Thunderstruck amp settings — Marshall 8100

The Ac/dc guitar tone for “Thunderstruck”, dialed in for a Marshall 8100 with a Duesenberg Starplayer Special. Studio version, The Razors Edge (1990) — iconic tapped intro and rhythm riff

Original rig

1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird with single Filter'tron humbucker, 1971 Marshall JMP Super Bass 100W (Presence 3, Bass 1, Mid 5, Treble 6, Volume 7), Marshall 1960B 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s, no pedals

Tight, clangy rhythm crunch with midrange honk, minimal bass, power-amp grind without preamp fizz — clean-loud on the edge of breakup

Amp settings — Marshall 8100

CHANNELClean (Channel 1)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	4
Bass	2
Mid	6
Treble	7
Presence	4
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The 8100 is a high-gain solid-state head — use the Clean channel to avoid preamp distortion that Malcolm's tone lacks. His Super Bass had bass at 1; your 8100's tighter low-end allows bass 2. Mid 6 and treble 7 replicate the midrange honk and string clang. Push master volume to let the power section add slight grit without preamp saturation.

PRO TIPMalcolm's secret was playing LOUD and CLEAN — the grind came from power-amp breakup, not preamp gain. Dig in hard with a heavy pick (1mm+) near the bridge for that percussive attack; lighten your touch for the tapped intro to keep it articulate.

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These settings are for a Marshall 8100. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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