How to Dial In "Ruff Stuff" by AC/DC - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ruff Stuff"
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 Blow Up Your Video (1988). Blow Up Your Video is the eleventh studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on 1 February 1988. 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 Blow Up Your Video, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Ruff Stuff" Tone
What guitar did AC/DC use on "Ruff Stuff"?
The guitar on "Ruff Stuff" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Ruff Stuff" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Ruff Stuff" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ruff Stuff" 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 "Ruff Stuff" by AC/DC are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.