Riff Tone

Rocket

The Smashing Pumpkins

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s, used by Billy Corgan on Siamese Dream)

AmpMarshall JMP-1 preamp into Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cab

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge position, humbucker-sized for Strat)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

otherBoss Boss OC-2 Octave

phaserMXR MXR Phase 90

Notes

Studio recording, 1992-1993 (Siamese Dream sessions). Gear confirmed for album era and main riff sections. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this part.

Tone Character(10)

fuzzed-out wall of soundsaturated sustainaggressive attackclear but muffishoctave doublingslight phase movementtight low endharsh and clear bridge pickupmassive sustainlayered fuzz texture

Difficulty

The riff requires tight picking and palm muting to maintain clarity through heavy fuzz and layered effects, with moderate technical challenge due to tempo and effect management.

Sources

Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips)"Smashing Pumpkins - Rocket" tone | Guitar Forum - The Gear Page What pedal do I need to play rocket? : r/SmashingPumpkins - Reddit How can I get rocket tones using a fender amp and a big muff - Reddit Chasing Billy Corgan's guitar tone.. : r/SmashingPumpkins - Reddit

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