How to Dial In "Hold Me Back" by AC/DC - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hold Me Back"
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 Stiff Upper Lip (2000). Produced by George Young and recorded at The Warehouse in Vancouver between September and November 1999, with the Youngs' songs largely prepared before the band arrived. Angus Young is tied to Gibson SGs and Marshall Super Lead and JMP heads and generally avoids pedals, but no source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Angus Young Signature SG through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hold Me Back" Tone
What guitar did AC/DC use on "Hold Me Back"?
The guitar on "Hold Me Back" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Gibson Angus Young Signature SG above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hold Me Back" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Hold Me Back" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hold Me Back" 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 "Hold Me Back" by AC/DC are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.