Highway to Hell amp settings — Vox VT40X

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Highway to Hell”, dialed in for a Vox VT40X with a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster. Studio version, Highway to Hell (1979), recorded at Roundhouse Studios, London

Original rig

1968 Gibson SG Standard (humbuckers) → Schaffer-Vega wireless (preamp boost) → Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi 100W cranked, Marshall 4x12 with Celestion G12-65 speakers

Crunchy, mid-forward rock rhythm with tight top-end bite and punchy low-mids — raw but polished power amp overdrive

Amp settings — Vox VT40X

CHANNELUK ROCK (Vox amp model selector)BOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE6 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Original used high-output SG humbuckers; your Strat single coils are brighter and lower output, so gain +1 (7 vs original ~6) compensates for weaker signal, mid pushed to 7 to restore the SG's thick midrange punch, and treble dropped to 4 to tame the Strat's natural ice-pick highs. Tone knob at 6 warms the bridge single coil closer to humbucker territory. VT40X's UK Rock model approximates the Plexi's mid-forward bark.

PRO TIPAngus controls his dynamics entirely from his right hand and guitar volume knob — for authentic feel, dig in hard with the pick on downstrokes and roll your volume to 7-8 for the verse, then slam it to 10 for choruses.

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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