Solo Tone

This Charming Man (John Peel Session 9/14/83)

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster (likely 1983 Standard or early '80s model, as per Johnny Marr interview)

AmpRoland JC-120 (for highs/clean) blended with Fender Twin Reverb (for mids and bass)

PickupsSingle-coil (Fender Telecaster stock pickups, 1983 era)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid7

treble8

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss or Roland Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely Boss CE-2 or Roland JC-120 built-in)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, John Peel Session 9/14/83. Johnny Marr stated the first time he used a Telecaster was for this recording. Multiple sources confirm JC-120 and Fender Twin Reverb were blended for the clean tone. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this session.

Tone Character(10)

bright and chimingcrystal-clear highsarticulate and janglytight, percussive attacklush chorus shimmerclean and compressedslightly scooped midsdistinctive 1980s indie soundno audible distortiondynamic and responsive

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced right-hand picking accuracy, rapid chord changes, and precise muting to maintain clarity at a fast tempo, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

This Charming Man amp settings : r/thesmiths How to get that specific "The Cure/The Smiths" guitar tone.Tonal Blueprint: The Smiths/Johnny Marr : r/guitarpedals Johnny Marr: “The first time I ever used a Tele was the day I recorded This Charming Man” | Guitar World

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