Girl Afraid amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The The Smiths guitar tone for “Girl Afraid”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Jet SFG. Studio version, B-side of 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' 12-inch single (May 1984)
Rickenbacker 330 (tuned up a whole tone or capo 2nd fret) through Fender Twin Reverb, Boss CE-2 Chorus, multiple layered guitar tracks
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 5 |
01Built-in Chorus (ID:Core Modulation)
Use the onboard modulation set to Chorus mode via Blackstar Architect software or front panel; this is essential to the Smiths shimmer
Marr's Fender Twin is scooped and glassy; your Blackstar's ISF control lets you dial toward that American voicing (turn ISF counterclockwise to 9 o'clock). Your Jet SFG's humbuckers are warmer than Marr's Rickenbacker single coils, so treble is pushed to 7 and tone knob rolled back slightly to 8 to avoid harshness while retaining chime. The split coil position (bridge+middle) gets you closer to that single-coil jangle.
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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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