AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The band is known for its high-energy blues-inspired rock music and catchy guitar riffs. AC/DC’s musical style has been described as hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal.
AC/DC has enjoyed massive commercial success and is one of the best-selling bands in music history, with more than 200 million records sold worldwide. They have had numerous hit songs, including “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Hells Bells,” among others. The band has toured extensively and played to sold-out crowds at arenas and stadiums worldwide. AC/DC is considered one of the most influential rock bands and has inspired many other musicians.
AC/DC used various speakers throughout their careers, ranging from Celestion and J.B.L. to Fane. However, their most recognizable and famous speaker cabinet was the Marshall “stack,” a 4×12 cabinet loaded with four Celestion G12M Greenback speakers. These speakers gave the band a heavy, aggressive sound that defined their classic rock sound. The speakers also became a crucial part of their visual identity, with stacks of Marshall cabinets on stage during their live performances.
Early Years (1973-1980) of Ac Dc
AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. In the band’s early years, they released their debut album, “High Voltage,” in 1975 and followed it up with “T.N.T.” later that year. Both of these albums were released only in Australia.
During this period, AC/DC’s music featured a mix of blues-inspired and hard rock, with a heavy emphasis on guitar riffs and solos. The band’s lineup during this time consisted of lead vocalist Bon Scott, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.
In 1976, AC/DC released their third album, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” released only in Australia. The band’s fourth album, “Let There Be Rock,” was released in 1977 and marked their first album to be released internationally.
During the early years of AC/DC (1973-1980), the band used a variety of speaker brands, including Celestion and Fane. These speakers were used in the band’s live performances and recordings and helped to create the powerful and distinctive sound that AC/DC is known for.
Ac Dc’s Peak Years (1981-1990)
AC/DC’s peak years were from 1981 to 1990, during which time the band released some of their most successful and popular albums, including “For Those About to Rock We Salute You” (1981), “Flick of the Switch” (1983), “Fly on the Wall” (1985), “Who Made Who” (1986), “Blow Up Your Video” (1988), and “The Razor’s Edge” (1990).
During this period, AC/DC continued to tour extensively and played to large, sold-out crowds at arenas and stadiums worldwide. The band’s music during this time featured a mix of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, focusing on catchy guitar riffs and solos.
During this period, AC/DC’s lineup consisted of lead vocalist Brian Johnson, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.
During the peak years of AC/DC (1981-1990), the band continued to use a variety of speaker brands, including Celestion and Fane, in their live performances and recordings. These speakers helped to create the powerful and distinctive sound that AC/DC is known for.
Ac Dc’s Later Years (1991-present)
AC/DC’s later years began in 1991 and continue today. During this time, the band has released several albums, including “Ballbreaker” (1995), “Stiff Upper Lip” (2000), “Black Ice” (2008), and “Rock or Bust” (2014).
AC/DC has continued to tour extensively during this period and has played to large crowds at arenas and stadiums worldwide. The band’s music during this time has remained true to their signature blues-inspired rock and hard rock sound, focusing on catchy guitar riffs and solos.
AC/DC’s lineup has changed in the band’s later years. Malcolm Young retired from the band in 2014 due to health issues and passed away in 2017. He was replaced by his nephew, Stevie Young, on rhythm guitar. Phil Rudd left the band in 2015 and was replaced by Chris Slade on drums. The band’s current lineup consists of lead vocalist Brian Johnson, Angus Young on lead guitar, Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Chris Slade on drums.
During AC/DC’s later years (1991-present), the band has continued to use a variety of speaker brands, including Celestion and Fane, in their live performances and recordings. These speakers help to create the powerful and distinctive sound that AC/DC is known for.
Five myths about Angus Young’s AC/DC guitar gear that people still believe
Angus Young is widely recognized as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, and his gear has become the subject of many myths and legends over the years. Here are five common myths about Angus Young’s AC/DC guitar gear that people still believe:
Angus Young always played a Gibson SG guitar: While it’s true that Angus Young is most closely associated with the Gibson SG, he has also played other guitars throughout his career, including a Gibson Flying V and a Gibson Les Paul.
Angus Young uses a Marshall JCM800 amplifier: Although the Marshall JCM800 is a popular choice for hard rock and heavy metal guitarists, Angus Young used a modified Marshall Super Lead 1959 amplifier for much of his career.
Angus Young uses a lot of effects pedals: While many guitarists rely heavily on effects pedals to shape their tone, Angus Young has always preferred to keep his sound as simple as possible. He typically only uses a wah pedal and a delay pedal.
Angus Young uses heavy-gauge strings: Despite his powerful playing style, Angus Young uses relatively light-gauge strings on his guitar. He typically uses .009-.042 gauge strings, which are lighter than what many other rock guitarists use.
Angus Young always uses a wireless system: While it’s true that Angus Young has used wireless systems during his live performances, he has also been known to use a cable at times. In fact, during the recording of some of AC/DC’s most iconic albums, including “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black,” he used a cable to connect his guitar to his amplifier.
Overall, while there are many myths and legends surrounding Angus Young’s guitar gear, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and understand the gear that he uses to create his iconic sound.
The Secrets Behind Angus Young’s Guitar Tone on AC/DC’s “Hells Bells”
Angus Young’s guitar tone on AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” is one of the most recognizable and iconic sounds in rock music. Here are some of the secrets behind his tone on this classic track:
Gibson SG guitar: Angus Young is known for playing a Gibson SG guitar, and he used one on “Hells Bells.” The SG has a bright and biting tone that cuts through the mix, and its lightweight design allows Young to move around on stage while playing.
Marshall Super Lead 1959 amplifier: Young’s amplifier of choice is a modified Marshall Super Lead 1959. This amp is known for its raw, powerful sound and has become synonymous with the classic rock guitar tone.
Volume and tone controls: Young has a unique playing style that involves using the volume and tone controls on his guitar to adjust his sound on the fly. He uses the volume control to adjust the gain and distortion, and he uses the tone control to shape the overall sound.
Overdrive and distortion: To achieve the heavy distortion and overdrive that is characteristic of his sound, Young uses a combination of the amplifier’s natural distortion and a distortion pedal. He also uses a wah pedal to add a vocal-like quality to his playing.
Recording techniques: “Hells Bells” was recorded using a technique called “double tracking,” where Young recorded two identical guitar parts and layered them on top of each other to create a thicker and more powerful sound.
Overall, Angus Young’s guitar tone on “Hells Bells” is the result of a combination of factors, including his guitar, amplifier, effects pedals, and recording techniques. By carefully selecting and manipulating each of these elements, Young was able to create a sound that is still considered a classic today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AC/DC is an Australian rock band known for its high-energy blues-inspired rock music and catchy guitar riffs. Over the years, the band has used various speaker brands, including Celestion and Fane, in their live performances and recordings. These speakers have helped to create the powerful and distinctive sound that AC/DC is known for.
Throughout their career, AC/DC has enjoyed massive commercial success and is one of the best-selling bands in music history. They have had numerous hit songs and have toured extensively, playing to sold-out crowds at arenas and stadiums worldwide. AC/DC is considered one of the most influential rock bands and has inspired many other musicians.
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