Riff Tone

Quiet

The Smashing Pumpkins

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1988 Fender Stratocaster (modded with Lace Sensor pickups)

AmpElectro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi into 1970s Marshall JCM800 2203 (modded with KT88 power tubes) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsDiMarzio Lace Sensor Blue (neck), Silver (middle), Red (bridge)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid7.5

treble6.5

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

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

Notes

Studio recording, 1992-1993. Main riff/rhythm guitar for 'Quiet' on Siamese Dream. No modulation or time-based pedals used for riff; fuzz/distortion is from Op-Amp Big Muff. Amp set cleanish, fuzz provides main drive. No effects loop. All info specific to studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

wall of soundsuper saturated fuzztight and percussive attackaggressive and heavymid-forward punchsinging sustainchunky power chordscompressed and focusedminimal clarity (intentionally thick)no modulation or ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive picking and palm muting at a fast tempo, with precise control to avoid muddiness under heavy fuzz. The chromatic movement and power chord shifts add to the technical challenge.