How to Play Indie Guitar

Indie guitar playing is all about expression and creativity, with a focus on crafting unique sounds and vibes. It’s not just about mastering chords and scales; it’s about finding your voice on the instrument and making it resonate with the indie spirit. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picking up the guitar, understanding the nuances of indie playing can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities. Let's look at some techniques, ideas, and tips to help you craft your own indie sound.

Getting the Right Tone

The indie guitar tone is often characterized by its clean, jangly sound, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that’s all there is to it. Indie tones can range from lush and ambient to gritty and raw. To achieve this, start by experimenting with your amp settings. A good starting point is to keep your gain low and focus on dialing in a bright, clear sound.

• Reverb and Delay: These effects are your best friends. They can add depth and texture to your sound. Try using a subtle reverb for a more ambient feel, or a slapback delay for a retro vibe.
• Chorus and Modulation: Indie music often uses chorus to create a shimmering effect. It can make your chords sound fuller and more interesting.
• Overdrive: While clean tones are prevalent, a touch of overdrive can add warmth and character. Think of it as the seasoning on your tonal palette.

Remember, tone is subjective. What sounds good to you might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to experiment until you find something that resonates with your personal style.

Chords and Progressions

Indie music often relies on unconventional chord progressions that challenge the norms. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Instead of sticking to basic major and minor chords, explore using seventh chords, suspended chords, and even diminished chords to add color to your progressions.

• Open Chords: These are great for achieving that classic indie sound. They allow the strings to ring out and create a fuller, more resonant sound.
• Capo Usage: Using a capo can open up new voicings and make simple chord progressions sound fresh. Try moving the capo around the neck to find new keys and voicings.
• Unusual Chord Shapes: Experiment with shapes that aren’t typically used in popular music. This can lead to some interesting and unique sounds.

Don’t be afraid to break the rules here. Some of the most memorable indie songs are built on simple yet unexpected chord progressions.

Fingerpicking and Strumming Patterns

Many indie songs use fingerpicking to add intimacy and complexity to their sound. Fingerpicking allows for a more intricate and dynamic approach to playing, giving you the ability to emphasize specific notes within a chord.

• Travis Picking: This is a great technique for creating a rhythmic, flowing sound. It involves alternating bass notes with higher melody notes.
• Hybrid Picking: This combines pick and finger techniques, allowing for a more versatile approach. It’s particularly useful for playing melodies and chords simultaneously.
• Syncopated Strumming: Indie guitarists often use syncopated strumming patterns to create a more laid-back, groovy feel. Experiment with different rhythms and see what fits your style.

Developing a unique picking or strumming style can set you apart as an indie guitarist. It’s all about finding a rhythm that feels natural and complements your musical ideas.

Using Alternate Tunings

Alternate tunings can be a game-changer for indie guitarists. They allow you to explore new sonic landscapes and inspire creativity. Some popular alternate tunings in indie music include:

• Open D (DADF#AD): This tuning is great for slide guitar and creating drone-like sounds.
• DADGAD: Often used in folk and indie music, this tuning offers a rich, modal sound.
• CGCGCE: Known as the “C6 tuning,” it’s commonly used in ambient and post-rock music for its ethereal quality.

Experimenting with alternate tunings can lead to unexpected discoveries. It’s like unlocking a new set of keys on your guitar, each with its own unique character.

Crafting Melodies

Melody is a critical component of indie music. A strong melody can make a song memorable and engaging. When crafting melodies, consider using the following approaches:

• Pentatonic Scales: These scales are versatile and easy to use. They provide a great foundation for developing catchy melodies.
• Intervals: Experiment with different intervals to add interest. Jumping between notes rather than moving stepwise can create a more dynamic melody.
• Vocal-Like Phrasing: Try to emulate the human voice in your melodies. This can make your guitar playing more expressive and relatable.

Creating melodies is where you can let your personality shine. Whether you’re going for something simple or intricate, the goal is to convey emotion and connect with your listeners.

Incorporating Dynamics

Dynamics refer to the variations in volume and intensity in music. They play a vital role in indie music, adding depth and emotion to your playing. Here’s how to incorporate dynamics effectively:

• Volume Swells: Use your volume knob or a volume pedal to create smooth swells. This technique adds a sense of drama and movement to your playing.
• Soft and Loud Sections: Alternate between soft, delicate passages and loud, powerful sections to create contrast and interest.
• Accentuation: Emphasize certain notes or chords within a progression to highlight important moments.

Dynamics can transform a simple chord progression into an emotional journey. They help tell the story of your music, guiding the listener through peaks and valleys.

Experimenting with Effects

Indie guitarists love to experiment with effects to craft their unique soundscapes. Some effects to consider incorporating into your setup include:

• Looper Pedals: These allow you to create layered soundscapes and experiment with complex arrangements.
• Phaser and Flanger: These modulation effects can add a swirling, spacey quality to your sound.
• Bitcrusher: For a more experimental, lo-fi sound, a bitcrusher can degrade your signal for a gritty texture.

Effects can be used subtly to enhance your sound or in a more pronounced way to create entirely new textures. The key is to use them tastefully to complement your music.

Songwriting Tips for Indie Guitarists

Songwriting in the indie genre is all about authenticity and creativity. Here are some tips to help you write compelling indie songs:

• Start with a Riff: Many great songs begin with a simple guitar riff. Use it as the foundation for your composition.
• Lyric Inspiration: Draw from personal experiences, literature, or even other forms of art to inspire your lyrics.
• Layering Parts: Indie music often features multiple guitar layers. Experiment with harmonies, counter-melodies, and textures.

Songwriting is a deeply personal process, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to stay true to your artistic vision and let your music speak for itself.

Learning from the Greats

One of the best ways to learn indie guitar is by studying the work of successful indie musicians. Pay attention to how they structure their songs, use effects, and craft their tones. Some influential indie guitarists to check out include:

• Johnny Marr: Known for his work with The Smiths, Marr’s jangly guitar lines and melodic riffs are classic examples of indie guitar playing.
• Kevin Shields: As a member of My Bloody Valentine, Shields’ use of effects and alternate tunings helped define the shoegaze genre.
• St. Vincent: Her innovative approach to guitar playing and songwriting has made her a standout figure in the indie music scene.

Listening to and analyzing the work of these artists can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own playing. Remember, while it’s important to learn from others, it’s equally important to develop your own unique style.

Final Thoughts

Playing indie guitar is about creativity, expression, and finding your own voice. By experimenting with tone, chords, dynamics, and effects, you can craft a sound that’s uniquely yours. Remember, the journey of musical discovery is ongoing, and there's always more to learn and explore. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best modern metal guitarists, which can provide valuable insights and techniques that transfer across genres, helping you enhance your indie playing. Keep exploring and have fun on your musical journey!