GuitarDistortedRiff
Beat It Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Valley Arts Custom Pro (Steve Lukather session guitar, likely HSS configuration)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan humbucker (bridge), single coils (middle/neck, exact models unknown)
Amp
Paul Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe Reverb (studio, 1982)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1982. Rhythm riff played by Steve Lukather using his Valley Arts Custom Pro through a Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe Reverb. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section. Not to be confused with the solo, which was played by Eddie Van Halen on different gear.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- bright and articulate
- punchy attack
- clear note separation
- slightly compressed
- studio-polished
- muted chugging
- bridge pickup bite
- minimal ambience