Measured and finite element simulated frequency response functions are used to characterize the low strain (~10(-7)) complex moduli of an asphalt concrete specimen. The frequency response functions of the specimen are measured at different temperatures by using an instrumented hammer to apply a load and an accelerometer to measure the dynamic response. Theoretical frequency response functions are determined by modeling the specimen as a three-dimensional (3D) linear isotropic viscoelastic material in a finite element program. The complex moduli are characterized by optimizing the theoretical frequency response functions against the measured ones. The method is shown to provide a good fit between the frequency response functions, giving an estimation of the complex modulus between minimum 500 Hz and maximum 18|000 Hz depending on the temperature. Furthermore, the optimization method is shown to give a good estimation of the complex modulus master curve.