Michael Jackson – Beat It – Main Riff

Unlock the driving power of one of pop music’s most iconic guitar riffs with our note-for-note guitar lesson on Michael Jackson's “Beat It – Main Riff”, available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This focused and in-depth lesson breaks down the unforgettable riff that gave this 1983 hit its rock edge, helping guitarists of all levels grasp the musical mechanics and expressive techniques behind the part. From punchy rhythm work to tight phrasing and control, this lesson will expand your skill set while adding a timeless track to your repertoire. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Impact of “Beat It”

“Beat It” is a groundbreaking track from Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum album Thriller, known not only for its chart-topping success but also for its genre-blending brilliance. Featuring a powerful rock riff and electrifying guitar work, the song merged pop and hard rock in a way never done before in mainstream music. This lesson focuses specifically on the main riff, originally played by Steve Lukather of Toto, with additional guitar flourishes contributed by Eddie Van Halen, whose solo became a landmark moment in guitar history.

About the Guitar Players

Steve Lukather, known for his work with Toto and countless session recordings, laid down the core rhythm guitar track for Beat It. His playing is tight, efficient, and precise—qualities that define the riff and make it such a standout. Lukather’s approach to tone and feel has influenced generations of guitarists, showing that rhythm guitar can be just as expressive and impactful as lead.

Eddie Van Halen's contribution, while mostly in the solo section, set a new standard for what was possible in mainstream pop tracks. Though this lesson focuses on the main riff, understanding the significance of both players’ input gives context to the guitar language of the song.

Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson

This lesson isn’t just about learning a cool riff—it’s about mastering essential techniques that every guitarist should have in their toolkit. Here's a breakdown of the key techniques you'll learn and how they benefit your playing:

Palm Muting

The core of the “Beat It” riff is built on palm muting, a technique that adds a percussive quality and tightness to power chords. It involves lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, muting them just enough to control sustain without killing tone. Mastering palm muting improves rhythmic control and adds depth to your rock and metal riffing.

Power Chords

The riff’s driving force comes from power chords, which consist of just the root and fifth of a chord. They’re simple in structure but deliver immense power when played with distortion. Power chords are a cornerstone of rock guitar and offer a solid foundation for understanding harmonic structure and rhythm playing.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes or chord shapes, adding motion and flair to your playing. In “Beat It,” they help emphasise the groove and phrasing of the riff. Learning to slide accurately enhances your fretboard navigation and contributes to expressive lead and rhythm work.

Syncopated Rhythms

The riff’s rhythmic placement and groove rely heavily on syncopated rhythms, which shift emphasis to off-beats or unexpected subdivisions. This technique builds a deeper sense of timing, making your playing more dynamic and groove-oriented—an essential skill for funk, pop, and rock guitarists.

String Bending

While not prominent throughout the main riff, subtle string bending helps add nuance to small fills and transitional licks within the riff. String bending is vital for expressive playing, letting you mimic vocal phrasing and add emotion to your notes.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to sustained notes within the riff or transitions gives the part a more professional and polished sound. Vibrato enhances sustain and allows your notes to sing, making it a fundamental expressive tool in any guitarist’s arsenal.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the Beat It riff offers more than just the ability to play a famous track. It sharpens your rhythmic precision, strengthens your right-hand control, and teaches how to balance aggression with clarity—skills that are transferable to countless styles of guitar playing. Whether you’re preparing for live performance, recording, or simply expanding your technique library, this lesson gives you a high-impact workout that sounds as good as it feels to play.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• String Bending
• Vibrato

Ready to learn a legendary riff the way it was really played? Head over to LickLibrary.com and take your skills to the next level with this Michael Jackson – Beat It – Main Riff guitar lesson.