Tone library / Michael Jackson / Beat It

Beat It amp settings — Yamaha THR10II

The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Beat It”, dialed in for a Yamaha THR10II with a Yamaha Pacifica 112V. Studio version, Thriller (1982) — iconic main rhythm riff (Steve Lukather)

Original rig

1959 Gibson Les Paul (PAF humbuckers) into a Paul Rivera-modded Fender Deluxe Reverb

Punchy, tight mid-gain rock crunch with clear note definition and articulate percussive attack

Amp settings — Yamaha THR10II

CHANNELCRUNCH (Classic)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	6
Reverb	2
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V bridge humbucker matches Lukather's Les Paul attack well. Setting the THR10II to the CRUNCH amp model replicates the hot-rodded American tube breakup of his Rivera-modded Deluxe Reverb without becoming fizzy. Mids are pushed to 7 to ensure the riff's staccato low notes stay punchy and articulate.

PRO TIPUse aggressive palm muting near the bridge saddles on the low E and open strings to get that signature tight, percussive chug before letting the double stops ring out.

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These settings are for a Yamaha THR10II. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.