Solo Tone

Smooth Criminal

Michael Jackson

Guitarother1980s

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown (no direct source for Michael Jackson's studio guitarist on 'Smooth Criminal' solo section; likely a Fender Stratocaster or similar S-style guitar based on era and genre, but not confirmed)

AmpUnknown (no direct source; likely a clean Fender combo or Roland Jazz Chorus, but not confirmed for this session)

PickupsUnknown (likely single-coil, but not confirmed for this recording)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1987-1988 (Bad album sessions). No direct evidence for exact guitar, pickups, or amp used on the solo section. No live rig or pedalboard info available for the studio version. All gear details are inferred from era, genre, and typical session practices for LA pop/rock in the late 1980s.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchybright and articulatepercussive attackminimal sustainstudio-polished clarityslightly compressedno audible breakupfunk-inspired rhythmsubtle reverbno modulation effects

Difficulty

The solo section requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, clean articulation, and tight muting at a fast tempo, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex chord voicings.

Sources

Smooth criminal : r/Bass - Reddit

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