Riff Tone

What Difference Does It Make?

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1983 Rickenbacker 330

AmpFender Twin Reverb (likely Silverface era, studio recording)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain3

bass5

mid6.5

treble7.5

reverb4

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984. Johnny Marr used his black Rickenbacker 330 as the main guitar for the riff on 'What Difference Does It Make?'. The amp is confirmed as a Fender Twin Reverb for the debut album sessions. No evidence of alternative guitars or amps for this specific part.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatechiming and janglyclean headroompercussive attackslight chorus shimmertight, focused rhythmsingle-coil claritydynamic responselight compressionno audible distortion

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, clean articulation, and muting technique to achieve the signature jangle pop sound.

Sources

Johnny Marr's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard In pictures: Johnny Marr's gear collection | MusicRadar Johnny marr tone : r/thesmiths

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