Riff Tone
Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
Guitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, session player's instrument)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on era/session standards and chorus effect)
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1982, rhythm/riff section. No evidence of heavy distortion or high-gain amp/pedal use. Guitar part played by David Williams. No evidence of live/tour rig for this section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatesnappy attackdistinctive chorus shimmersingle-coil clarityminimal breakupfunky rhythmic stabscompressed dynamicsstudio-polishedno heavy saturation
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated funk rhythm playing with precise muting and staccato technique, but does not involve advanced chords or fast lead lines.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, session player's instrument)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on era/session standards and chorus effect)
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1982, rhythm/riff section. No evidence of heavy distortion or high-gain amp/pedal use. Guitar part played by David Williams. No evidence of live/tour rig for this section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatesnappy attackdistinctive chorus shimmersingle-coil clarityminimal breakupfunky rhythmic stabscompressed dynamicsstudio-polishedno heavy saturation
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated funk rhythm playing with precise muting and staccato technique, but does not involve advanced chords or fast lead lines.
Billie Jean settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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