Beat It

The recording

Steve Lukather recorded the main riff and rhythm parts on a Valley Arts Custom Pro (bridge pickup, standard tuning) through a Paul Rivera‑modified Fender Deluxe Reverb, delivering a tight, percussive tone with scooped mids and subtle reverb. The iconic solo was performed by Eddie Van Halen on his 1977 Fender Stratocaster “Frankenstrat”, routed through a Variac‑biased Marshall 1959 SLP Plexi Super Lead with an MXR Phase 90 for the sweeping modulation. Both parts were captured at Westlake Studios under Quincy Jones’s production, with the rhythm sitting low‑mid in the mix and the solo soaring above on a slightly compressed, high‑gain channel.

Tuning Standard E A D G B E

Reported gear

1982 Valley Arts Custom Pro

Guitar

Steve Lukather used a Valley Arts Custom Pro (likely HSS) with a bridge humbucker for the rhythm riff and verses, playing a hard‑attacked, palm‑muted style that defines the track’s rock edge.

1982 Fender Deluxe Reverb (Paul Rivera‑modified)

Amp

The modified Deluxe Reverb was run at a clean‑to‑slightly overdriven level, with mids scooped and a touch of reverb, giving the rhythm a bright yet controlled punch that sits behind the drums.

1977 Fender Stratocaster ('Frankenstrat')

Guitar

Eddie Van Halen performed the solo on his iconic “Frankenstrat”, a heavily modified Strat equipped with a high‑output humbucker, delivering fast legato runs and a distinctive, screaming tone.

MXR Phase 90

Pedal

A subtle phase effect was placed before the amp for the solo, creating the sweeping, whirling texture heard on the upper strings.

Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue

Amp

The solo chain was driven through a Variac‑biased Marshall 1959 SLP Plexi Super Lead, set to high gain for a thick, saturated overdrive that retains clarity during rapid picking.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the 1982 Valley Arts Custom Pro

$150 to $180

MXR Phase 90

Still made · for the MXR Phase 90

$150 to $200

Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

Reissue · for the 1982 Fender Deluxe Reverb (Paul Rivera‑modified)

$900 to $1,200

Marshall JCM800 2203

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue

$1,200 to $1,500

Fender Player Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1977 Fender Stratocaster ('Frankenstrat')

$500 to $600

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Drive the amp to natural breakup; keep gain moderate and add a hint of reverb for depth.
2. 2.Insert an MXR Phase 90 before the amp for the solo and set the speed to a moderate rate for a sweeping effect.
3. 3.Attack the strings with a hard pick and use palm‑muting on the rhythm parts for percussive definition.
4. 4.For the solo, lower the amp voltage with a variac or dial the gain down slightly to achieve a smoother, singing overdrive.