Angus Young plays a Gibson SG, almost exclusively, and has since the early 1970s

Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, is known for playing a Gibson SG—a solid-body electric guitar with a thin, lightweight body and a distinctive double-horn cutaway shape. He has used this model as his primary instrument for over five decades, making it as recognizable as his schoolboy uniform stage outfit. The SG's sharp, punchy tone and fast playability suit the hard rock and blues-rock style that defines AC/DC's sound.

Young did not start with an SG. Early in his career, he played a Fender Stratocaster, but he switched to the Gibson SG in the early 1970s and never looked back. The guitar became so linked to his identity that Gibson has produced signature Angus Young SG models for fans and players who want to replicate his setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Angus Young's main guitar is a Gibson SG, a model he has played since the early 1970s with AC/DC.
  • The SG's thin body, fast neck, and bright, cutting tone made it ideal for the hard rock style Young helped pioneer.
  • Gibson produces an Angus Young signature SG model that replicates the specifications and appearance of his stage guitars.
  • Young occasionally uses other guitars in the studio or for specific songs, but the SG remains his signature instrument.

Why Angus Young Chose the Gibson SG

The Gibson SG became Young's guitar of choice because of its practical advantages and tonal character. The SG is lighter than many other solid-body guitars, which matters during a two-hour AC/DC concert where Young is constantly moving, jumping, and playing at high intensity. The thin body also makes it easier to play fast passages and complex riffs without fatigue.

Tonally, the SG produces a bright, cutting sound that cuts through a dense mix of drums, bass, and vocals—essential in a band as loud and powerful as AC/DC. The guitar's two humbucking pickups deliver the thick, overdriven tone that Young is famous for, especially when pushed through a Marshall amplifier stack. The combination of the SG and Marshall became the template for hard rock guitar tone in the 1970s and beyond.

The Gibson SG Model and Its History

The Gibson SG was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the Gibson Les Paul Standard. Gibson designed it to be a lighter, more affordable alternative to the Les Paul, with a thinner body and a more modern aesthetic. The name "SG" stands for "Solid Guitar," though it is often called the "Solid Body" model. The double-horn cutaway design gives it a distinctive look that stands out on stage.

The SG has been used by many famous guitarists across different genres—from blues players like B.B. King to rock legends like Eric Clapton and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. However, Angus Young's association with the SG is so strong that many people think of him first when they see one. His consistent use of the guitar over decades cemented its place in rock history.

Angus Young's Signature SG Models

Gibson has released several Angus Young signature SG models over the years, designed to match the specifications and appearance of the guitars he uses on stage. These signature models typically feature a cherry red finish, a thin body, a fast neck profile, and the same pickup configuration as Young's stage instruments. They are built to his exact preferences and are marketed to players who want to sound and feel like Angus Young.

The signature models are more expensive than standard SG guitars because they include premium hardware, better wood selection, and the prestige of Young's name. However, they allow fans and serious players to own a guitar that is as close as possible to what Young actually plays. Gibson also produces more affordable SG models that capture the basic design and tone without the signature branding.

Other Guitars Angus Young Has Used

While the SG is Young's main guitar, he has used other instruments in specific situations. In the studio, he occasionally picks up a Gibson Les Paul or a Fender Stratocaster to achieve a different tone for a particular song or riff. Some AC/DC recordings feature Young playing multiple guitar parts on different instruments to layer textures and create depth.

On stage, Young almost always sticks with the SG. He typically has multiple SG guitars available during a show—one as his main instrument and others as backups in case of a string break or technical issue. This redundancy is standard practice for touring musicians and ensures that the show can continue without interruption.

How the SG Compares to Other Rock Guitars

The Gibson SG differs from other popular rock guitars in several key ways. Compared to the Gibson Les Paul, the SG is lighter and has a thinner body, making it easier to play for long periods. The Les Paul has a warmer, thicker tone because of its larger body mass, while the SG produces a brighter, more cutting sound. Both use humbucking pickups, but the SG's tone is more aggressive and punchy.

Compared to the Fender Stratocaster, the SG has a different body shape, neck profile, and pickup type. The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups that produce a thinner, twangier tone, while the SG's humbucking pickups are thicker and more suited to overdrive and distortion. The Stratocaster is more versatile across genres, while the SG is more specialized for rock and metal.

The Amplifiers and Effects That Complete Angus Young's Sound

The Gibson SG is only part of Angus Young's tone. His sound is shaped equally by his amplifiers, cables, and effects. Young has used Marshall amplifiers for decades—typically Marshall stacks with multiple cabinets that deliver the loud, overdriven tone AC/DC is known for. The Marshall amp's natural breakup and sustain complement the SG's bright tone and create the signature AC/DC sound.

Young keeps his effects setup relatively straightforward compared to many modern rock guitarists. He uses a wah pedal for certain songs and solos, and he relies on the natural distortion of his amplifier rather than stacking multiple effect pedals. This straightforward approach has remained consistent throughout his career and is part of what makes his tone when ready recognizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is Angus Young's Gibson SG?

Angus Young's main stage guitar is typically cherry red, a color that has become iconic in rock history. He has used other colors in the studio and for specific performances, but the cherry red SG is what most fans associate with him. Gibson's signature Angus Young models are also offered in cherry red to match his stage appearance.

Can I buy an Angus Young signature Gibson SG?

Yes, Gibson produces Angus Young signature SG models that are available through guitar retailers and online. These guitars are built to his specifications and include his name on the headstock. They cost more than standard SG models but are designed to replicate the feel and tone of his stage instruments as closely as possible.

Did Angus Young ever play a different guitar?

Early in his career with AC/DC, Young played a Fender Stratocaster before switching to the Gibson SG in the early 1970s. In the studio, he has occasionally used other guitars like the Les Paul for specific songs. However, the SG has been his primary and signature instrument for over fifty years.

What makes the Gibson SG good for rock music?

The SG is lightweight, has a fast neck for playing complex riffs, and produces a bright, cutting tone that works well with distortion and overdrive. Its humbucking pickups deliver thick, powerful sound, and the thin body makes it comfortable to play during long performances. These qualities made it ideal for the hard rock style Young pioneered with AC/DC.

How much does an Angus Young Gibson SG cost?

Prices vary depending on the specific model and retailer, but signature Angus Young SG guitars typically cost more than standard SG models. Standard Gibson SG guitars range widely in price depending on the year and condition. Check with guitar retailers for current pricing on both signature and standard models.