Highway to Hell amp settings — Marshall MG15R

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Highway to Hell”, dialed in for a Marshall MG15R with a Epiphone SG Special. Studio version, Highway to Hell album (1979), Roundhouse Studios London

Original rig

1968 Gibson SG Standard with T-Top humbuckers → Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W Plexi (cranked, jumpered High Treble + Normal inputs), Celestion G12-65 speakers, Schaffer-Vega wireless for subtle boost

Crunchy, tight mid-forward rhythm with British bark and natural tube breakup

Amp settings — Marshall MG15R

CHANNELOD1 (Overdrive 1)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	4
Mid	7
Treble	5
Presence	5
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME6

Why these settings

The MG15R's OD1 channel is voiced brighter and thinner than a cranked Plexi, so mid is pushed to 7 (vs original 6) to compensate for the solid-state midrange scoop, and treble dropped to 5 to tame the fizz. Your Epiphone SG's humbuckers are lower output than Angus's T-Tops, so gain stays at 6 to get adequate crunch without mud.

PRO TIPAngus controls his dynamics with the guitar volume knob — rhythm parts at 5-6, solos cranked to 10. Practice this technique rather than leaving volume maxed; it's how he gets that responsive, breathing quality.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshall MG15R. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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More tones for the Marshall MG15R

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