This Charming Man

The recording

Marr recorded the iconic intro on a 1954 Telecaster using the bridge pickup, finger‑picking the chord shape while his thumb adds a low‑D bass note for a bright, chiming attack. The part was double‑tracked, with additional layers adding depth. The clean signal was split between a solid‑state amp with built‑in chorus and a tube amp, then blended in the mix to produce the signature jangle.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)·Strings Ernie Ball .010-.046

Reported gear

1954 Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Marr used a 1954 Fender Telecaster, playing the bridge pickup for the main riff of 'This Charming Man' (Smithsonguitar.com).

Boss CE-2 Chorus

Chorus

A subtle chorus effect was added using a Boss CE-2, providing the shimmering texture heard on the track (ToneMirror).

Fender Twin Reverb (circa 1965)

Amp

Marr ran the Telecaster through a clean Fender Twin Reverb for tube warmth, as noted in ToneMirror and other rig rundowns.

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (1975)

Amp

A Roland JC-120 was blended with the Twin Reverb to add a glassy solid‑state top and built‑in chorus for extra jangle (Faderandknob).

Alternatives

Fender Player Telecaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1954 Fender Telecaster

$500 to $650

Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue

Reissue · for the Fender Twin Reverb (circa 1965)

$2,400 to $2,800

Boss CE-2W Chorus (modern reissue)

Reissue · for the Boss CE-2 Chorus

$180 to $250

Roland JC-120 (reissue)

Modern equivalent · for the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (1975)

$1,200 to $1,500

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge pickup on a Telecaster for the brightest tone.
2. 2.Finger‑pick the arpeggio, letting the thumb rest on the low D string for a bass note.
3. 3.Use a clean amp setting with a touch of reverb and add subtle chorus.
4. 4.Double‑track the part to thicken the jangle.
5. 5.Blend a solid‑state amp with a tube amp to combine glassy clarity and warm depth.