Char : The Masterpiece “Smoky” Born When Char Met Mustang

2025-04-24 Taro Mitsuoka 176 Views 0 Comments Char, Smoky

“Smoky” is one of Char’s signature songs, first featured on his debut album Char and released in September 1976. Char, born in 1955, is still active in the music scene today, and this song remains to be one of the most exciting tracks in his live performances.
Many guitarists, both boys and girls, have tried to copy “Smoky,” but gave up because it was too difficult.
In this post, I’ll share the interesting story behind the creation of “Smoky” and how Char continues to perform it.

Char: One of Japan’s Best Rock Guitarists

Char is one of Japan’s greatest rock guitarists, not only because of his exceptional guitar skills but also for being one of the pioneers in the history of J-Pop.
In a 2017 survey conducted by Guitar Magazine, which targets professional guitarists and others in the music industry, Char was ranked as the “Number 1 Greatest Guitarist in Japan.”

In this post, I will focus on his signature song, “Smoky,” and leave Char’s biography and discography for some another time.

The Fateful Meeting Between Char and the Mustang

Char’s primary guitar is a Fender Mustang, which he is known to be a master of.
However, before his debut in 1976, Char mainly played a Stratocaster, also by Fender, which he bought for a low price from a friend when he didn’t have much money. He loved the Stratocaster and played it often.
One day, his beloved Stratocaster was stolen. In search of a new guitar, Char came across a white Mustang at a garage sale held by a friend. He decided to buy it, thinking that “any Fender guitar would do.”

The Mustang Fits Char Perfectly

It turned out that the Mustang was a perfect fit for Char, both in size and feel. He discovered that the Mustang’s 24-inch short scale made it easier to play certain chords, like the minor thirds Em(9) and Dm(9).
When Char tried to play what he thought was a 9th chord on the Stratocaster, his index finger accidentally shifted one fret, and it turned into a minor 9th chord. He loved the sound, and he believes that moment led to the creation of “Smoky.”

Hence, “Smoky” is a song that might never have been created if Char had not gotten his hands on a Mustang.
Reference : INTERVIEW from Fender News (2019/08)

Char with Fender Mustang (promotional material from PR Times/WOWOW)

“Smoky” Changing Through the Years

Nearly 50 years after its release, Char still plays “Smoky” with the same passion, but his style and arrangement have evolved over time. Below are some of his most notable performances of “Smoky” that show how his mood and style have changed.

“Smoky” from Char (1976/09): The original version, where it all started.

“Smoky” from Free Spirit (1979/07): A live performance by Johnny, Louis & Char.

“Smoky” from U.S.J (1981/02): A collaboration with TOTO, featuring Neil Stubenhaus (bass), Jeff Porcaro (drums), David Foster (keyboard), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion), and guitarists Char, Jay Graydon, and Steve Lukather.

“Smoky” from PSYCHE -revisited- (1988/06): Char recorded the entire performance himself.

“Smoky” from Dai Baho Ten (2019/11): Released under the name “BAHO,” a band formed with guitarist Osamu Ishida. The performance features two acoustic guitars and one percussionist.

“Smoky” from Char played With and Without (2000/06): A smoother, more relaxed version with a horn section and female chorus.

“Smoky” from SUPER SOUL SESSIONS (2007/06): A performance with another great Japanese guitarist, Tomoyasu Hotei, and Brian SETZER.
note : There is no this “Smoky” at any streaming service. Only DVD is available on Amazon or Universal Music Japan.

“Smoky” from Slap My Hand Special Session (2009/03): A live performance in Japan with UK drummer Jimmy Copley, shortly after the release of Jimmy Copley’s Slap My Hand album.

“Smoky” from Rock十 Eve -Live at Nippon Budokan (2015/11): A live performance celebrating Char’s 60th birthday, marking a milestone in Japan called “KAN-REKI,” a symbolic turning point in life.