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Riff Tone
What Difference Does It Make?
The Smiths
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1983 Rickenbacker 330
AmpFender Twin Reverb (likely Silverface era, studio recording)
Amp Settings
gain3
bass5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1983-1984. Johnny Marr used his black Rickenbacker 330 as the main guitar for the riff on 'What Difference Does It Make?'. The amp is confirmed as a Fender Twin Reverb for the debut album sessions. No evidence of alternative guitars or amps for this specific part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and articulatechiming and janglyclean headroompercussive attackslight chorus shimmertight, focused rhythmsingle-coil claritydynamic responselight compressionno audible distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, clean articulation, and muting technique to achieve the signature jangle pop sound.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1983 Rickenbacker 330
AmpFender Twin Reverb (likely Silverface era, studio recording)
Amp Settings
gain3
bass5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1983-1984. Johnny Marr used his black Rickenbacker 330 as the main guitar for the riff on 'What Difference Does It Make?'. The amp is confirmed as a Fender Twin Reverb for the debut album sessions. No evidence of alternative guitars or amps for this specific part.
Tone Character(10)
bright and articulatechiming and janglyclean headroompercussive attackslight chorus shimmertight, focused rhythmsingle-coil claritydynamic responselight compressionno audible distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, clean articulation, and muting technique to achieve the signature jangle pop sound.