Highway to hell amp settings — Vox VT40X

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Highway to hell”, dialed in for a Vox VT40X with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Highway to Hell (1979) — iconic main rhythm riff

Original rig

1970s Marshall 1959 100W Super Lead (Plexi), jumpered inputs, cranked power amp; Gibson SG Standard (T-Top humbuckers); Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless unit

Cranked Marshall power-amp crunch, mid-forward growl, dynamic and responsive with high open-chord clarity

Amp settings — Vox VT40X

CHANNELBRIT 1959 amp model (Class A/AB mode)BOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Vox VT40X's BRIT 1959 model replicates the cranked Marshall Plexi response directly without external pedals. The Epiphone SG humbuckers match Angus Young's output well, so keeping the mids and treble pushed captures the signature upper-mid kerrang while maintaining chord definition. Keep onboard reverb off as the studio track is famously bone-dry.

PRO TIPAngus Young gets his aggressive bite by striking open chords hard right next to the bridge saddles with a stiff heavy pick, letting the power-amp crunch compress the initial transient.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Vox VT40X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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