Riff Tone

Thriller

Michael Jackson

Guitarother1980s

Original Gear

GuitarSession guitar (likely Fender Stratocaster or Gibson ES-335, Paul Jackson Jr. credited for rhythm parts on 'Thriller')

AmpPaul Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe Reverb (studio recording, as per Paul Jackson Jr. interview for Thriller sessions)

PickupsSingle-coil (if Stratocaster) or humbucker (if ES-335); exact pickup model not confirmed for riff section

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb2.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982. Paul Jackson Jr. is credited for rhythm guitar on 'Thriller' and is known to have used a Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe Reverb for these sessions. Exact guitar model for the riff is not definitively confirmed, but Stratocaster and ES-335 are both documented session choices for Jackson Jr. No evidence of live performance gear for this part.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveclean and glassybright and articulatesnappy attackminimal breakupfunky, rhythmic claritystudio-polisheddefined note separationslightly compressed80s pop-funk sheen

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level funk rhythm skills, including syncopated strumming, tight muting, and precise timing to lock in with the groove. While not technically advanced, the clean execution and rhythmic discipline are essential for the iconic sound.

Sources

Thriller and Bad guitarist Paul Jackson Jr breaks down his parts from the albums | MusicRadar Michael Jackson – Thriller - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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