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Riff Tone

Billie Jean

Michael Jackson

Guitarother1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, session player's instrument)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on era/session standards and chorus effect)

Amp Settings

gain2.5
bass5.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1982, rhythm/riff section. No evidence of heavy distortion or high-gain amp/pedal use. Guitar part played by David Williams. No evidence of live/tour rig for this section.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivebright and articulatesnappy attackdistinctive chorus shimmersingle-coil clarityminimal breakupfunky rhythmic stabscompressed dynamicsstudio-polishedno heavy saturation

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated funk rhythm playing with precise muting and staccato technique, but does not involve advanced chords or fast lead lines.

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Billie Jean by Michael Jackson — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt