GuitarCleanRiff
Dirty Diana Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Steve Stevens Signature Hamer SS2 Custom (likely, as used on 'Dirty Diana' studio recording)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan humbuckers (exact model unspecified, likely SH-4 JB in bridge)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (likely, based on Steve Stevens' 1980s studio rig and genre conventions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1987. Steve Stevens played the main guitar parts on the original studio track. No direct source confirms the exact amp/pickup model for the clean riff, but this is the most probable based on his known studio gear for the era. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitar for the clean riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- clean and percussive
- bright and articulate
- tight attack
- slightly compressed
- mildly scooped mids
- rhythmic clarity
- quick note decay
- minimal sustain
- subtle studio reverb
- no audible modulation