Tone library / Michael Jackson / Beat It

Beat It amp settings — Epiphone Electar 10

The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Beat It”, dialed in for a Epiphone Electar 10 with a Epiphone Les Paul Classic. Studio version, Thriller (1982) — iconic main rhythm riff

Original rig

Steve Lukather's 1959 Gibson Les Paul into a modded Rivera Fender Deluxe Reverb with light overdrive

Punchy, tight mid-gain rock crunch with clear note definition and articulate percussive attack
Amp settings — Epiphone Electar 10
CHANNELOverdrive button engaged
GAIN 6 BASS 5 TREBLE 7 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain6
Bass5
Treble7
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned

Drive 4 · Tone 6 · Level 7
Why these settings

The Epiphone Electar 10 practice amp lacks mid, presence, and reverb controls on its faceplate, so mid-range focus must come from the bridge humbucker and treble bite. We engage the onboard Overdrive button with gain at 6 to replicate Lukather's modded Fender crunch without turning muddy on the 6-inch speaker. If you add a Tube Screamer down the line, disengage the amp's OD button, run the clean channel with gain low, and let the pedal shape the tight mid bark.

PRO TIPDig in hard with a stiff pick near the bridge saddles on the low string accents and apply a firm palm mute right at the bridge to get Lukather's distinctive percussive chunk.

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These settings are for a Epiphone Electar 10. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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