In an alternate universe of rock and roll, twelve-strings and semi-hollows reign supreme. Jangle pop, a historically influential yet relatively unsung chapter in rock history, gave us a glimpse into a reality where British chime ultimately won the tone wars and distortion would become the exception rather than the rule.
The source
We can throw the whole genre essentially back to the work of one band – The Byrds. This sunny, ‘60s southern California folk rock group became stuff of legends by the start of jangle pop proper in the early ‘80s. The Byrds’ key ingredient that would permeate throughout the genre would be their use of Rickenbacker six and twelve-string guitars that would produce a prominent twangy, “jangly” tone. This tonal palette combined with distinct open chord and arpeggio-driven playing formed the basis for many jangle pop bands to come.
The scoop
When it came to the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, bands on the scene like the Smiths and R.E.M. established a prominent jangle pop tradition through their solo-guitar band setup. Guitarists Johnny Marr and Peter Buck commonly utilized semi-hollow Rickenbacker guitars and amplifiers like the Vox AC30 and Roland JC-120 to produce distinctly clean and resonant electric guitar tones. This equipment, paired with the guitarists’ particularly melodic guitar writing styles followed in the Byrds’ style to fill out their respective bands’ live presence through melodic lead lines and rhythmic arpeggiating.
The verdict
We need to give credit where credit is due. Jangle pop is no joke when it comes to making your brain and fingers work overtime to fill out a live act. Put yourself in the shoes of any jangle pop guitarist and you’ll find yourself largely on your own – no rhythm guitarist, no pedals, no way out. In most cases, if you’re a jangle pop guitarist, you’re your own rhythm guitarist, pedalboard, and escape route. Best brush up on your scales, jangle pop takes no prisoners.
Key listens
- Mr. Tambourine Man – The Byrds (1965)
- The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)
- Reckoning – R.E.M. (1984)
- Key track: “Radio Free Europe” - R.E.M. (1983)