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Michael Jackson - Beat It - Guitar Tab

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Michael Jackson - Beat It - Guitar Tab

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Michael Jackson - Beat It guitar tab video
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Thriller album cover
Thriller
1982 4:18
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Michael Jackson Pop 1982 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Beat It

"Beat It" is a rock-inflected pop track by Michael Jackson, released on his sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). Produced by Quincy Jones and co-produced by Jackson, the song was deliberately crafted to bridge pop and rock audiences. It is a rewarding study for electric guitarists largely because of its iconic solo, performed by Eddie Van Halen, which blends fast legato runs and tapping technique into a memorable, accessible showcase.

  • Eddie Van Halen recorded his guitar solo for free as a personal favor, contributing one of rock's most recognizable lead parts.
  • Quincy Jones encouraged Michael Jackson to include a straight rock track on Thriller, citing 'My Sharona' as a stylistic reference point.
  • The solo features Van Halen's signature two-handed tapping technique, making it a practical exercise for guitarists learning that style.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Slash wielded a '59 Les Paul replica on 'Give In To Me,' delivering that warm-yet-cutting midrange essential to MJ's hardrock guitar moments. The guitar's thick body resonance pairs perfectly with Marshall stack overdrive for Michael Jackson's most aggressive rock tracks.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul's humbucker firepower cuts through MJ's dense pop production with natural tube saturation and sustain. This guitar provides the weighted tone needed for Slash's solos and rhythm work across the Thriller-era rock-influenced catalog.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

Slash cranked a Marshall JCM800 2203 head to achieve natural tube overdrive on 'Give In To Me,' delivering the aggressive rock punch that defines Michael Jackson's harder-edged guitar moments. The amp's responsive gain structure lets the Les Paul's humbuckers shine through dense production.

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)
Amp

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)

Eddie Van Halen's modified Marshall Super Lead (variac'd for sag and compression) powered the legendary 'Beat It' solo, creating that compressed, singing lead tone perfect for tapping techniques. The Plexi's harmonic richness made the single humbucker's output cut through MJ's production.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

The Fender Twin Reverb's clean headroom and natural reverb capture the glassy, percussive rhythm tones on tracks like 'Billie Jean' and 'Rock With You.' This amp provides the transparent platform that lets funky single-coil snap and light chorus effects define Michael Jackson's pop-soul foundation.

Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro
Pickup

Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro

Slash's Les Paul uses Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups, delivering warm-yet-cutting midrange that sits perfectly in MJ's pop arrangements while maintaining rock credibility. The pickup's balanced output ensures clarity and sustain whether driving Marshall heads or cutting through dense studio mixes.

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