Riff Tone

This Charming Man

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1954 Fender Telecaster (John Porter’s, used by Johnny Marr on the main riff)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (Blackface, studio recording, 1983)

PickupsSingle-coil (vintage Fender Telecaster pickups)

Amp Settings

gain3

bass5

mid7

treble8

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Main riff tracked with John Porter’s 1954 Fender Telecaster into a Fender Twin Reverb. Some sources mention Roland JC-120 and Rickenbacker 330 for overdubs, but the main riff is widely cited as the Telecaster into the Twin Reverb. No evidence of a dedicated distortion pedal for the riff; tone is edge-of-breakup/clean with compression and chorus.

Tone Character(9)

bright and janglyarticulate and percussive attackchorus shimmertight, compressed rhythmclean with slight breakupspring reverb ambiencesnappy single-coil claritydynamic and punchycrisp high-end detail

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, accurate picking, intricate chord shapes, and tight muting, making it challenging for most players despite the lack of distortion.

Sources

Gear Rundown: Johnny Marr Johnny Marr (The Smiths) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips)Johnny Marr's Sound | Guitar Forum - The Gear Page Johnny marr tone : r/thesmiths - Reddit

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