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Solo Tone

Billie Jean

Michael Jackson

Guitarother1980s

Original Gear

GuitarYamaha SG2000
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsYamaha Alnico humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb2.5
presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1982; the solo on 'Billie Jean' was played by David Williams using a Yamaha SG2000 into a Roland JC-120. No evidence of additional pedals for the solo; chorus effect is from the amp. No evidence of live variation for the solo section.

Tone Character(10)
bright and glassytight and percussivearticulate single-note claritydistinctive chorus shimmerstudio-polished cleanminimal reverbno distortion or overdrivefunk-inspired attackdynamic response to pickingclear note separation

Difficulty

The solo requires tight, syncopated funk phrasing and precise clean picking, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

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Billie Jean settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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Billie Jean by Michael Jackson — Solo Tone Settings | ToneAdapt