Riff Tone
Cherub Rock
The Smashing Pumpkins
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
Guitar1991 Fender Stratocaster (Billy Corgan's main guitar for Siamese Dream sessions)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1993)
PickupsLace Sensor Blue (neck), Silver (middle), Red (bridge) single coils
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (Op-Amp version)
Notes
Studio recording, 1993. Billy Corgan used his '91 Strat with Lace Sensors and a Marshall JCM800 for the main riff. The Op-Amp Big Muff Pi was the primary fuzz/distortion. No evidence of other guitars or amps for the main riff section.
Tone Character(10)
saturated fuzzwall of soundmidrange claritytight and percussive attacksustained power chordsaggressive pick attacklayered guitar textureslightly scooped but present midsthick and compressedcrisp high end
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, alternate picking, and precise timing to maintain clarity with heavy fuzz and layered guitars, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
Sources
Smashing Pumpkins Tone : r/guitarpedals - RedditHow to mix guitars to sound like The Smashing Pumpkins? - RedditUltimate Guide to Fuzz Pedals for Beginners & Skeptics - Premier GuitarCherub Rock Guitars : r/SmashingPumpkins - RedditBilly Corgan: critics, tone secrets, and how he keeps Smashing Pumpkins fresh | Guitar World
This tone has been researched 21 times by the community
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
Guitar1991 Fender Stratocaster (Billy Corgan's main guitar for Siamese Dream sessions)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1993)
PickupsLace Sensor Blue (neck), Silver (middle), Red (bridge) single coils
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (Op-Amp version)
Sources
Smashing Pumpkins Tone : r/guitarpedals - RedditHow to mix guitars to sound like The Smashing Pumpkins? - RedditUltimate Guide to Fuzz Pedals for Beginners & Skeptics - Premier GuitarCherub Rock Guitars : r/SmashingPumpkins - RedditBilly Corgan: critics, tone secrets, and how he keeps Smashing Pumpkins fresh | Guitar World
This tone has been researched 21 times by the community
Notes
Studio recording, 1993. Billy Corgan used his '91 Strat with Lace Sensors and a Marshall JCM800 for the main riff. The Op-Amp Big Muff Pi was the primary fuzz/distortion. No evidence of other guitars or amps for the main riff section.
Tone Character(10)
saturated fuzzwall of soundmidrange claritytight and percussive attacksustained power chordsaggressive pick attacklayered guitar textureslightly scooped but present midsthick and compressedcrisp high end
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting, alternate picking, and precise timing to maintain clarity with heavy fuzz and layered guitars, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
Cherub Rock settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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