GuitarDistortedRiff68% confidence
Smooth Criminal Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Unknown (likely session guitar, possibly Fender Stratocaster or similar, but not confirmed for this recording)
Pickups
Unknown (likely single-coil or humbucker, not confirmed for this recording)
Amp
Unknown (no sources confirm amp model for studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (estimated, based on percussive, bright attack)
Studio recording, 1987. No direct evidence of guitar/amp model for the riff section. Some sources discuss synths (Roland D-50), but not guitar specifics. No evidence for live rig or pedalboard for this part.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain4.5
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence5.5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- dry and direct
- slightly gritty edge
- muted, staccato attack
- minimal sustain
- bright and punchy
- not lush or ambient
- no audible modulation
- focused midrange
- not heavily distorted
Notes & Caveats
- No direct sources confirm the exact guitar, pickups, amp, or pedal models used for the riff section of the original Michael Jackson studio recording.
- Some sources discuss synths (Roland D-50) being used for parts of the song, raising the possibility that the 'guitar' riff is actually a synth or layered with synth.
- No numeric amp or pedal settings found; all values estimated based on typical 1980s studio rock tones and the audible character of the riff.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; no chorus, delay, or modulation is audible.
- If more detailed session notes or interviews surface, this data should be updated.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Smooth Criminal' riff has a tight, punchy, mid-forward 80s rock tone with moderate crunch, not high gain, and minimal ambience. The EQ is balanced but slightly mid-boosted for clarity in the mix, matching the era's pop/rock production and typical studio amp settings (likely a Marshall or similar).