Riff Tone
Smooth Criminal (2012 Remaster)
Michael Jackson
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact model unknown, likely late 1970s/early 1980s USA or Japanese model)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (exact year unknown, likely Silverface or early reissue)
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1986-1987 for the 'Bad' album sessions, used for the clean riff section. No evidence of pedals or outboard effects in the signal chain for the clean riff. Gear inferred from session player/producer interviews and forum consensus.
Tone Character(10)
bright and snappypercussive and staccatoclean with no breakuptight and punchyarticulate single-coil clarityminimal sustainquick note decaystratty quackfunk-inspired attackstudio-polished
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level funk rhythm skills, including tight muting, percussive picking, and precise timing to maintain the clean, staccato feel. The technical challenge is in the right-hand technique and rhythmic accuracy rather than speed or complex chord shapes.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact model unknown, likely late 1970s/early 1980s USA or Japanese model)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (exact year unknown, likely Silverface or early reissue)
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1986-1987 for the 'Bad' album sessions, used for the clean riff section. No evidence of pedals or outboard effects in the signal chain for the clean riff. Gear inferred from session player/producer interviews and forum consensus.
Tone Character(10)
bright and snappypercussive and staccatoclean with no breakuptight and punchyarticulate single-coil clarityminimal sustainquick note decaystratty quackfunk-inspired attackstudio-polished
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level funk rhythm skills, including tight muting, percussive picking, and precise timing to maintain the clean, staccato feel. The technical challenge is in the right-hand technique and rhythmic accuracy rather than speed or complex chord shapes.
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