Riff Tone
Bad
Michael Jackson
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCharvel San Dimas (custom, likely black finish, as used by Steve Stevens on 'Bad' recording)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (likely, based on Steve Stevens' 1987 studio rig and era-typical choices)
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1987. Steve Stevens played the main riff section. No direct source confirms the exact amp or pedal chain for the riff, but Stevens is documented using Charvel guitars with Seymour Duncan JB pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps in this era for session work.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatepunchy attackslightly compressedminimal sustainclear note separationmodest amp reverbno modulation effectsbridge pickup clarityfunk-rock rhythmic feel
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, tight muting, and clear articulation to achieve the punchy, percussive feel characteristic of the recording.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarCharvel San Dimas (custom, likely black finish, as used by Steve Stevens on 'Bad' recording)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (likely, based on Steve Stevens' 1987 studio rig and era-typical choices)
PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Sources
Notes
Studio recording, 1987. Steve Stevens played the main riff section. No direct source confirms the exact amp or pedal chain for the riff, but Stevens is documented using Charvel guitars with Seymour Duncan JB pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps in this era for session work.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatepunchy attackslightly compressedminimal sustainclear note separationmodest amp reverbno modulation effectsbridge pickup clarityfunk-rock rhythmic feel
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, tight muting, and clear articulation to achieve the punchy, percussive feel characteristic of the recording.
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