How to Dial In "Brain Shake" by AC/DC - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Brain Shake"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Flick of the Switch (1983). Flick of the Switch is the ninth studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for AC/DC's other songs from Flick of the Switch, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Brain Shake" Tone
What guitar did AC/DC use on "Brain Shake"?
The guitar on "Brain Shake" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Brain Shake" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 8. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Brain Shake" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Brain Shake" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Brain Shake" by AC/DC are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.