Riff Tone

Beat It

Michael Jackson

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarValley Arts Custom Pro (Steve Lukather's main studio guitar, early 1980s, HSS configuration)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cab (studio recording, 1982)

PickupsEMG SA single coils (neck/middle), EMG 85 humbucker (bridge, active)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1982. Steve Lukather played all rhythm/lead parts except the solo. Quincy Jones requested less distortion and use of a 'small amp' for pop radio, but Lukather used a Marshall JCM800 for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section; distortion from amp. No chorus, delay, or modulation on riff. Solo was played by Eddie Van Halen with different gear.

Tone Character(10)

sharp, percussive attacktight palm-muted chugsBritish crunchscooped midsaggressive but controlledclear note separationpop radio friendly distortionno audible modulation or delayslightly compressedfocused low end

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its fast tempo, tight palm muting, and precise rhythmic accents, but does not involve advanced lead techniques.

Sources

Michael Jackson’s Beat It was nearly a metal track | Guitar World The scooped mids rhythm guitar sound of 'Beat It' (1982)"The speaker is on fire! This must be REALLY good": The incredible story of Eddie Van Halen’s Beat It solo | MusicRadar

This tone has been researched 25 times by the community

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