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Riff Tone

The Headmaster Ritual

The Smiths

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Amp Settings

gain0
bass5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1984-1985. Johnny Marr confirmed using his Les Paul for the recording of 'The Headmaster Ritual' and the Roland JC-120 was his primary clean amp for The Smiths' studio work during this era. The Fender Pro was also used live and on some tracks, but the JC-120 is most associated with the clean, chorus-heavy Smiths sound on this song's riff. Acoustic tracks (Martin D-28) were layered but the electric riff is the focus here.

Tone Character(9)
glassy and cleanbright and articulatelush stereo choruspercussive attackshimmering modulationtight note separationdynamic and responsiveminimal breakupjangly and rhythmic

Difficulty

The riff requires intricate picking, fast chord changes, and clean articulation with chorus, making it challenging for most players.

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