Riff Tone
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Guitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s/early 1980s, session guitar)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsSingle-coil (Fender stock Strat pickups, likely bridge position)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb2.5
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Guitar part played by David Williams (main riff) and possibly Paul Jackson Jr. No evidence of live rig for this section. Gear confirmed for studio session only.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatechoppy funk rhythmsingle-coil snapslightly gritty edgeminimal sustainchorus shimmerstudio claritypunchy attackclean with a hint of breakup
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level funk rhythm skills, including tight muting, syncopation, and consistent percussive attack for the classic 'Thriller' groove.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s/early 1980s, session guitar)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsSingle-coil (Fender stock Strat pickups, likely bridge position)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass6
mid6
treble7
reverb2.5
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Guitar part played by David Williams (main riff) and possibly Paul Jackson Jr. No evidence of live rig for this section. Gear confirmed for studio session only.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatechoppy funk rhythmsingle-coil snapslightly gritty edgeminimal sustainchorus shimmerstudio claritypunchy attackclean with a hint of breakup
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate-level funk rhythm skills, including tight muting, syncopation, and consistent percussive attack for the classic 'Thriller' groove.
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