Song Rig
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
Billy Corgan · Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness · 1995
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The most aggressive Smashing Pumpkins track maintains the Siamese Dream guitar approach — layered Marshall tracks — but the vocal arrangement and mix give it a less dense, more punk-influenced character. The tremolo picking in the verse creates a rapid staccato rhythm different from the smooth power chords of Siamese Dream.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Custom
- 2Marshall JMP Super Lead
- 3Marshall 4x12 cabinets
- 4Boss DS-1 Distortion
Amp Settings
Essentially the same Marshall setting as Siamese Dream, but the song's arrangement gives the guitar a slightly rawer, less polished context.
Technique
How to Play It
The verse uses a tremolo-picked single-note riff that requires tight, consistent alternate picking at a moderate tempo. The chorus returns to full power chord strumming.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Humbucker guitar into a Marshall JCM800 or similar at high gain. The verse tremolo picking requires consistent alternate pick technique at the written rhythm.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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