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Riff Tone
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before
The Smiths
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 330 (6-string, likely Jetglo finish)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s model)
Amp Settings
gain3
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1987; evidence from interviews and gear rundowns points to the Rickenbacker 330 and Fender Twin Reverb as Johnny Marr's primary setup for this era and song. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. No evidence of Telecaster or other models for this part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and chimeyglassy high endarticulate and percussiverich, jangly strummingslight compressionclean, no audible breakupsubtle chorus shimmertight, focused low enddistinct single-coil sparklestudio clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated, fast chord changes and the need for precise, clean strumming while keeping the tone articulate and avoiding unwanted noise or overdrive.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 330 (6-string, likely Jetglo finish)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s model)
Amp Settings
gain3
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1987; evidence from interviews and gear rundowns points to the Rickenbacker 330 and Fender Twin Reverb as Johnny Marr's primary setup for this era and song. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. No evidence of Telecaster or other models for this part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and chimeyglassy high endarticulate and percussiverich, jangly strummingslight compressionclean, no audible breakupsubtle chorus shimmertight, focused low enddistinct single-coil sparklestudio clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated, fast chord changes and the need for precise, clean strumming while keeping the tone articulate and avoiding unwanted noise or overdrive.