Bullet with Butterfly Wings

The recording

The song was recorded with Billy Corgan playing a half‑step down Stratocaster equipped with Lace Sensor pickups, the bridge pickup selected for its bright, biting tone. The signal ran through an Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi for thick, compressed fuzz, then into a vintage 1984 Marshall JCM800 head powering a 4×12 cabinet. Multiple guitar tracks were layered and panned wide, with the verse volume pulled back and the chorus driven full‑tilt for the soaring wall of sound.

Tuning E♭ standard (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)

Reported gear

1994 Fender Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups

Guitar

Corgan recorded the main riff on a Fender Stratocaster fitted with Lace Sensor pickups, using the bridge pickup for its aggressive edge, tuned a half‑step down.

1973 Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Pedal

The track’s searing sustain comes from an Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi placed before the amp, providing the thick, compressed fuzz that defines the chorus.

1984 Marshall JCM800 head

Amp

Corgan used his 1984 Marshall JCM800 head to drive a 4×12 cabinet, delivering the raw, high‑gain tone that cuts through the mix.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1994 Fender Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups

$400 to $600

Marshall DSL40CR

Modern equivalent · for the 1984 Marshall JCM800 head

$800 to $1,200

Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Deluxe

Modern equivalent · for the 1973 Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

$120 to $150

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Set the guitar to bridge pickup for maximum bite
2. 2.Engage the Big Muff’s sustain knob fully to get the song’s signature fuzz
3. 3.Roll back the guitar volume for the verses and crank it up for the choruses
4. 4.Tune the guitar a half‑step down to match the recording’s E♭ tuning
5. 5.Use aggressive down‑strokes to accentuate the track’s relentless rhythm