Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 settings
Beat It settings for Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3
Michael Jackson · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Michael Jackson "Beat It" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3, set Gain 6.5, Reverb 0, Isf 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24-08 · updated 2026-08-30
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 knobs
- Gain
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 0
- Isf
- 5
Playing tips
- Use palm muting for tight, percussive chugs.
- Maintain a sharp attack with your picking hand.
- Focus on clear note separation while playing the riff.
Solo settings
Adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24-08 · updated 2026-08-30
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Reverb
- 0
- Isf
- 6
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in delay set to a moderate level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Ensure your playing is aggressive to match the explosive, saturated lead tone.
- Focus on articulate note separation during fast legato and tapping passages.
The original rig
What Michael Jackson used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 actually has.
- Guitar
- Charvel 'Frankie' Strat-style (Eddie Van Halen's custom guitar, likely with Floyd Rose tremolo)
- Amp
- Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Jose Arredondo modded, with Variac)
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 5.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Beat It adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Michael Jackson's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 settings for Beat It?
Set Gain 6.5, Reverb 0, Isf 5.
Which pickup should I use for Beat It?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Michael Jackson use on Beat It?
Guitar: Charvel 'Frankie' Strat-style (Eddie Van Halen's custom guitar, likely with Floyd Rose tremolo). Amp: Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Jose Arredondo modded, with Variac).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24-08. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Purple Rain · Prince & The Revolution
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Floods · Pantera
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love · Van Halen
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Domination · Pantera
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.