Riff Tone

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRickenbacker 330 (6-string, likely Jetglo finish)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s model)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils

Amp Settings

gain3

bass5.5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

overdriveBoss Boss OD-2 Turbo OverDrive

Notes

Studio recording, 1987; evidence from interviews and gear rundowns points to the Rickenbacker 330 and Fender Twin Reverb as Johnny Marr's primary setup for this era and song. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. No evidence of Telecaster or other models for this part.

Tone Character(10)

bright and chimeyglassy high endarticulate and percussiverich, jangly strummingslight compressionclean, no audible breakupsubtle chorus shimmertight, focused low enddistinct single-coil sparklestudio clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated, fast chord changes and the need for precise, clean strumming while keeping the tone articulate and avoiding unwanted noise or overdrive.

Sources

Johnny Marr's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Dear Guitar Hero: Johnny Marr Talks Guitars, 'Inception' Soundtrack, Working with John Frusciante and More | Guitar World How to get that specific 'The Cure/The Smiths' guitar tone. : r/Guitar

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