GuitarCleanRiff
Beat It Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson ES-335
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock ES-335)
Amp
Fender Deluxe (Rivera-modified, early 1980s)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm/clean riff section played by Paul Jackson Jr. using his Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this part.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- clean with minimal breakup
- scooped mids
- clear note separation
- funk-inspired rhythm attack
- studio-polished clarity
- slightly compressed
- warm low end
- no audible chorus or modulation