Riff Tone
Beat It
Michael Jackson
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpFender Deluxe (Rivera-modified, early 1980s)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock ES-335)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb2
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm/clean riff section played by Paul Jackson Jr. using his Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and articulatetight and percussiveclean with minimal breakupscooped midsclear note separationfunk-inspired rhythm attackstudio-polished clarityslightly compressedwarm low endno audible chorus or modulation
Difficulty
The clean riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, muting, and articulation at a fast tempo, but does not involve advanced chord voicings or lead techniques.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpFender Deluxe (Rivera-modified, early 1980s)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock ES-335)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb2
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm/clean riff section played by Paul Jackson Jr. using his Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and articulatetight and percussiveclean with minimal breakupscooped midsclear note separationfunk-inspired rhythm attackstudio-polished clarityslightly compressedwarm low endno audible chorus or modulation
Difficulty
The clean riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, muting, and articulation at a fast tempo, but does not involve advanced chord voicings or lead techniques.
Beat It settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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