Riff Tone

Bigmouth Strikes Again

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRickenbacker 330 (6-string, likely 1980s model, capo at 4th fret)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, 1970s/early 1980s)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb4

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1986. Main riff section. Marr used a Rickenbacker 330 through a Fender Twin Reverb for the main rhythm/riff, sometimes blended with a Roland JC-120 for additional top end. Capo at 4th fret. Chorus pedal is sometimes mentioned as optional, but not confirmed on the original studio recording. No evidence of compression or overdrive pedals for this section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and janglyarticulate and percussivechiming top endclean and glassytight, focused midrangecutting rhythm attackspring reverb ambienceno audible drive or breakupdistinct Rickenbacker chimedynamic, responsive to strumming

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent 16th-note strumming, precise chord shapes with a capo, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation at tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Johnny Marr's Sound | Guitar Forum - The Gear Page Smiths On Guitar: Johnny Marr's Gear Bigmouth Strikes Again - Smiths On Guitar Gear Rundown: Johnny Marr

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