Marshall Super Lead/Plexi series of amps?

So key to Young’s tone are these coveted amplifiers that he owns entire racks for stage and studio. During a tour, he can have as many as 60 Marshalls on standby, with a full-time amp technician to rebuild and repair units that blow out.

The reason Young uses so many Super Lead heads is for the variance of vintage amps, many of the pristine originals have such a variety of circuitry that they can all have subtly different sound characteristics. On top of that, he uses a mixture of original, unmodified Plexis and ‘80s reissue amps to create his rich, crackling tones.

One of the secret sauces for Young’s live tone is the custom biasing that they put every single amp through – making sure each of these beasts sounds ferocious regardless of the venue.

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Kikusui PCR4000M

OK, so this isn’t an amp. But it deserves its spot on the list as it’s so crucial to Young’s live sound. This massive blueish box functions as a huge power converter for the wall of amps he likes to use for shows and plays a crucial role in feeding those Marshalls with just the right amount of juice.

Designed in the UK, it’s said classic Marshalls run optimally on 236v of power, a sweet spot that creates just the right amount of push. Young takes it a step further and sets them at 238v for that extra spice, resulting in more than a few blown tubes per gig!

Wizard Vintage Modern 100W

If you’re going to replace a vintage Marshall, it can’t get much better than an amp that’s custom-built by your own guitar tech.

Designed to give a similar vibe and mojo as those elderly British amps but with the reliability and functionality of modern construction, Wizard Vintage Modern amps gave those Plexi-style roars in a package that could sustain continuous touring.

Built by AC/DC’s amp tech at the time, Rick St. Pierre, Wizard offered the classic trademark tones Young relied on, without the drawbacks of wizened old gear. Young used these for a period in the ‘90s but has since switched back to Marshalls.

Angus Young’s effects

Schaffer-Vega Diversity System

Coming in at the top of a very short list is the iconic Schaffer-Vega wireless system.  Widely regarded as the secret sauce to Young’s genre-defining tones, the Schaffer-Vega was one of the first reliable wireless guitar systems on the market – way back in the 1970s.

The Schaffer’s featured a preamp which added a slight colouration to the guitar tone, imbuing a gnarly boost that improved sustain and provided a characteristic crunch.

This distinct tone contributed significantly to the sonic identity of AC/DC during their peak years. Interestingly, the system wasn’t originally sought after for its tonal characteristics but rather for the freedom it granted on stage, allowing Young to move without the hindrance of cables. Yet, it’s this inadvertent tone shaping that’s made it a crucial part of his setup.

SoloDallas Schaffer Replica

Recognising the significance of the original Schaffer-Vega system’s contribution to Young’s sound, a modern solution was crafted in the form of the SoloDallas Schaffer Replica. This device is a faithful recreation of the original Schaffer-Vega’s preamp section, designed to emulate the tonal enhancements the system provided.

It’s a testament to how integral the Schaffer-Vega’s effect on Young’s tone was that a replica has been developed to capture that magic in a contemporary format. Young has incorporated this into his rig to maintain the essence of his historic sound while benefiting from modern reliability and ease of use.

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Strings, picks, and technique

String preference

Angus Young has been known to use Dean Markley strings for much of his career, drawn to their durability and the bright, sustaining tone they provide, which perfectly complements his aggressive playing style and the high-energy sound of AC/DC.

However, he’s not exclusive to one brand; Ernie Ball strings have also made appearances on his guitars. Nowadays he favours the plain old pink pack of 9-42 Slinkys – a very common set!

Guitar picks

Young’s picks of choice are the Fender extra heavy gauges. The chunky frames let him dig in for strong attacks and precise string plucks. If you’re going to replicate his choice of heavy pick and 9-gauge strings, just be careful on the E and B bends!

His signature picks are often used as giveaway items to fans and crowd members.

Angus Young’s playing technique

Angus Young’s guitar playing defines AC/DC’s powerhouse sound. His use of double-stop licks adds a full, gritty texture to riffs that drive the band’s anthemic tracks, and it’s these typical rock and blues licks that give the illusion of a larger ensemble.

While less commonly associated with folk chords, Young’s rhythm playing occasionally incorporates open chord voicings and barre chords. These techniques are seamlessly integrated with his more aggressive lead style.

Blues bends are another hallmark of Young’s style. He employs expressive, vocal-like bends, manipulating the string tension to achieve extremely precise tones. This not only adds emotional depth to his solos but also pays homage to the blues roots inherent in rock music. His bends, combined with a vigorous vibrato, embody the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

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FAQs

What guitar does Angus Young play?

Angus Young primarily plays Gibson SG models. His long-running relationship with the SG began with his very first guitar and continues to this day. His collection includes various SG Standard, Custom Shop, and signature models.

What size guitar strings does Angus Young use?

Angus Young uses 9-42 gauge Ernie Ball Slinky strings. In the past, he has favoured Dean Markley strings due to their bright, sustaining sound, but nowadays, he tends to opt for Ernie Ball Slinkys.

What was Angus Young’s first Gibson SG?

Angus Young’s first Gibson SG was a 70/71 SG Standard that he purchased as a young teenager. He used this guitar exclusively for the first few years of AC/DC and removed the pickup covers before subsequently swapping the pickups for humbuckers. He still has the guitar but no longer tours with it.

Final thoughts

From his signature strings and picks to the iconic Marshall amps, every piece of Young’s equipment – beyond just the Gibson SG – plays a part in creating the unforgettable AC/DC sound.

Interested in channelling your inner rock legend? Dive deeper into how you can emulate Angus Young’s legendary tone, regardless of your budget. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to “steal the sound” of Angus Young, offering insights and tips for players of all levels.