Beat it amp settings — Marshall Mg15r
The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Beat it”, dialed in for a Marshall Mg15r with a Jackson JS22 Dinky. Studio version, Thriller (1982) — Eddie Van Halen solo tone
Charvel 'Frankenstrat' with single humbucker → MXR Phase 90 → Jose Arredondo-modded Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (Variac'd to ~90V for sag/compression)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 0 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
The MG15R's solid-state OD channel is tighter and less compressed than a cranked Plexi, so I pushed mids to 7 (original was ~5.5-6) to compensate for the MG's naturally scooped voice. Dropped bass to 4 to prevent mud in the small speaker. Presence at 0 because the MG gets harsh/fizzy with any presence on high gain—the Plexi's presence added warmth, not ice pick. Your Jackson's high-output humbuckers approximate Van Halen's hot-wound pickup well.
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These settings are for a Marshall Mg15r. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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