Riff Tone
What Difference Does It Make? (John Peel Session, 5/18/83)
The Smiths
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 330 (likely 1980-81, Mapleglo finish)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, early 1980s)
PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5
mid5
treble7.5
reverb2
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusBoss Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (or Roland JC-120 chorus circuit, model uncertain)
Notes
Studio recording, John Peel Session, May 18, 1983. Johnny Marr is widely documented as using a Rickenbacker 330 and a Fender Twin Reverb for early Smiths Peel Sessions. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this session. No evidence of additional outboard studio effects or unusual signal chains.
Tone Character(10)
chiming and janglybright and glassyarticulate and percussivetight low endsubtle spring reverbdistinct chorus shimmerclean and openslightly compressed attackno audible overdriveclassic 80s indie clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming with clean chord changes and muting, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast tempo.
Sources
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 330 (likely 1980-81, Mapleglo finish)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, early 1980s)
PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5
mid5
treble7.5
reverb2
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusBoss Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (or Roland JC-120 chorus circuit, model uncertain)
Notes
Studio recording, John Peel Session, May 18, 1983. Johnny Marr is widely documented as using a Rickenbacker 330 and a Fender Twin Reverb for early Smiths Peel Sessions. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this session. No evidence of additional outboard studio effects or unusual signal chains.
Tone Character(10)
chiming and janglybright and glassyarticulate and percussivetight low endsubtle spring reverbdistinct chorus shimmerclean and openslightly compressed attackno audible overdriveclassic 80s indie clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming with clean chord changes and muting, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast tempo.
More The Smiths tones
- Back to the Old House · riff
- This Charming Man · riff
- There Is a Light That Never Goes Out · riff
- This Night Has Opened My Eyes · riff
- The Headmaster Ritual · riff
- Back to the Old House · solo
- Back to the Old House (2011 Remaster) · riff
- Barbarism Begins at Home · solo
- Barbarism Begins at Home · riff
- Bigmouth Strikes Again · riff