Riff Tone

Human Nature

Michael Jackson

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarValley Arts Custom Pro (Steve Lukather's main studio guitar, 1982-83, used on Thriller sessions)

AmpYamaha G100-212 (solid-state combo, used by Lukather on Thriller sessions per multiple interviews)

PickupsEMG SA single coils (active, noiseless, typical for Lukather in this era)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982; Steve Lukather played all guitar parts on 'Human Nature' riff. No evidence of live performance gear or alternate guitars for this section. Lukather was known for using Valley Arts guitars with EMG pickups and Yamaha G100-212 amps in the early 80s studio sessions. No pedalboard was used for the riff section; effects were added in post or via rack/console.

Tone Character(10)

clean and glassychorus-laden shimmerfull-bodied with lower-midstight and articulatewarm but not muddysmooth sustaincrystal-clear attackpop studio polishnot scooped, balanced midsorganic, not digital

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level precision for clean, syncopated chord stabs and muting, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed.

Sources

Steve Lukather Discusses Toto, Working With Michael Jackson and New Solo Album | Guitar World Steve Porcaro | Equipboard Michael Jackson – Thriller - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Human Nature | Michael Jackson | John Mayer - The Gear Page

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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