Explore Music History: Gear of Indie Rock

Arguably the main instrument of indie rock, the electric guitar plays countless roles in the genre. From post-rock guitarists who create huge sonic landscapes with the help of more than a few effects pedals, to garage rockers who plug guitars directly into overdriven amps for no-nonsense sounds, developing your own style and tone is more important than sticking to a particular blueprint. Choose something with single-coil pickups to get a buzzy midrange and sparkling top, or reach for a guitar with humbuckers for a darker and higher-output tone.

Bassists are the basis of any rhythm section, and great basses can be found in the hands of players across all sub-genres of indie rock. Perennial favorites like the Fender Precision Bass and Rickenbacker's 4003 bass are perfect for poppy dance lines as well as heavier, droning parts. These classic 4-strings are made to sound great no matter what kind of music you're playing.

Indie rock is a near-impossible genre to define, but the use of tube amps tends to be a common denominator among most bands. Noise rockers and other innovators of the loud-quiet-loud dynamic, who laid the foundation for '90s alternative rock, preferred half and full stacks for their extreme volume and ability to feed back easily -- preferences that continue to this day. However, touring forces bands to make use of every inch in their van or trailer, and for the cramped band, small 1x12" or 2x12" tube combos are the perfect marriage of amazing tone and portability.

Just like guitarists, bassists have a penchant for choosing tube amps. Known for their warm and punchy tones, bass tube amps also overdrive quite nicely when cranked up, complementing the guitars for a solid overall mix.

Effects pedals have long been stomped-on staples for indie guitarists and bassists. A favorite of indie rockers, fuzz pedals can add just a touch of hairiness or high-gain insanity to your signal. Many artists use delays to pick out rhythmic arpeggios or to make chords ease into each other, while modulation effects like flangers and phasers can add an otherworldly sense of movement to guitar signals. Stock up on a ton of pedals to conjure up the lush soundscapes of shoegaze, or keep them to a minimum for a more straight-ahead rock tone.

Many artists have turned to synthesizers and drum machines to further their sonic expressions. Older analog synths are preferred for their warm and fat tone, as well as for the vintage vibe they evoke. Though associated with indie bands of the '80s, synthesizers are as popular as ever among dance punk and indie pop bands, among other sub-genres. To get that perfect dance vibe, drum machines are also employed live and while recording for their unique sounds and rhythmic perfection. Since most traditional rock bands use live drummers, firing up a drum machine is a chance to set yourself apart from the crowd.