Solo Tone

Geek U.S.A.

The Smashing Pumpkins

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1971 Fender Stratocaster (likely, but some sources mention Jaguar for Siamese Dream sessions)

AmpMarshall JCM800 head (modified with KT88 tubes), into Marshall 1960 4x12 slant cab

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock 1971 Stratocaster)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi V4

noise_gateBoss Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

Notes

Studio recording, 1993, Siamese Dream sessions. Billy Corgan used a Stratocaster with single coils for most solos on Siamese Dream, including 'Geek U.S.A.' solo. Amp was a Marshall JCM800 with KT88 tubes. Pedals included the EHX Op-Amp Big Muff V4 for fuzz. No evidence of Jaguar or Les Paul for this solo. Settings estimated from era and genre as no explicit solo settings found.

Tone Character(10)

wall of fuzzmassive sustaincutting, saturated lead toneaggressive, searing solo soundtight, focused attacksinging sustainbright and articulatehigh output, compressed fuzzclassic 90s alternative rock fuzzMarshall crunch with Big Muff saturation

Difficulty

The solo features fast, intricate picking, rapid note changes, and requires precise control of bends and sustain under high-gain fuzz, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Gear Rundown: The Smashing Pumpkins The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (Deluxe Edition) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Sound Like Smashing Pumpkins Without Busting the Bank! - Andertons Blog Tone Settings for Today by Smashing Pumpkins ...

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