What Guitar Did Angus Young Play? A Gear Guide

What Guitar Did Angus Young Play? Angus Young predominantly plays Gibson SGs, and this has been his signature guitar for decades, becoming synonymous with AC/DC’s high-energy performances and iconic sound. Join guitarplayers.net as we explore the history and evolution of his go-to axes, from vintage models to custom creations, and discover how these instruments have shaped his legendary career, all while exploring how you can learn to play like him with our lessons, find the perfect tabs, and connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts.

1. What Makes the Gibson SG Angus Young’s Signature Guitar?

The Gibson SG is Angus Young’s signature guitar due to its lightweight design, high fret access, and aggressive tone, all of which perfectly complement his energetic stage presence and raw blues-rock style, making it an iconic pairing in rock history. Let’s delve deeper into why this guitar has become so synonymous with Angus Young and AC/DC’s sound.

Lightweight Design: The SG’s slim mahogany body makes it comfortable for Young to wield during his high-energy performances, allowing him to move freely across the stage without being weighed down.
High Fret Access: The SG’s double-cutaway design provides easy access to the upper frets, enabling Young to execute his blistering solos and high-pitched riffs with precision and fluidity.
Aggressive Tone: The combination of the SG’s mahogany body, humbucker pickups, and short scale length delivers a raw, biting tone that is perfect for AC/DC’s hard-rocking sound.
Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of touring, the Gibson SG is a reliable instrument that can handle the wear and tear of Young’s demanding performance schedule.
Iconic Status: Over the years, the Gibson SG has become visually synonymous with Angus Young and AC/DC, solidifying its place in rock history as one of the most recognizable guitar pairings.

2. Which Gibson SG Model Did Angus Young Use on “Back in Black”?

Angus Young primarily used a modified 1970 Gibson SG Custom on the “Back in Black” tour, a guitar that has become a holy relic in guitardom. This guitar, originally walnut but now black, has a unique history and several modifications that contributed to its distinctive sound and playability during that era.

Paul McCartney – Out There Concert – Brian Ray guitarist

Color Transformation: Originally finished in walnut, the guitar was later painted black, giving it a sleek and iconic look that matched the album’s dark theme.
Pickup Configuration: Initially equipped with three pickups, the middle pickup was removed, streamlining the guitar’s electronics and focusing the tone on the bridge and neck positions.
Tailpiece Modification: The original bar tailpiece was replaced, likely to enhance sustain or accommodate Young’s playing style.
Wireless Pack Cavity: A large cavity was carved into the back of the guitar body to house Young’s wireless pack, eliminating the issue of the bulky unit being bumped off his strap during performances. This cavity has since been filled in, leaving touring scars.
Hall of Fame Status: As the main instrument for the legendary “Back in Black” tour, this SG has earned a place in the Guitar Hall of Fame, revered by guitar enthusiasts worldwide.

3. What Are the Key Modifications Angus Young Made to His SGs?

Angus Young has made several key modifications to his Gibson SGs over the years to optimize them for his playing style and stage performance, including removing pickups, modifying the tailpiece, and adding a custom cavity for his wireless pack. These modifications, while specific to Young’s needs, reflect a broader trend among guitarists to personalize their instruments for optimal performance.

Pickup Removal: Removing the middle pickup on his 1970 Gibson SG Custom simplified the electronics and focused the tone on the bridge and neck positions, providing a more direct and powerful sound.
Tailpiece Modification: The original bar tailpiece on the same SG was replaced, potentially to enhance sustain or better suit Young’s playing preferences.
Wireless Pack Cavity: Carving a large cavity into the back of the guitar body to house his wireless pack addressed the practical issue of the unit being bumped off his strap during performances, ensuring uninterrupted mobility on stage.
Custom Pickups: Installing custom-wound pickups tailored to produce a more pronounced, biting tone ensures the guitar’s sound cuts through the mix during live performances and recordings.
Neck Reinforcement: Reinforcing the neck to minimize bending and bowing between sets reduces the workload for his guitar techs and ensures consistent playability.

4. Does Angus Young Use a Brian Ray Signature Gibson SG?

Yes, Angus Young plays a Gibson Custom Shop Brian Ray signature model SG, which was gifted to him. This guitar stands out due to its unique appointments, including contrasting white details and push/push electronics, setting it apart from regular SGs and reflecting Ray’s influence.

Gifted by Brian Ray: As the guitarist for Paul McCartney for over 15 years, Ray’s decision to gift Young a bespoke version of his personal guitar speaks volumes about Young’s reputation in the music industry.
Bigsby Removal: Young plays the Brian Ray signature model with the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece removed, indicating his preference for a more stable and direct bridge setup.
Custom Pickups: He replaces the standard CustomBuckers with his custom pickups, tailoring the guitar’s tone to match his signature sound.
Contrasting White Appointments: The guitar features contrasting white appointments, giving it a distinctive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Push/Push Electronics: Equipped with push/push electronics, the guitar allows Young to thin out the sound of the pickups, providing tonal versatility.
Translucent Black Paint Job: The guitar sports a super sleek paint job designed to highlight the wood grain, based on classic Epiphone Casinos, giving it a unique and stylish appearance.

5. What’s Unique About Angus Young’s Jaydee Custom SG?

The Jaydee Custom SG is unique due to its lightning bolt inlays, lighter body, and custom-wound pickups, specifically designed to provide the distinct, aggressive tone AC/DC is known for. Crafted by John Diggins in the late 1970s, this guitar has become an integral part of Angus Young’s guitar arsenal, showcasing modifications aimed at enhancing playability and sound.

Lightning Bolt Inlays: These inlays are a key part of his aesthetic, adding a visually striking element to the guitar.
Lighter Body: Designed for easier maneuverability during Young’s high-energy performances, the lighter body reduces strain and allows for greater freedom of movement.
Custom-Wound Pickups: Tailored to produce a more pronounced, biting tone that cuts through the mix, these pickups are essential for achieving AC/DC’s signature sound.
Reinforced Neck: Ensuring minimal bending and bowing between sets, the reinforced neck reduces the workload for his guitar techs and maintains consistent playability.
Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of touring, the Jaydee Custom SG is a reliable instrument that can handle the demands of Young’s performance schedule.

6. How Does Angus Young Achieve His Signature Tone?

Angus Young achieves his signature tone through a combination of his Gibson SG guitars, Marshall amplifiers, minimal effects, and a raw, aggressive playing style. His tone is characterized by its biting, crunchy distortion, and unmistakable clarity, defining AC/DC’s iconic sound.

Gibson SG Guitars: The SG’s mahogany body, humbucker pickups, and short scale length provide the foundation for Young’s raw and aggressive tone.
Marshall Amplifiers: Young primarily uses Marshall amplifiers, particularly the JTM45 and Super Lead models, known for their high gain and ability to produce a powerful, distorted sound. According to research from Guitar World, in July 2023, the Marshall JTM45 provides the warm, overdriven tones crucial to AC/DC’s early sound.
Minimal Effects: Young typically avoids using excessive effects, relying instead on the natural overdrive of his amplifiers and the raw sound of his guitar.
Aggressive Playing Style: His energetic and dynamic playing style, characterized by powerful riffs, blistering solos, and a relentless attack, contributes significantly to his signature tone.
String Gauge and Pickups: Angus Young prefers light-gauge strings and high-output humbucker pickups, which further enhance the guitar’s responsiveness and tonal characteristics.

7. What Kind of Pickups Does Angus Young Use in His Guitars?

Angus Young uses custom-wound humbucker pickups in his guitars, tailored to produce a more pronounced, biting tone that cuts through the mix. These pickups are a crucial component in achieving his signature sound, offering the high output and clarity needed for AC/DC’s hard-rocking style.

High Output: These pickups are designed to deliver a strong signal to the amplifier, resulting in a powerful and aggressive sound.
Custom Wound: Tailored to Young’s specific tonal preferences, these pickups are wound to provide the desired balance of clarity, sustain, and distortion.
Enhanced Clarity: Despite their high output, these pickups maintain excellent clarity, ensuring that each note rings out distinctly, even under heavy distortion.
Biting Tone: The custom-wound pickups contribute to the guitar’s biting tone, which is essential for cutting through the mix during live performances and recordings.
Consistent Performance: Designed for reliability and consistency, these pickups deliver a consistent tone night after night, ensuring that Young’s signature sound remains unmistakable.

8. How Does Angus Young’s Gear Contribute to AC/DC’s Sound?

Angus Young’s gear contributes significantly to AC/DC’s sound by providing the raw, aggressive, and instantly recognizable guitar tone that defines the band’s music. His choice of Gibson SG guitars, Marshall amplifiers, and minimal effects, combined with his energetic playing style, creates a signature sound that is both powerful and iconic.

Foundation of the Sound: Angus Young’s guitar tone serves as the foundation of AC/DC’s sound, providing the driving force behind the band’s hard-rocking anthems.
Raw and Aggressive Tone: His gear delivers a raw and aggressive tone that is characterized by its biting distortion, powerful riffs, and blistering solos.
Instantly Recognizable: Angus Young’s guitar tone is instantly recognizable, making it a crucial element of AC/DC’s signature sound and brand identity.
Complements the Rhythm Section: His guitar tone complements the band’s rhythm section, creating a cohesive and powerful sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Influential and Iconic: Angus Young’s gear choices and playing style have influenced countless guitarists and helped shape the sound of rock music for generations.

9. Can You Recreate Angus Young’s Guitar Setup?

Yes, you can recreate Angus Young’s guitar setup by using a Gibson SG, a Marshall amplifier, minimal effects, and understanding his playing style, which can help you get closer to his iconic tone, allowing you to capture the essence of AC/DC’s hard-rocking sound.

Gibson SG: Start with a Gibson SG, preferably a model with humbucker pickups and a mahogany body, to capture the guitar’s raw and aggressive tone.
Marshall Amplifier: Pair the SG with a Marshall amplifier, such as the JTM45 or Super Lead, to achieve the high gain and powerful distortion that is essential to Young’s sound.
Minimal Effects: Avoid using excessive effects, focusing instead on the natural overdrive of the amplifier and the raw sound of the guitar.
String Gauge and Pickups: Use light-gauge strings and high-output humbucker pickups to enhance the guitar’s responsiveness and tonal characteristics.
Playing Style: Emulate Angus Young’s energetic and dynamic playing style, characterized by powerful riffs, blistering solos, and a relentless attack, to capture the essence of his sound.

10. What Resources Are Available to Learn Angus Young’s Guitar Style?

Several resources are available to learn Angus Young’s guitar style, including online lessons, instructional DVDs, guitar tabs, and sheet music, offering comprehensive guidance on mastering his iconic riffs, solos, and techniques, like those available at guitarplayers.net.

Online Lessons: Websites like guitarplayers.net offer lessons focused on AC/DC’s songs and Angus Young’s techniques.
Instructional DVDs: Many instructional DVDs are available that provide in-depth analysis of Angus Young’s playing style and techniques.
Guitar Tabs and Sheet Music: Guitar tabs and sheet music are readily available for AC/DC’s songs, allowing you to learn the band’s iconic riffs and solos note-for-note.
Guitar Teachers: Consider taking lessons from a guitar teacher who specializes in rock or blues, as they can provide personalized guidance and feedback on your playing.
Online Communities: Join online guitar communities and forums, where you can connect with other guitarists, share tips and techniques, and get feedback on your playing.

11. What Are Some Alternatives to a Gibson SG for AC/DC’s Sound?

Alternatives to a Gibson SG for AC/DC’s sound include guitars with similar characteristics, such as the Epiphone SG, the Yamaha Revstar, or any double-cutaway mahogany guitar with humbucker pickups, providing similar tonal qualities and playability.

Epiphone SG: As a more affordable alternative to the Gibson SG, the Epiphone SG offers similar features and tonal characteristics, making it a great option for budget-conscious guitarists.
Yamaha Revstar: The Yamaha Revstar series features double-cutaway designs, mahogany bodies, and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile platform for achieving AC/DC’s sound.
Double-Cutaway Mahogany Guitars: Look for guitars with double-cutaway designs, mahogany bodies, and humbucker pickups, as these features are essential for capturing the raw and aggressive tone of AC/DC’s music.
Vintage Guitars: Consider exploring vintage guitars from the 1960s and 1970s, as many of these instruments offer similar tonal characteristics and playing feel to the Gibson SG.
Custom-Built Guitars: Another option is to have a custom-built guitar made to your specifications, allowing you to tailor the instrument to your exact tonal and playing preferences.

12. How Does Angus Young’s Stage Presence Influence His Gear Choices?

Angus Young’s energetic stage presence influences his gear choices by necessitating lightweight, durable, and reliable equipment that can withstand the rigors of his performances, including his signature Gibson SG guitars and Marshall amplifiers.

Lightweight Guitars: His need for lightweight guitars, such as the Gibson SG, is driven by his desire to move freely across the stage without being weighed down.
Durable Construction: The durability of his guitars and amplifiers is essential for withstanding the wear and tear of his demanding performance schedule, which often includes high-energy movements and stage antics.
Reliable Performance: The reliability of his gear is crucial for ensuring consistent performance night after night, without any unexpected technical issues or equipment failures.
Wireless Systems: His use of wireless systems allows him to move freely around the stage without being tethered to his amplifier, enhancing his mobility and stage presence.
Minimal Effects: His preference for minimal effects is partly driven by his desire to keep his signal chain simple and reliable, reducing the risk of technical issues during performances.

13. What Role Does the Gibson SG Play in Rock History?

The Gibson SG plays a significant role in rock history as one of the most iconic and influential guitars ever made, favored by legendary musicians like Angus Young, Tony Iommi, and Pete Townshend, shaping the sound of rock music across generations.

Iconic Design: The SG’s distinctive double-cutaway design and sleek lines have made it one of the most recognizable guitars in rock history.
Versatile Tone: The SG’s combination of mahogany body, humbucker pickups, and short scale length provides a versatile tone that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock and blues to punk and metal.
Favored by Legends: The SG has been favored by legendary musicians such as Angus Young, Tony Iommi, and Pete Townshend, who have used the guitar to create some of the most iconic and influential music of all time.
Shaped the Sound of Rock: The SG’s raw and aggressive tone has helped shape the sound of rock music across generations, influencing countless guitarists and bands.
Cultural Symbol: The SG has become a cultural symbol of rock music, representing rebellion, freedom, and the spirit of rock and roll.

14. How Has Angus Young’s Guitar Evolved Over His Career?

Angus Young’s guitar setup has evolved over his career through modifications and customizations to his Gibson SGs, reflecting his changing tonal preferences, stage performance needs, and technological advancements.

Early Years: In his early years, Young primarily used stock Gibson SGs, relying on the guitar’s natural tone and the overdrive of his Marshall amplifiers.
Modifications and Customizations: Over time, Young began to modify and customize his SGs, removing pickups, replacing tailpieces, and adding custom cavities for his wireless pack.
Custom Pickups: He also started using custom-wound pickups tailored to produce a more pronounced, biting tone that cuts through the mix.
Wireless Systems: As wireless technology improved, Young adopted wireless systems to enhance his mobility and stage presence.
Brian Ray Signature Model: More recently, Young has been seen playing a Gibson Custom Shop Brian Ray signature model SG, which incorporates many of the modifications and customizations he has made to his guitars over the years.

15. How to Choose the Right SG for Your Playing Style?

Choosing the right SG for your playing style involves considering factors like your budget, preferred neck profile, pickup configuration, and desired aesthetic, ensuring the guitar complements your musical preferences and playing techniques.

Budget: Determine your budget and explore the range of SG models available within your price range, from affordable Epiphone SGs to high-end Gibson Custom Shop models.
Neck Profile: Consider your preferred neck profile, as this will affect the guitar’s playability and comfort. Some SG models feature slim-taper necks, while others have thicker, more rounded profiles.
Pickup Configuration: Decide on your preferred pickup configuration, whether it’s a classic dual-humbucker setup or a more versatile configuration with coil-splitting capabilities.
Desired Aesthetic: Choose an SG model with an aesthetic that appeals to you, whether it’s a classic cherry finish, a sleek black finish, or a more exotic finish with unique appointments.
Playability and Comfort: Ultimately, the best way to choose the right SG is to play several different models and see which one feels most comfortable and inspiring in your hands.

16. What Are Common Problems and How to Maintain a Gibson SG?

Common problems with Gibson SGs include tuning instability, fret buzz, and electronic issues, but regular maintenance such as cleaning, lubricating hardware, and professional setups can keep your SG in top playing condition.

Tuning Instability: Tuning instability can be caused by worn-out tuners, a poorly cut nut, or excessive string bending. Consider upgrading the tuners or having a professional setup performed.
Fret Buzz: Fret buzz can be caused by uneven frets, a poorly adjusted truss rod, or improper string height. A professional setup can address these issues and eliminate fret buzz.
Electronic Issues: Electronic issues can include scratchy potentiometers, loose wiring, or faulty pickups. Cleaning the potentiometers, tightening the wiring, or replacing the pickups can resolve these issues.
Cleaning and Polishing: Regularly clean and polish your SG to remove dirt, grime, and fingerprints, which can affect its appearance and performance.
Lubricating Hardware: Lubricate the tuners, bridge, and other hardware components to keep them functioning smoothly and prevent corrosion.

17. What’s the Best Way to Learn AC/DC Riffs on Guitar?

The best way to learn AC/DC riffs on guitar is by starting with basic chords, practicing rhythm, learning iconic riffs step-by-step, and gradually increasing tempo, mirroring Angus Young’s energetic style.

Start with Basic Chords: Begin by mastering the basic chords that form the foundation of AC/DC’s music, such as A, D, E, and G.
Practice Rhythm: Focus on developing a strong sense of rhythm, as AC/DC’s music is characterized by its driving, syncopated rhythms.
Learn Iconic Riffs Step-by-Step: Break down AC/DC’s iconic riffs into smaller, more manageable sections, and learn each section note-for-note.
Gradually Increase Tempo: Once you can play each section accurately, gradually increase the tempo until you can play the entire riff at full speed.
Emulate Angus Young’s Style: Pay attention to Angus Young’s playing style, including his use of vibrato, string bending, and aggressive attack, and try to emulate these techniques in your own playing.

18. How Does Angus Young’s Playing Style Affect His Choice of Guitar?

Angus Young’s energetic and dynamic playing style affects his choice of guitar by requiring a lightweight, comfortable, and responsive instrument that can withstand the rigors of his performances, which is why he favors the Gibson SG.

Lightweight Design: The SG’s lightweight design allows him to move freely across the stage without being weighed down, enabling him to perform his signature duckwalk and other stage antics.
Comfortable Neck Profile: The SG’s slim-taper neck profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic playing experience, allowing him to play for extended periods without fatigue.
Responsive Tone: The SG’s combination of mahogany body, humbucker pickups, and short scale length delivers a responsive tone that reacts quickly to his touch, allowing him to express himself fully through his playing.
Durable Construction: The SG’s durable construction is essential for withstanding the wear and tear of his demanding performance schedule, which often includes high-energy movements and stage antics.
Reliable Performance: The SG’s reliable performance ensures consistent tone and playability night after night, without any unexpected technical issues or equipment failures.

19. What Amps and Effects Does Angus Young Use?

Angus Young primarily uses Marshall amplifiers, minimal effects, and a wireless system to deliver his raw, unfiltered guitar tone. His setup is simple and straightforward, allowing him to focus on his playing and stage performance.

Marshall Amplifiers: Angus Young is best known for using Marshall amps, particularly the JTM45 and Super Lead models.
Minimal Effects: Young typically avoids using excessive effects, relying instead on the natural overdrive of his amplifiers and the raw sound of his guitar.
Wireless System: He uses a wireless system to enhance his mobility and stage presence, allowing him to move freely around the stage without being tethered to his amplifier.
Wah Pedal: In some instances, Young has been known to use a wah pedal, although he typically uses it sparingly and subtly.
No Reverb or Delay: He generally avoids using reverb or delay, preferring to keep his signal chain as clean and direct as possible.

20. Why Is Angus Young Considered a Guitar Icon?

Angus Young is considered a guitar icon due to his innovative riffs, energetic performances, and unwavering dedication to rock and roll, inspiring generations of guitarists and solidifying his place in music history.

Innovative Riffs: His innovative riffs have become some of the most recognizable and influential in rock music, inspiring countless guitarists and bands.
Energetic Performances: His energetic performances are legendary, captivating audiences with his signature duckwalk, high-energy movements, and infectious enthusiasm.
Unwavering Dedication to Rock and Roll: His unwavering dedication to rock and roll has helped keep the genre alive and thriving for decades, inspiring fans and musicians alike.
Influence on Guitarists: He has influenced countless guitarists, inspiring them to pick up the instrument and pursue their own musical dreams.
Place in Music History: He has earned a place in music history as one of the most iconic and influential guitarists of all time, solidifying his legacy as a true rock and roll icon.

Eager to master Angus Young’s iconic riffs and stage presence? Explore guitarplayers.net for lessons, tabs, and a community of fellow enthusiasts ready to help you rock. Whether you’re starting out or a seasoned player, our resources will elevate your guitar journey. Don’t just play—ignite your passion with guitarplayers.net. Connect with us at 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States, or call +1 (617) 747-2261. Visit our website, guitarplayers.net, and start your rock ‘n’ roll adventure today.

FAQ Section: Angus Young’s Guitars

1. What is Angus Young’s primary guitar?

Angus Young’s primary guitar is the Gibson SG, which he has famously used throughout his career with AC/DC.

2. What year was Angus Young’s “Back in Black” SG?

Angus Young’s “Back in Black” SG was a modified 1970 Gibson SG Custom, known for its distinctive sound and modifications.

3. Does Angus Young use custom pickups?

Yes, Angus Young uses custom-wound humbucker pickups in his guitars, tailored to produce a more biting tone.

4. What is the Jaydee Custom SG known for?

The Jaydee Custom SG is known for its lightning bolt inlays and lighter body, designed for enhanced playability during performances.

5. What amplifiers does Angus Young typically use?

Angus Young typically uses Marshall amplifiers, particularly the JTM45 and Super Lead models, to achieve his signature tone.

6. How many guitars does Angus Young own?

While the exact number is unknown, Angus Young owns several Gibson SGs and custom models, each with unique modifications.

7. How can I learn to play like Angus Young?

You can learn to play like Angus Young by practicing basic chords, focusing on rhythm, and learning his iconic riffs step-by-step using online resources and lessons.

8. What is unique about Angus Young’s Brian Ray signature model?

Angus Young’s Brian Ray signature model features contrasting white appointments and push/push electronics, setting it apart from standard SGs.

9. Why did Angus Young modify his SG for the “Back in Black” tour?

Angus Young modified his SG to accommodate his wireless pack, ensuring uninterrupted mobility during his energetic stage performances.

10. What makes Angus Young’s guitar tone so distinctive?

Angus Young’s guitar tone is distinctive due to a combination of his Gibson SG, Marshall amplifiers, minimal effects, and his aggressive playing style.