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Riff Tone
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)
The Cure
Guitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos)
AmpRoland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1978/1979 (Single Version). Guitar confirmed via video/photo evidence. Amp inferred from period-correct live/studio use and signature clean chorus sound. No evidence of pedal overdrive/distortion for clean riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyarticulate and percussiveclear note separationchorus shimmertight, snappy rhythmslight compression feelno audible distortionopen, airy highsfast attack80s new wave/post-punk clarity
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, fast strumming and clean chord transitions at tempo.
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Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos)
AmpRoland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1978/1979 (Single Version). Guitar confirmed via video/photo evidence. Amp inferred from period-correct live/studio use and signature clean chorus sound. No evidence of pedal overdrive/distortion for clean riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyarticulate and percussiveclear note separationchorus shimmertight, snappy rhythmslight compression feelno audible distortionopen, airy highsfast attack80s new wave/post-punk clarity
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, fast strumming and clean chord transitions at tempo.