Riff Tone

D.S.

Michael Jackson

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1980s/early 1990s, bridge humbucker mod, Steve Stevens session)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (studio recording, 1994, typical for Steve Stevens and era)

PickupsSeymour Duncan TB-4 JB Trembucker (bridge humbucker, likely for heavy riff)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1994. Steve Stevens played the heavy riff sections on 'D.S.' for Michael Jackson. Gear inferred from session history and era; no direct photo/video evidence for this exact session, but consistent with Stevens' known studio setup for heavy pop/rock sessions of the early 1990s.

Tone Character(10)

tight and focusedaggressive mid-forward crunchpunchy and percussivesaturated high-gain rhythmcrisp attackexcellent string separationupper midrange emphasiscutting through dense mixheavy, modern rock distortionarticulate palm-muted chugs

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise timing, and control of high-gain tone to maintain clarity and punch, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

The Best Boss Pedals: 50+ Years of Shaping Guitar Tone | Equipboard The 50 greatest guitar effects moments of all time - Page 3

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