Riff Tone

Suffer Little Children

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRickenbacker 330

AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, early 1980s studio recording)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils

Amp Settings

gain3

bass5

mid5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984, debut album sessions. Johnny Marr used a Rickenbacker 330 through a Fender Twin Reverb for the main riff, sometimes with a Roland JC-120 for added chorus in the studio. Chorus effect likely from pedal, not amp. Settings and effects are for the studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

bright and shimmeringclean and articulatejanglyhaunting qualitygentle and melodicdeep silky tonelush chorus texturesubtle spring reverbslightly compressednot aggressive or distorted

Difficulty

The riff is not technically demanding in terms of speed or advanced techniques, but requires clean, accurate picking and subtle dynamic control to achieve the signature haunting, jangly sound.

Sources

Johnny Marr (The Smiths) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk Smiths On Guitar: Johnny Marr's Gear Tonal Blueprint: The Smiths/Johnny Marr : r/guitarpedals Suffer Little Children

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