Highway to Hell amp settings — Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Highway to Hell”, dialed in for a Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122 with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Highway to Hell album (1979), Roundhouse Studios London, produced by Mutt Lange

Original rig

1968 Gibson SG Standard with T-Top humbuckers → Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W Plexi (non-master-volume, cranked), Schaffer-Vega wireless as subtle boost

Crunchy, aggressive rhythm with scooped mids, tight low-end thump, and biting high-end attack — power amp saturation, not preamp gain

Amp settings — Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122

CHANNELCrunch (Green channel)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	7
Mid	4
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME6

Why these settings

The TSL's Crunch channel approximates Plexi breakup better than the Lead channel, which is too saturated and compressed for this open, dynamic tone. Gain at 6 (not maxed) because the TSL has a master volume and preamp gain staging the Plexi lacked — the original's crunch came from power section saturation at volume, not preamp clipping. Mids dropped to 4 to replicate the classic 'Marshall smile' scoop; your Epiphone's humbuckers are close to the original SG's T-Tops, so no major guitar compensation needed.

PRO TIPAngus controls dynamics with his guitar volume knob — rhythm parts sit around 5-6, solos crank to 10. Practice this live volume-knob technique rather than stepping on a boost pedal; it's central to the AC/DC sound and will clean up your crunch channel for verses without losing edge.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.