ToneAdapt

Loading...

Back to Community

Riff Tone

Bigmouth Strikes Again

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRickenbacker 330 (6-string, likely 1980s model, capo at 4th fret)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, 1970s/early 1980s)

Amp Settings

gain0
bass5

Create an account to see all tone details

Create Free Account

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1986. Main riff section. Marr used a Rickenbacker 330 through a Fender Twin Reverb for the main rhythm/riff, sometimes blended with a Roland JC-120 for additional top end. Capo at 4th fret. Chorus pedal is sometimes mentioned as optional, but not confirmed on the original studio recording. No evidence of compression or overdrive pedals for this section.

Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyarticulate and percussivechiming top endclean and glassytight, focused midrangecutting rhythm attackspring reverb ambienceno audible drive or breakupdistinct Rickenbacker chimedynamic, responsive to strumming

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent 16th-note strumming, precise chord shapes with a capo, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation at tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account