Billy Corgan - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Smashing Pumpkins
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Half Step Down
- String Gauge
- .009-.042
- String Brand
- Ernie Ball
- Genre
- Grunge / Alternative Rock
About Billy Corgan's Sound
William Patrick Corgan (born 1967) founded the Smashing Pumpkins in 1988, creating a sound that merged heavy metal riffs with dream-pop atmospherics. His layered guitar approach - often recording dozens of guitar tracks - created the dense 'wall of sound' on albums like Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie. A perfectionist notorious for recording most guitar and bass parts himself, Corgan's sonic vision dominated the '90s alternative scene. The band has sold over 30 million albums. Despite lineup changes and breakups, Corgan continues to lead various incarnations of the Pumpkins.
Tunings Used
Eb Standard - 8 songs
- 1979Try this tuning →
- Bullet with Butterfly WingsTry this tuning →
- TodayTry this tuning →
- Cherub RockTry this tuning →
- ZeroTry this tuning →
- DisarmTry this tuning →
- Tonight, TonightTry this tuning →
- MayonaiseTry this tuning →
E Standard - 1 song
- RhinocerosTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Ernie Ball
.009-.042
Why Billy Corgan uses these
Corgan's use of Eb tuning allowed for heavier tones while maintaining playability with light .009 gauge strings. His signature sound comes from layering multiple guitar parts with different tones - clean, distorted, with various effects - rather than from string choice. The Big Muff distortion pedal is essential to his sound. Corgan's Reverend signature guitar features his preferred specifications. He's meticulous about changing strings frequently, as the sweat from performances quickly degrades tone. His 'Gish' Strat and various Les Pauls feature throughout SP's catalog.