Johnny Marr, the legendary guitarist formerly of The Smiths, is celebrated for his innovative guitar techniques and distinctive sound that have influenced countless musicians. Known for his jangly, layered guitar work, Marr’s style is a masterclass in texture, rhythm, and melody. In this post, we delve into the history, influences, top hits, unique guitar techniques, gear and equipment, and more about Johnny Marr.

Johnny Marr – History and Influences

Born John Martin Maher on October 31, 1963, in Manchester, England, Johnny Marr grew up in a working-class Irish family. His early musical influences included T. Rex, The Rolling Stones, and James Williamson of The Stooges. Marr picked up the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music, forming his first band, The Paris Valentinos, in his teens.

In 1982, Marr co-founded The Smiths with singer Morrissey, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. The band’s unique blend of jangly guitars, melancholic lyrics, and post-punk energy quickly made them one of the most influential groups of the 1980s. Marr’s intricate guitar work was a cornerstone of their sound, earning him recognition as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Top Hits Featuring Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr’s career is marked by numerous hits, both with The Smiths and as a solo artist. Here are some of the most iconic tracks that showcase his exceptional guitar work:

“This Charming Man” – The Smiths (1983)

Chart Position: Peaked at No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart.

Why It Was a Hit: “This Charming Man” is a quintessential example of Marr’s jangly guitar style. The upbeat, infectious riff, combined with Morrissey’s charismatic vocals, made it an instant classic. Marr’s use of arpeggiated chords and bright, shimmering tones helped define the sound of The Smiths.

“How Soon Is Now?” – The Smiths (1985)

Chart Position: Reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and became a cult favorite.

Why It Was a Hit: Known for its iconic tremolo effect, “How Soon Is Now?” features one of Marr’s most memorable guitar riffs. The song’s dark, brooding atmosphere and hypnotic rhythm showcase Marr’s ability to create complex, textured soundscapes.

“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” – The Smiths (1986)

Chart Position: While not released as a single at the time, it has since become one of the band’s most beloved tracks.

Why It Was a Hit: This song exemplifies Marr’s talent for crafting emotionally resonant melodies. The lush, orchestral arrangement and haunting guitar lines complement Morrissey’s poignant lyrics, making it a standout in The Smiths’ catalog.

“Getting Away with It” – Electronic (1989)

Chart Position: Peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Why It Was a Hit: Collaborating with Bernard Sumner of New Order and Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, Marr co-founded Electronic. “Getting Away with It” blends electronic elements with Marr’s signature guitar style, creating a sophisticated pop hit.

“Easy Money” – Johnny Marr (2014)

Chart Position: Received critical acclaim and significant airplay.

Why It Was a Hit: As a solo artist, Marr continued to innovate. “Easy Money” features a catchy, driving riff and showcases his knack for blending classic rock influences with modern sensibilities.

Johnny Marr’s Guitar Techniques

Johnny Marr’s guitar playing is characterized by its complexity, rhythmic precision, and melodic inventiveness. Here are some key techniques that define his style:

Layered Arpeggios

Marr often uses layered arpeggios to create a rich, full sound. By playing broken chords across multiple tracks, he adds depth and texture to his recordings. This technique is evident in songs like “This Charming Man,” where the intertwining arpeggios create a shimmering, dynamic backdrop.

Alternate Tunings

Marr frequently employs alternate tunings to achieve unique sounds. For example, in “The Headmaster Ritual,” he uses an open D tuning (DADF#AD) to create a ringing, open sound. These tunings allow Marr to explore new chord voicings and melodic possibilities.

Jangle Pop Sound

A defining characteristic of Marr’s playing is his jangly, bright tone. He achieves this by using clean amp settings, chorus effects, and often a Rickenbacker or Fender guitar. This sound became synonymous with The Smiths and has influenced countless indie and alternative bands.

Rhythmic Precision

Marr’s rhythm guitar work is known for its precision and intricacy. He often incorporates syncopated rhythms and complex strumming patterns, giving his playing a propulsive, energetic feel. This is particularly evident in tracks like “Bigmouth Strikes Again.”

Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking

Marr’s ability to blend fingerpicking with flat-picking allows him to create complex textures and articulate melodies. This technique is evident in the intro to “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” and the intricate picking patterns in “Back to the Old House.”

Use of Effects

Marr is known for his tasteful use of effects to enhance his sound. He often uses chorus, delay, and reverb to add depth and dimension to his playing. His use of the tremolo effect in “How Soon Is Now?” is a prime example of how he integrates effects to create iconic sounds.

Guitar Gear and Equipment

Johnny Marr’s gear has played a crucial role in shaping his signature sound. Here’s a look at some of the key components of his setup:

Guitars

Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar MN Vintage White: One of the key instruments in Johnny Marr’s arsenal is the Fender Jaguar. While Marr has his own signature model, a great modern alternative is the Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar MN Vintage White. This guitar captures the essence of the classic Jaguar sound with its vintage-style single-coil pickups, distinctive body shape, and unique switching system.

Rickenbacker 330(USED): Known for its bright, jangly tone, the Rickenbacker 330 is another of Marr’s go-to guitars. It’s prominently featured on many Smiths tracks.

Gibson Les Paul: Marr occasionally uses a Gibson Les Paul for its warm, powerful sound. This guitar adds a different tonal dimension to his arsenal.

Amps

Fender ’68 Twin Reverb: Known for its clean, bright sound, the Fender Twin Reverb is a key part of Marr’s setup. It’s ideal for achieving the chimey tones he’s known for.

Vox AC30: Another classic amp in Marr’s collection, the Vox AC30 provides a rich, warm tone with plenty of headroom, making it perfect for his rhythm playing.

Effects

Boss CE-2 Chorus: Marr often uses the Boss CE-2 Chorus to add a lush, swirling quality to his sound. This pedal is essential for achieving his signature jangle pop tone.

Electro-Harmonix Memory Man: This analog delay pedal helps Marr create expansive, ambient soundscapes. It’s particularly effective in adding depth to his arpeggiated riffs.

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer: For overdriven tones, Marr relies on the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. This pedal provides a smooth, creamy distortion that complements his playing style.

Budget Alternatives

For those looking to emulate Johnny Marr’s sound on a budget, consider these options:

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Jaguar: Offers vintage-style appointments and great playability at a fraction of the cost of a Fender Jaguar.

Fender Champion 40: A versatile and affordable amp that can deliver clean tones reminiscent of the Twin Reverb.

Johnny Marr Talks Guitars & A Life In Music

In the captivating video below you get an exclusive look into the studio of the legendary guitarist. Johnny Marr, in which he shares insights about his musical journey and showcases some of his most iconic guitars. Hosted by That Pedal Show, this episode takes viewers through Marr’s storied career, highlighting the guitars that have been integral to his sound.

Marr begins by discussing the inspiration behind his book “Marr’s Guitars,” which explores the history and significance of his extensive guitar collection. He walks viewers through his first Smiths guitar, a 1977 Gretsch 7680 Super Axe, and his 1982 Rickenbacker 330, famously used on “This Charming Man.” Marr also delves into his early obsession with guitar culture and his serious commitment to music from a young age.

The episode features an in-depth look at several other notable instruments, including a 1960 Gibson ES-355, a 1963/4 Epiphone Casino used in “How Soon Is Now?”, and his signature 1965 Fender Jaguar. Marr explains how each guitar has shaped his sound and contributed to his evolution as a musician.

Throughout the video, Marr also discusses his use of various pedals and effects, offering a glimpse into how he achieves his distinctive tones. This fascinating interview not only provides technical insights but also offers a personal look at Marr’s life in music, making it a must-watch for fans and guitar enthusiasts alike.

Check out the full video to experience the magic of Johnny Marr’s guitar collection and hear his stories firsthand.

Johnny Marr’s Collaborations and Side Projects

Johnny Away from the Guitar

Beyond his guitar prowess, Johnny Marr is known for his thoughtful and articulate personality. He is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has worked with organizations like PETA to promote cruelty-free living. Marr is also an avid runner and often shares his love for fitness and healthy living with his fans.

In addition to his musical career, Marr has explored various creative outlets. He’s worked as a session musician for artists like Modest Mouse and The Cribs, and even scored films, showcasing his versatility and wide-ranging talents. His autobiography, “Set the Boy Free,” offers an insightful look into his life and career, reflecting his introspective nature and deep connection to his craft.

Final Thoughts

Johnny Marr’s contributions to music are immeasurable. His innovative guitar techniques, timeless hits, and influential style have left a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a music enthusiast, studying Marr’s work offers valuable insights into the art of rhythm guitar and the power of melody.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out our other articles on the Get My Guitar blog. We cover a wide range of gear reviews, playing tips, and guitar techniques to help you on your musical journey. Do you have any favorite Johnny Marr tracks or tips for emulating his sound? Drop a comment below! We’d love to hear from you. Keep rocking, guitarists!