How to Sound Like Robert Smith on Guitar

Robert Smith's guitar playing is as distinct as it is haunting, and capturing that unique sound can feel like stepping into a moody sonic landscape. Known for his work with The Cure, Smith's style is a blend of jangly chords, melodic lines, and effects-laden textures that create an otherworldly atmosphere. If you're looking to replicate his iconic sound, you're in the right place. Let's break down the techniques, gear, and mindset you need to channel your inner Robert Smith.

Mastering the Basics of Robert Smith's Playing

Before diving into the nuances of Robert Smith's guitar style, it's crucial to understand the foundational elements that define his sound. At its core, Smith's playing is melody-driven, often emphasizing simple yet effective chord progressions. His use of open strings and arpeggiated chords creates a lush, ringing quality that serves as a hallmark of his sound.

Start by familiarizing yourself with some of The Cure's classic tracks. Songs like "Pictures of You" and "Just Like Heaven" showcase Smith's ability to weave intricate melodic lines around straightforward chord structures. Focus on how he uses arpeggios to add texture and depth to his playing. Practice breaking down these arpeggios into manageable sections, emphasizing clarity and precision.

• Focus on clean, articulate picking to ensure each note rings out clearly.
• Experiment with different chord voicings to explore the range of sounds you can create with simple progressions.
• Pay attention to Smith's use of dynamics, varying the intensity of your picking to achieve a more expressive sound.

By mastering these basics, you'll lay a solid foundation for building upon Smith's unique style. Remember, the goal is not to mimic perfectly but to capture the essence of his sound while developing your own voice.

Exploring the Use of Effects

One of the most defining aspects of Robert Smith's guitar sound is his use of effects. From lush reverb and delay to the shimmering chorus and flanger, effects play a crucial role in crafting the dreamy, atmospheric quality of his music.

Chorus and flanger are two effects you'll want to experiment with when aiming for a Smith-like sound. The chorus adds a rich, swirling texture to your tone, while the flanger creates a sweeping, spacey effect. By adjusting the rate and depth of these effects, you can tailor the sound to suit your taste.

Delay is another essential tool in Smith's arsenal. He often uses it to create a sense of space and movement in his playing. Set your delay to a moderate tempo with a few repeats to achieve a similar effect. Experiment with the feedback and mix settings to find the sweet spot where the delay enhances your playing without overpowering it.

• Use a reverb pedal to add depth and ambiance to your tone, emulating Smith's signature ethereal sound.
• Experiment with stacking multiple effects to create complex, layered textures.
• Don't be afraid to push the boundaries and explore unconventional sounds—Smith's innovative use of effects is part of what makes his playing so unique.

Remember, effects are tools to enhance your playing, not a crutch. Use them thoughtfully to complement your technique and musical ideas.

Crafting Melodic Lines

At the heart of Robert Smith's guitar style is his knack for crafting memorable melodic lines. These melodies often serve as the focal point of his compositions, weaving in and out of the chord progressions with a sense of fluidity and grace.

To develop your melodic sensibilities, start by analyzing Smith's use of intervals and phrasing. Notice how he often uses simple, singable melodies that evolve over time, adding subtle variations to keep the listener engaged. Practice creating your own melodic lines by starting with a basic idea and gradually building upon it.

Improvisation can also be a valuable tool for developing your melodic voice. Spend time experimenting with different scales and modes, paying attention to how each one affects the mood and character of your playing. The goal is to find the right balance between structure and spontaneity, allowing your melodies to flow naturally.

• Focus on creating melodies that complement the underlying chord progressions, enhancing the overall harmonic structure of the piece.
• Experiment with different phrasing techniques, such as slides, bends, and vibrato, to add expression and nuance to your melodies.
• Use repetition and variation to create a sense of cohesion and development within your melodic lines.

As you hone your melodic skills, you'll find yourself better equipped to emulate Smith's distinctive style while also forging your own musical identity.

Understanding the Role of Rhythm

While Robert Smith is known for his melodic prowess, his sense of rhythm is equally important in defining his guitar style. Smith often employs syncopated rhythms and unconventional time signatures to create a sense of tension and release within his music.

To capture this rhythmic complexity, practice playing along with some of The Cure's more rhythmically intricate tracks. Pay attention to how Smith uses syncopation to create unexpected accents and shifts in the music, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythmic motifs to develop your own sense of groove. Focus on maintaining a steady pulse while introducing subtle variations to keep the rhythm fresh and engaging.

• Use a metronome to practice maintaining a consistent tempo while experimenting with different rhythmic ideas.
• Try incorporating polyrhythms and odd time signatures into your playing to add complexity and intrigue.
• Pay attention to the interplay between rhythm and melody, ensuring that each element complements and enhances the other.

By developing a strong sense of rhythm, you'll gain greater control over your playing and be better equipped to emulate Smith's distinctive style.

Choosing the Right Gear

The gear you use can have a significant impact on your ability to capture Robert Smith's sound. While it's important to remember that tone comes primarily from your fingers, the right equipment can help you get closer to the desired result.

Smith is known for using a variety of guitars throughout his career, but his signature sound is often associated with Fender Jazzmasters and Jaguars. These guitars are known for their bright, jangly tones, which complement Smith's melodic playing style. If you're in the market for a new guitar, consider trying one of these models to see if it suits your needs.

In terms of amplification, Smith often uses clean, high-headroom amps that allow his effects to shine. Consider using an amp with a clean channel and plenty of headroom to achieve a similar sound. Alternatively, you can use a digital modeler or multi-effects unit to replicate Smith's tone in a more compact and versatile package.

• Experiment with different pickup configurations to find the tone that best complements your playing style.
• Consider using a compressor pedal to even out your dynamics and enhance your sustain.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different gear combinations to find the setup that works best for you.

While the right gear can certainly help you achieve a Smith-like sound, remember that the most important factor is your playing technique and musicality.

Developing Your Own Voice

While emulating Robert Smith's guitar style can be a rewarding endeavor, it's important to remember that the ultimate goal is to develop your own unique voice as a guitarist. Take the techniques and concepts you've learned and use them as a foundation for your own musical exploration.

Experiment with different musical genres and styles to expand your horizons and discover new influences. The more diverse your musical palette, the more options you'll have when it comes to crafting your own sound.

Don't be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of your playing. Try incorporating unconventional techniques or ideas into your music to create something truly original and unique.

• Focus on developing your own sense of melody and harmony, drawing inspiration from a variety of musical sources.
• Experiment with different effects and gear combinations to find the sound that best represents your musical vision.
• Be open to feedback and collaboration with other musicians to further develop your own voice and style.

By combining the techniques you've learned with your own musical intuition and creativity, you'll be well on your way to developing a distinctive and personal guitar style.

Learning from Others

As you continue to refine your guitar skills, consider learning from other guitarists who have been influenced by Robert Smith. By studying their playing styles and techniques, you can gain valuable insights into how they have interpreted Smith's sound and incorporated it into their own music.

Attend live performances or watch online videos of guitarists who share a similar musical aesthetic. Take note of how they use effects, gear, and techniques to create their own unique sound and style.

Join online guitar communities and forums to connect with other musicians who share your interest in Robert Smith's music. By engaging in discussions and sharing ideas, you can learn from others' experiences and gain new perspectives on your own playing.

• Consider taking online lessons or attending guitar workshops to further develop your skills and expand your musical knowledge.
• Reach out to other musicians for feedback and collaboration opportunities to gain new insights and inspiration.
• Use resources like Riffhard to access lessons from some of the world's best modern metal guitarists and learn new techniques and approaches to guitar playing.

By learning from others, you can broaden your musical horizons and continue to grow as a guitarist.

Practicing with Purpose

Effective practice is essential to developing your guitar skills and achieving your musical goals. To make the most of your practice time, focus on setting specific, achievable goals and working towards them with purpose and intention.

Create a practice routine that includes a variety of exercises and techniques, such as scales, arpeggios, chord progressions, and improvisation. This will help you build a well-rounded skill set and keep your practice sessions engaging and enjoyable.

Use a metronome to improve your timing and rhythm, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with each exercise. This will help you develop precision and control in your playing.

• Set aside dedicated time each day for focused practice, free from distractions and interruptions.
• Break down complex techniques or pieces into smaller, manageable sections to make them more approachable.
• Record your practice sessions to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

By practicing with purpose and dedication, you'll continue to make progress and develop your skills as a guitarist.

Embracing Creativity and Experimentation

To truly capture the spirit of Robert Smith's guitar style, it's important to embrace creativity and experimentation in your playing. Smith's ability to push the boundaries of conventional guitar playing is part of what makes his sound so unique and captivating.

Experiment with different tunings, effects, and techniques to create new and interesting sounds. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and take risks, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

Use your guitar as a tool for self-expression, channeling your emotions and ideas into your playing. The more you allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to new possibilities, the more authentic and impactful your music will be.

• Set aside time for freeform improvisation and experimentation to foster creativity and spontaneity.
• Collaborate with other musicians to explore new ideas and approaches to music-making.
• Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone—it's often where the most exciting discoveries happen.

By embracing creativity and experimentation, you'll continue to grow as a musician and develop your own unique voice on the guitar.

Final Thoughts

Emulating Robert Smith's guitar style is a journey of exploration and creativity. By mastering his techniques and approach, you can capture the essence of his sound while developing your own unique voice. Remember, it's not about mimicking but rather drawing inspiration and crafting your own musical identity. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from world-renowned guitarists to help you hone your skills and discover new possibilities in your playing. Keep exploring, keep playing, and most importantly, enjoy the process.