GuitarCleanRiff
The Headmaster Ritual Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Smiths
The Smiths · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
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.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5
Gain0
Reverb3.5
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Boss CE-2 Chorus · chorus
- Boss GE-6 Graphic Equalizer · eq
Guitar → Boss GE-6 EQ → Boss CE-2 Chorus → Roland JC-120 (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- glassy and clean
- bright and articulate
- lush stereo chorus
- percussive attack
- shimmering modulation
- tight note separation
- dynamic and responsive
- minimal breakup
- jangly and rhythmic