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Riff Tone
Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
Guitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact year/model unknown, but Strat-type guitar confirmed by multiple sources and audible characteristics)
AmpUnknown clean amp (likely a studio clean amp such as a Fender Twin Reverb or similar; no direct evidence for exact model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1982 (Thriller album). No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff. Gear inferred from era, genre, and forum consensus. No official rig rundown for the original studio session.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulateclean, glassy attackcompressed and punchyminimal sustainstaccato funk rhythmchorus shimmerdynamic responsestudio-polished claritydistinct Strat quack
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated funk rhythm, tight muting, and dynamic consistency, but does not involve advanced chord voicings or high speed.
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Create Free AccountGuitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact year/model unknown, but Strat-type guitar confirmed by multiple sources and audible characteristics)
AmpUnknown clean amp (likely a studio clean amp such as a Fender Twin Reverb or similar; no direct evidence for exact model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1982 (Thriller album). No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff. Gear inferred from era, genre, and forum consensus. No official rig rundown for the original studio session.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulateclean, glassy attackcompressed and punchyminimal sustainstaccato funk rhythmchorus shimmerdynamic responsestudio-polished claritydistinct Strat quack
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated funk rhythm, tight muting, and dynamic consistency, but does not involve advanced chord voicings or high speed.