Sound Like Johnny Marr
During a defining era for electric guitar, Johnny Marr redefined what textural and introspective electric guitar could sound like — and their influence on indie has never faded. Johnny Marr of The Smiths is the architect of the British indie guitar sound — arpeggiated chord voicings, capo use, shimmering clean tones and an intricate right-hand technique that sounds like multiple guitarists at once. Whether you're starting out or ready to invest, the rig guides below cover every budget from £200 to £2,500.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£178
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£477
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- ChorusStrymon Ola Chorus
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£1,097
- GuitarFender Player Stratocaster
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
- DelayTC Electronic Flashback 2
- ChorusBoss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble
£2,500 · Premium
~£2475
- GuitarEpiphone ES-339
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- ChorusBoss CE-2W Chorus
- AmpMarshall DSL100H
- DelayWalrus Audio Fundamental Delay
Tone Profile
Johnny Marr's Sound
Rickenbacker 330 or Gibson ES-335 into a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the cleanest amp available, with a Korg SDD-3000 delay for shimmer. No overdrive — Marr's tone is always pristine clean. The Rickenbacker's jangly character through the JC-120's crystalline solid-state preamp is the foundation of every Smiths record.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Johnny Marr's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.