Riff Tone

Play for Today

The Cure

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Jazzmaster (likely 1970s or late 1970s/early 1980s model)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

PickupsFender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1980 (Seventeen Seconds album). Robert Smith is known to have used a Fender Jazzmaster and Roland JC-120 for the signature clean, chorus-heavy Cure sound in this era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this specific riff section in studio. All Boss pedals were common in this period, but only chorus is confirmed for this song/section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and glassylush chorus swirlarticulate and percussiveclean and shimmeringtight low endclear, present highsminimal breakupsignature Cure modulationstereo width from chorusdistinct rhythmic attack

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, rhythmic picking and muting to maintain clarity with the chorus effect, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo.

Sources

Quintessential Rock Rigs by Decade - Premier Guitar how can I sound like the cure? : r/guitarpedals Robert Smith's Guitar Rig - The Cure's Simple Secret To ...

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