Johnny Marr Guitar Great

Johnny Marr has always been a groundbreaking figure in the world of music, particularly for leaving The Smiths at just 21. With a style that’s musically explosive and brimming with creativity, Johnny has inspired countless fans and musicians alike. My admiration for Johnny began with The Smiths’ early Rough Trade releases. I was introduced to their sound by my younger brother, who was ahead of his time, immediately recognizing the genius behind the band. I can still recall the day I bought Hatful of Hollow at Probe Records in Liverpool from Pete Burns, the eccentric Dead or Alive frontman.

Johnny Marr: Guitar Legend and Iconic Influencer

Johnny’s unique guitar style, blending jangly, melodic chords, stood out in the 80s alongside contemporaries like The Edge (U2), Will Sergeant (Echo and the Bunnymen), and Roddy Frame (Aztec Camera). At the London Guitar Academy, we deeply appreciate Johnny for his mastery of melody, intricate chord progressions, and, most importantly, the timeless songs he’s contributed to the world of music.

It’s no wonder Johnny Marr inspired Noel Gallagher to drive down to Musicground in Doncaster and buy a guitar—a journey I also made from Cheshire to purchase my first Les Paul. So here’s to Johnny Marr: a true guitar great, and THANK YOU for the inspiration and the legendary jangly sound!

Johnny Marr Guitar Great

At sixteen, clumsy and shy, I made my way to London, bought a Guild Twelve-String, and landed the best job in the world! Today, I spend my days at a loft space on Lonsdale Road, playing guitar with some of the best musicians London has to offer. Every guitar student I teach at the London Guitar Academy shares the same excitement for learning, making life incredibly fulfilling.

Johnny Marr The Smiths

Johnny Marr is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in modern rock history, known for his innovative and highly influential style. His unique approach to guitar playing, particularly during his tenure with The Smiths, helped redefine the sound of indie and alternative rock in the 1980s. Marr’s technique combines intricate melodies, chiming arpeggios, and rhythmic sophistication, distinguishing him from his contemporaries and establishing his legacy as one of the most innovative guitarists of his era.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Johnny Marr was born John Martin Maher on October 31, 1963, in Manchester, England. From a young age, he was exposed to a variety of music genres, which later informed his eclectic playing style. His influences include guitarists such as James Williamson from The Stooges, Marc Bolan of T. Rex, and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones. Marr’s love for both the energy of punk rock and the melodies of classic pop music gave rise to his ability to seamlessly blend rhythm and melody in his guitar playing.

The Smiths: Redefining Indie Rock Guitar

Marr’s work with The Smiths, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, is where his guitar playing truly shines. Collaborating with frontman Morrissey, Marr was responsible for crafting many of the band’s signature sounds, which were rooted in his jangly, crystalline guitar work. Tracks such as “This Charming Man” and “How Soon Is Now?” are prime examples of his ability to layer complex guitar arrangements over pop structures, blending folk, rock, and post-punk elements into something entirely fresh.

Marr’s playing on “This Charming Man” showcases his clean, chiming arpeggios, influenced by the 1960s jangle-pop sound of The Byrds and The Beatles. He used unconventional tunings and a Rickenbacker 330 guitar to create a bright, shimmering tone that became one of The Smiths’ trademarks. His ability to create lush, textured layers without overwhelming the song’s structure helped elevate the band’s music to iconic status.

In “How Soon Is Now?” Marr experimented with a more atmospheric, psychedelic sound, utilizing a tremolo effect and multiple overdubs to create one of the most distinctive guitar riffs of the 1980s. This track, with its hypnotic, swirling guitar motif, is often considered one of Marr’s crowning achievements in terms of innovation and creativity.

Post-Smiths and Solo Career

After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr continued to leave his mark on the music world through collaborations with various artists and bands. He worked with The The, Modest Mouse, The Cribs, and Electronic, a side project with New Order’s Bernard Sumner. Each collaboration highlighted Marr’s versatility, allowing him to adapt his distinctive guitar sound to different genres while still maintaining his signature style.

In 2013, Marr released his first solo album, The Messenger, which was well-received by both fans and critics. His solo work allowed him to fully showcase his talents not only as a guitarist but also as a songwriter and frontman. The album featured tight, guitar-driven tracks that combined Marr’s intricate playing with his love for classic British rock.

Signature Guitar Techniques

Marr’s guitar style is often characterized by the following key elements:

1. Jangly Arpeggios: Marr often uses arpeggios to create a melodic, ringing sound, which became a hallmark of The Smiths’ music. This technique allows him to weave complex, shimmering patterns into the rhythm of a song.
2. Rhythmic Sophistication: Unlike many lead guitarists who focus on solos, Marr excels in intricate rhythmic playing. His approach combines lead and rhythm guitar, often providing the foundation of the song with his carefully constructed layers.
3. Unconventional Tunings: Marr frequently uses alternative tunings to explore new sonic landscapes. This allows him to create unique chord voicings and melodies that stand out from traditional rock and pop songs.
4. Effects and Innovation: Marr is known for his tasteful use of effects like tremolo, reverb, and delay. His ability to manipulate these effects while maintaining clarity and precision in his playing adds depth to his compositions.

Legacy and Influence

Johnny Marr’s influence on modern guitarists is undeniable. His work with The Smiths alone set a new standard for guitar playing in alternative and indie music. Many contemporary guitarists, such as Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and Noel Gallagher of Oasis, have cited Marr as a key influence. His blend of melodic complexity and rhythmic sophistication continues to inspire guitarists across multiple genres.

Marr’s guitar playing remains timeless, and his contributions to music extend far beyond his work with The Smiths. His ability to fuse innovation with tradition, melody with rhythm, and technique with emotion makes him one of the greatest guitarists of all time.