Riff Tone

Geek U.S.A.

The Smashing Pumpkins

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster Deluxe Plus

AmpMarshall JCM800 (studio, Siamese Dream era)

PickupsFender Lace Sensor (likely Blue/Silver/Red set)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi

flangerElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix

phaserMu-Tron Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Notes

Studio recording, 1992-1993 (Siamese Dream sessions). Billy Corgan used his Stratocaster Deluxe Plus with Lace Sensor pickups into a Marshall JCM800, with pedals including the Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi for the signature fuzz. Effects chain and settings are based on studio documentation and interviews for Siamese Dream, not live rigs.

Tone Character(10)

massive, saturated fuzzwall-of-sound rhythm tonetight, percussive attacksustained power chordsaggressive, compressed fuzzmid-forward punchrich harmonic overtonesslightly scooped but present midslayered, swirling modulationdense, thick distortion

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast picking with precise palm muting, complex rhythmic patterns, and quick chord transitions, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (Deluxe Edition) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Billy Corgan's Guitars | Equipboard Anyone used these two to try and get a Siamese guitar tone ... - Reddit

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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