OpenTube

Siamese Dream and the EHX Micro Synth

Eddie Clark

27,958 views

Want to recreate the iconic lead guitar tone from Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins? In this video, I break down how to use the Electro-Harmonix Micro Synth (EHX Micro Synth) to get that thick, violin-like sustain and synthy lead sound made famous by Billy Corgan.

We’ll go step-by-step through:

Microsynth settings for Siamese Dream-style leads
How to shape your tone for singing sustain
Playing techniques that bring the sound to life
Tips for dialing in your rig (amp + pedals)

Whether you're chasing the “Cherub Rock” lead tone or just want to unlock the full potential of the EHX Micro Synth, this guide will get you there.

Perfect for fans of 90s alternative rock, shoegaze, and experimental guitar tones.

#EHXMicroSynth #SmashingPumpkins #SiameseDream #GuitarTone #BillyCorgan #GuitarEffects #PedalDemo #GuitarTutorial #90sRock #AltRock #Shoegaze #GuitarGear #ElectroHarmonix #LeadGuitar #GuitarSound

20 Comments

@RiffsAndBeards 5 months ago Pinned

Well shit I gotta buy a Micro Synth.

@himynameiswaylon 5 months ago

I didn't wake up this morning thinking I was gonna buy a Microsynth, but I just bought a Microsynth.

@Watlify 5 months ago

I clicked way faster without notification turned on

@coalyote 5 months ago

when i first started learning guitar i always chased the sound of Siamese Dream. i hadn't heard anything like it at the time, so it was really inspirational. it still stands out to me as an incredibly polished and beautifully fuzzy album.

@billymarshall 5 months ago

I think you really nailed that cherub rock solo sound. It’s an effect that has driven me nuts for years. Recently I was trying to describe it to someone and the best I’ve been able to come up with as a description for the last 30 years is it’s like two octave pedals one up and one down, fighting with each other.

@Browsinghard 5 months ago

I’m a modest fan of Smashing Pumpkins, assumed the sound was just big muff stuff and called it a day. Really eye opening video, really deliberate sculpting with the microsynth… sounds awesome

@allanborjesson4985 2 months ago

Congratulations on billy using your jet 70!🎉

@baever2122 5 months ago

Would you do a video about Billy's soloing style or 'Corganisms'? How about the Pumpkins writing? Would love to hear your insights into the band!

@JStillwell-wm3ln 5 months ago

If Eddie puts out a new video, I like it before I watch it. Thanks, dude!

@shawnmann 5 months ago

It makes zero sense that you didn’t show up in my algorithm years ago. It’s like this video was made specifically for me.

@loudspeaker003 5 months ago

Holy fucking shit you casually ripped that Hummer intro so hard you about blew my damn head off!

@stevenrich824 1 month ago

Thanks , Eddie for being your own kind of awesome ! You're like the ex bandmate that we couldn't keep up with. I had forgotten how much I liked Smashing Pumpkins . I had an EH micro synthesizer back in the day . It's great to hear how you get into it and break down the tracks .

@TwoGuitarGarage 5 months ago

Love that the vids are coming more often. And the microsynth, I knew, but I didn't know. Your examples gave me insight as to how I can better use it, not just for pumpkins tones, but just in general.

Thanks!

@nathansmith2329 5 months ago

Hey Eddie! First of all thank you for everything you do. This is some of the coolest guitar rig stuff on YouTube especially for me as a corgan tone fanatic! I would love to see some stuff on the melon collie era, especially the crystal clear high distortion tones on things like porcelina, jelly belly, muzzle etc.. 🙌🙏❤️

@StageDiveYoga 5 months ago

It’s awesome to see a lot of new people discover this. Those of us who remember when Billy Corgan used to post pedal settings randomly in the middle of the night on the band‘s website 15+ years ago recall him showing the exact microsynth settings. He also showed a completely different pedal set up then what was described here with the microsynth leading the way pushing everything else and modulation on the tail end.