Tone library / Michael Jackson / Billie Jean

Billie Jean amp settings — Line 6 Spider v20 mk2

The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Billie Jean”, dialed in for a Line 6 Spider v20 mk2 with a Fender Player Stratocaster. Studio version, Thriller (1982) - Iconic clean funk rhythm guitar

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster direct into mixing console/DI with heavy outboard compression (Universal Audio / dbx) and studio plate reverb

Ultra-clean, punchy, percussive funk chop with bright top-end spank and zero breakup

Amp settings — Line 6 Spider v20 mk2

CHANNELCleanBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	4
Mid	6
Treble	8
Reverb	2
Master	6

Don’t have a Line 6 Spider v20 mk2? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPneck+middle TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Compressor (Built-in FX / Line 6 Red Comp)

Engage built-in compressor effect block to recreate direct-to-desk studio compression

Sustain 8 · Level 7

Why these settings

The original track was cut by David Williams straight into the mixing console using heavy compression rather than a traditional guitar amplifier. On the Spider V 20 MkII, select the Clean amp model with low gain to keep headroom pristine, push treble to 8 to replicate the hi-fi studio direct-in snap, and use the onboard compressor block to mimic the studio outboard leveling. Presence is omitted as the Spider V 20 faceplate lacks a presence knob.

PRO TIPPosition 4 (neck+middle) on your Strat gives the quintessential 'in-between' quack; mute strings sharply with your fretting hand right after striking to get Williams' signature dry, staccato funk chops.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Line 6 Spider v20 mk2. 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.