Thunderstruck amp settings — Marshall MG15FX

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Thunderstruck”, dialed in for a Marshall MG15FX with a Jet guitars Stratocaster. Studio version, The Razors Edge (1990)

Original rig

Malcolm: 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird (single Filter'tron humbucker) → Marshall Super Bass 1992 head (Presence: 3, Bass: 1, Mid: 5, Treble: 6, Volume: 7). Angus: Gibson SG Standard → Marshall 1959SLP Plexi. No pedals.

Tight, clangy rhythm crunch with pronounced midrange honk and minimal low-end; bright and aggressive without fizz

Amp settings — Marshall MG15FX

CHANNELOD1 (Crunch)

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The MG15FX's OD1 channel approximates the cranked-clean-to-edge-of-breakup Marshall voicing. Bass dropped to 2 (original was 1) because the MG's solid-state low end is tighter than a tube Super Bass — you need slightly more to avoid sounding thin. Mid pushed to 7 to capture Malcolm's signature midrange honk. Your Strat's single coils are brighter and lower output than a Filter'tron humbucker, so treble stays moderate at 6 and gain bumps slightly higher than a tube amp would need.

PRO TIPMalcolm's secret was palm-muting placement — rest your picking hand closer to the bridge saddles than usual, and use all downstrokes with a heavy pick. This creates that percussive 'chunk' that defines the Thunderstruck rhythm. Roll your Strat's tone knob to 8 to tame the single-coil ice-pick without losing attack.

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These settings are for a Marshall MG15FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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