Tone library / Michael Jackson / Smooth Criminal

Smooth Criminal amp settings — Fender Twin Reverb

The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Smooth Criminal”, dialed in for a Fender Twin Reverb with a Aeroguittar Eletronic Guittar. Studio version, Bad (1987) - David Williams rhythm guitar

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster (bridge+middle position) direct into Neve recording console via custom active DI box, heavily compressed

Ultra-clean, percussive, snappy 80s funk rhythm with tight low end and crisp transient attack

Amp settings — Fender Twin Reverb

CHANNELVibrato or Normal (clean)BRIGHTon

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Bass	3
Mid	6
Treble	7
Reverb	1
Master	4

Don’t have a Fender Twin Reverb? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge+middle TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Compressor (e.g. Boss CS-3 / Dyna Comp)

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned

Level 7 · Tone 6 · Attack 7 · Sustain 6

Why these settings

The original recording was tracked direct into a Neve console with heavy studio compression for extreme clarity and fast transients. On the Fender Twin Reverb, engage the Bright switch, pull bass down to 3 to keep muted 16th-note chucks tight, and push mids slightly to avoid getting lost in the mix. Keep reverb virtually off to match the bone-dry, razor-sharp studio direct sound.

PRO TIPUse aggressive, rigid wrist-snapping 16th-note rhythm picking near the bridge while lightly muting with your fretting hand between stabs to nail David Williams' signature percussive snap.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Fender Twin Reverb. 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.