Riff Tone

I Know It's Over

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1966 Rickenbacker 330

AmpFender Twin Reverb (for mids/bass) + Roland JC-120 (for highs)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Chorus pedal (likely Boss CE-2, model not confirmed)

Notes

Studio recording, 1986. Johnny Marr blended a Fender Twin Reverb and Roland JC-120 in the studio for The Smiths' 'The Queen Is Dead' sessions. Rickenbacker 330 confirmed for this track. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.

Tone Character(10)

chiming and cleanlush and spaciousbright and articulatefull-bodied janglerich reverb ambiencedistinct note separationopen chord voicingsairy and melodiccrisp attacksubtle chorus shimmer

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to intricate open chord shapes, clean fingerpicking, and the need for precise articulation to maintain clarity with chorus and reverb effects.

Sources

The Smiths: "I Know It's Over" (lesson) 1966 Rickenbacker ...Smiths On Guitar: Johnny Marr's Gear Johnny marr tone : r/thesmiths

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