Solo Tone

This Charming Man

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1954 Fender Telecaster

AmpFender Twin Reverb (likely Silverface or Blackface, studio recording)

PickupsFender single-coil (vintage 1954 Telecaster set)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5

mid6

treble7.5

reverb4

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown, likely Boss CS-2 or MXR Dyna Comp)

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Johnny Marr confirmed use of a '54 Telecaster for 'This Charming Man' (not a Rickenbacker). Amp is widely reported as a Fender Twin Reverb, set clean and loud. Solo section is multi-tracked but primary solo lines are Telecaster into Twin Reverb. No evidence of Vox or Marshall on this track. Effects are from pedals, not amp.

Tone Character(10)

bright and janglycrystal clear note separationarticulate and percussive attackshimmering chorus effectslight spring reverb ambiencetight, focused low endmulti-tracked lushnessfast, intricate picking claritycompressed for sustain and evennessdistinctive 80s clean pop sound

Difficulty

The solo requires fast, accurate picking with complex double-stops and chord voicings, as well as maintaining clean articulation and rhythmic precision at a brisk tempo.

Sources

Johnny Marr's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear Johnny marr tone : r/thesmiths - Reddit Learn Johnny Marr's rhythm guitar secrets

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