Rock1993Siamese Dream

Today Amp Settings

by The Smashing Pumpkins

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Original Recording Settings

VerifiedResearched tone data for "Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins

Original Gear

Guitar: 1988 Fender Stratocaster (#2 Strat)
Pickups: DiMarzio (hotter than stock) (bridge)
Amplifier: Marshall JCM800 2205 (KT88 mod)
Channel: Low sensitivity input, master cranked, preamp low
Tuning: Eb Standard
Pickup Selector: bridge
Strings: Not documented

Same recording approach as Cherub Rock. The iconic opening riff of Today was recorded on the #2 Strat through this amp with the Big Muff.

Amp Settings

Gain

1.0

Bass

5.0

Mid

6.0

Treble

7.0

Presence

6.0

Master Volume

10.0

Volume

1.0

Effects Chain

→

Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi (V4)

fuzz

→

1.Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi (V4) — Same pedal and approach as Cherub Rock. The Today intro riff is one of the most recognizable Big Muff tones in rock history.

Playing Technique

The iconic intro uses a simple, melodic single-note riff with the fuzz engaged, letting each note sustain and bloom. The verses pull back to cleaner, arpeggiated chords. The chorus opens up with full, strummed power chords through the fuzz. Medium pick attack — the playing is more melodic and restrained than aggressive. Multiple guitar layers create the full studio sound.

Sources+

Equipboard.com — Billy Corgan (#2 Strat confirmed for Today intro recording)
Billy Corgan Guitar World series (1995-1996): same recording technique described
Reverb.com — #2 Strat sale listing (Corgan confirms this guitar recorded the Today intro)
Andertons Blog — Sound Like Smashing Pumpkins feature