{"id":361,"date":"2022-09-23T06:17:37","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T12:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/?p=361"},"modified":"2023-08-25T10:33:41","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T16:33:41","slug":"what-instruments-are-used-in-indie-music","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/what-instruments-are-used-in-indie-music\/","title":{"rendered":"What Instruments are Used in Indie Music?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>A Quick Guide to Indie Instrumentation with Recommendations<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a songwriter or beat producer who loves indie music, but you lack experience in music composition, you may not understand what kind of instruments are used for getting those signature \u201cindie\u201d sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m here to demystify the tones of common indie genres and artists. Understanding the instrumentation found in your favorite genres will help you as a songwriter by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Informing you on which instruments you may benefit from learning, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teaching you how to compose and arrange those instruments\u2014even virtual versions of them in your DAW\u2014for more realistic-sounding recordings<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-marketing-button uagb-marketing-btn__align-center uagb-marketing-btn__align-text-center uagb-marketing-btn__icon-after uagb-block-dde61f71 wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beatstars.com\/wrecca\" class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__link wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__title\">NEED A BEAT\/INSTRUMENTAL?<\/span><p class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__prefix\">Visit my beat shop for original indie folk\/indie pop tracks<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1 uagb-toc__collapse uagb-block-ed3e5cb0     \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable Of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M192 384c-8.188 0-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L192 306.8l137.4-137.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-160 160C208.4 380.9 200.2 384 192 384z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-is-indie-music\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What is Indie Music?<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#common-indie-rock-pop-instruments\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Common Indie Rock &amp; Pop Instruments<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#analog-vs-digital-instruments\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Analog vs Digital Instruments<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#vsts-and-synths-for-indie-music\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">VSTs and Synths for Indie Music<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#budget-analog-instruments-for-indie-music\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Budget Analog Instruments for Indie Music<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#conclusion\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Conclusion<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#other-articles-for-your-consideration\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Other Articles for Your Consideration<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Indie Music?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indie music is a very big genre<\/strong>, encompassing a number of styles and aesthetics. Technically, indie means any kind of music created by independent musicians outside of the major labels. However, indie has come to also mean a specific sound found in certain genres, regardless of their label status. Some indie artists have reached mainstream success and been signed to major labels but still retain or personify an indie music aesthetic. Although they get blended and hard to pin down, here are some of the most popular indie styles or sub-genres:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Post-Punk Revival<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bedroom Pop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lo-Fi Chillhop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cloud Rap or Alternative Hip Hop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Twee Pop or Midwest Emo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seattle Sound or 90s Indie<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Indie Rock &amp; Pop Instruments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the wide variety of sub-genres or styles, indie music is pretty simple in instrument selection. I would put indie on a spectrum with rock on one end, rap on the other, and pop laying in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indie Rock<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Towards this end of the spectrum, artists tend to use traditional rock band instruments: electric guitar, electric bass guitar, analog drum kit, and synthesizer\/digital piano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classic guitars<\/strong> win out in this genre, with the most common ones being Stratocasters, Telecasters, 335s, Les Pauls, and Jazzmasters. A traditional single-coil sound can get you the tone of most indie bands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Acoustic guitars <\/strong>are also commonplace for a more intimate sound on select tracks, but they are not as frequently seen as electric guitars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bass guitars <\/strong>used in Indie tend to be a Jazz Bass or a Rickenbacker, but a P-Bass or a Bronco can get very similar tones to the Jazz Bass. Synth basses are less common. 808 basses are almost unheard of on this side of the spectrum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Analog drums <\/strong>are far more common on the rock end. Even if you don\u2019t play drums yourself, using an analog sample VST\u2014rather than an 808-based electronic kit\u2014will get you the sound.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indie Pop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This style is usually lighter than rock or rap and more flexible in its instrumentation. Artists vary from guitar-based to synth-based harmonies, and drums tend to be loops with analog or digital kits. Piano gets more prominence here, as well as digital bass tones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guitars<\/strong> are still commonly used, and still tend to be classic shapes like Stratocasters and 335s. Acoustic guitars are plentiful, especially among the \u201csinger-songwriter\u201d types whose musical focus is towards melody and storytelling rather than expansive arrangements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pianos and Synthesizers <\/strong>are more likely to be used to fill out chords and bass. Expect to hear ambient pads or reverb-soaked electric piano emulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital bass<\/strong> becomes more common in pop as we edge away from traditional rock bank formats, as most indie pop artists are solo musicians who add the bass parts in during production, or \u201cin the box\u201d (that means electronically within the DAW itself rather than using analog equipment that must be recorded first). Bass lines are more likely to be snappy retro grooves played on synthesized slap bass presets, compressed digital piano notes, or fat droning square waves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital drums<\/strong> are likely to be programmed in the DAW like bass parts, but many indie pop artists still work with analog samples to get a more traditional rhythm tone. Electronic sample kits are common, but follow simpler patterns than rap would\u2014especially in regards to the hi-hats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indie Rap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This end of the spectrum relies far more on digital instrumentation rather than analog recordings in-studio. That is, most alternative hip hop and rap is arranged and produced in-the-box. Bass, kick, and snare is far more prominent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guitars and pianos <\/strong>may be used for looped hooks or riffs. Filters are a popular way of automating tone variations in these instruments, using plugins such as the infamous Gross Beat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Synth pads <\/strong>often play harmonic fills, but chord harmonies are not as full or present in rap as they would be in pop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bass<\/strong> in a rap song is front and center, even in indie rap styles. Unlike pop bass, I tend to hear more analog basslines (or at least VST emulations of analog bass guitars). Droning basses are also popular, and 808 kick basses are almost de facto in cloud rap or emo rap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drum kits<\/strong> are usually digital and compiled from sample kits. Collecting drum samples seems as common a hobby among beat producers as collecting Pokemon cards or stamps. Expect snappy, in your face snares and hi-hats playing patterns impossible for the average drummer to physically play.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Analog vs Digital Instruments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a bedroom musician looking to make indie music, the question will definitely come up: should you learn how to play all these instruments yourself or rely on digital versions for your tracks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This answer comes down to three factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Preference: <\/strong>do you write parts more easily when you have an instrument physically in your hand or does electronic composition work for you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Money &amp; Space:<\/strong> do you have the money to spend on all those instruments? And the room in your recording space to fit them all?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong> do you have the time to learn all of those instruments and record them part by part?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>For the average bedroom artist or indie producer, it\u2019s a mixed bag. Digital instruments will streamline your workflow and likely save you time. But knowing how to play at least one or two instruments will massively improve your compositional skills and make the music sound more authentic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digital instruments that are programmed into the DAW right from the piano roll will not sound as dynamic or fluid as actual hands playing the parts. Also, some VSTs just don\u2019t sound realistic for certain instruments; one of the hardest analog instruments to digitally emulate is the guitar. If you only learn one instrument, I would recommend either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guitar<\/strong> if want the sounds of guitars in your songs, because synthesized guitar sounds are usually obvious and unpleasant; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Piano<\/strong> if you don\u2019t plan on using guitar tones extensively, because knowing your way around the keys will help you in composing MIDI parts for any virtual instrument.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VSTs and Synths for Indie Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to indie production, digital alternatives can be a lifeboat for those of us who make music on our personal computers. If you need some recommendations on <a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/free-vsts-for-making-music-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Free VSTs for Making Music at Home\">VSTs or synths<\/a> to use for your tracks, allow me to provide some based on my own experiences. Keep in mind, you\u2019ll probably want a MIDI controller to get the most out of any VST or software synthesizer in this list. Any basic MIDI keys will do, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/M-Audio-Oxygen-Pro-Mini-Controller\/dp\/B08MVB76SY\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">M-Audio Oxygen<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nektar-IMPACT-LX25-Impact\/dp\/B01M0KBF9F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nektar Impact<\/a> (both of which I have used).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-christian-hergenrother-8015393.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-419\" style=\"border-radius:25px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-christian-hergenrother-8015393.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-christian-hergenrother-8015393-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-christian-hergenrother-8015393-768x413.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Piano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want an analog piano sound in your songs, try one of these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/soft-piano\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soft Piano<\/a> for LABS sampler by Spitfire Audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/tape-piano\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tape Piano<\/a> for LABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianobook.co.uk\/packs\/claustrophobic-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Claustrophobic Piano<\/a> by Christian Henson (works on Kontakt Player or Decent Sampler)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While synth basslines can work in many subgenres of indie pop, the sounds of a sampled bass guitar can also go a long way. Here are a few VST options for your perusal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>(Free) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/bass-guitar\" target=\"_blank\">Bass Guitar<\/a> for LABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amplesound.net\/en\/pro-pd.asp?id=19\" target=\"_blank\">Ample Bass P Lite<\/a> by Ample Sound (a sampled P-bass with a few articulations)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($99) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ikmultimedia.com\/products\/modobass2\/\" target=\"_blank\">Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass<\/a> by Native Instruments (works with free Kontakt player)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($0-349) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ikmultimedia.com\/products\/modobass2\/\" target=\"_blank\">MODO Bass<\/a> by IK Multimedia. This is a synth that models multiple different models of bass guitars (P-Bass, Rick, MM, etc). They do offer a basic <strong>P-bass model as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ikmultimedia.com\/products\/mb60spbass\/?pkey=modo-bass-inst-60spbass#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free download<\/a><\/strong>, and each individual model bass can be had for $69. There are different tiers of features and models available in packages as well, with the full package retailing at $349. While it gets pricier than most VSTs I recommend, this has the best bass guitars sounds with the most variety of tones that I could find.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With indie rock, a lot can be done with just a basic analog drum kit VST (i.e. a virtual instrument sampled from an actual live kit and mapped to MIDI). Below are a few budget kits you can try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bandlab.com\/products\/cakewalk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SI Drum Kit<\/a> in Cakewalk by Bandlab (this VST is bundled with Cakewalk, which is a DAW, but once you install the Drum Kit you can use it in any DAW you like)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/drums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drums<\/a> for LABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($99) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.native-instruments.com\/en\/products\/komplete\/drums\/abbey-road-vintage-drummer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Abbey Road Vintage Drummer<\/a> by Native Instruments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strings (Orchestral)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to add some strings to your music for swells, or to build up the sonic wall of sound in your mix, here are a few string sample libraries you can consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spitfireaudio.com\/shop\/a-z\/bbc-symphony-orchestra-discover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover<\/a> by Spitfire Audio (this is actually a stripped down version of a full orchestra, not just the strings section; it comes with legato and spiccato, pizzicato, and tremolo patches for the strings)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/strings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strings<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.spitfireaudio.com\/strings-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strings 2<\/a> for LABS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($99) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audioimperia.com\/products\/areia-lite-edition-made-for-kontakt-player\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aeria Lite Edition<\/a> by Audio Imperia (one of the best budget strings libraries with multiple articulations and dynamic layers; works with the free Kontakt Player)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Synths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most soft synths can provide replications of piano, strings, bass, 808s, as well as original synthesizer leads and pads. A few free and cheap options you can check out are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/vital.audio\/#getvital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vital<\/a> by Vital Audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/tytel.org\/helm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Helm<\/a> by Matt Tytel (also the guy who made Vital)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(Free) <a href=\"https:\/\/asb2m10.github.io\/dexed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dexed<\/a> by Digital Suburban<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($149) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.native-instruments.com\/en\/products\/komplete\/synths\/massive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massive<\/a> by Native Instruments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($165) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonicacademy.com\/products\/ana-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ANA 2<\/a> by Sonic Academy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>($189) <a href=\"https:\/\/xferrecords.com\/products\/serum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Serum<\/a> by Xfer Records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Budget Analog Instruments for Indie Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of us prefer to have an actual instrument in our hands rather than rely on a multitude of synths to finagle. In some cases, an analog instrument will just sound more natural and provide a better tone than even the most extensive VSTs (which is why I didn\u2019t provide any guitar synth recommendations, I\u2019ve never found one that sounded as good as the real thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, imported guitars and basses in the budget prices ranges have improved dramatically in quality (especially compared to when I started playing). If you are looking to learn guitar or bass, here are a few value models that work well for indie tones and genres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Several of the models listed below are available at Thomann Music (some of them exclusively). If you use my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/index.html?partner_id=11938\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"affiliate link\">affiliate link<\/a> to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-ben-collins-7647536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-418\" style=\"border-radius:25px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-ben-collins-7647536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-ben-collins-7647536-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/pexels-ben-collins-7647536-768x413.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Guitars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Squier Bullet Stratocaster<\/strong>, hard tail (that means no tremolo; a hard tail will be easier to use if you\u2019re a total beginner) in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Squier-Fender-Bullet-Hard-Stratocaster\/dp\/B07TDN617K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SSS<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Squier-Fender-Bullet-Hard-Stratocaster\/dp\/B07TCJKCVG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HSS<\/a> variety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Squier Classic Vibe 60s series<\/strong>, honestly anything from that series should be a decent buy\u2014especially if you can <a href=\"https:\/\/reverb.com\/marketplace?query=squier%20classic%20vibe&amp;make=squier&amp;product_type=electric-guitars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">find a deal on one used<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_hb_35plus_metallic_plum.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Harley Benton HB-35 Plus<\/strong><\/a> (this is a 335 copy that in my opinion is way more bang-for-buck than an Epiphone)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harley Benton <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_st_62cc_mn_shell_pink.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ST-62<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_fusion_iii_hss_roasted_dp.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fusion III<\/a> <\/strong>(I use an ST-20 but that\u2019s because the selection is much more limited for left-handers; if I played right-handed, I would have gotten an ST-62 for the better stock tuning machines and AlNiCo pickups)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustic Guitars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/reverb.com\/marketplace?product_type=acoustic-guitars&amp;make=taylor-guitars&amp;query=Taylor%20GS%20Mini\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Taylor GS Mini<\/strong><\/a> (perhaps one of the most popular guitar models right now; it\u2019s small but it\u2019s still got tone)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_cla_15m_solidwood.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Harley Benton CLA-15M<\/strong><\/a> (seriously, this is an OM model with solid top, back, and sides and it cost less than half what my solid wood imported Martin model did&#8230;and it has a solid wood fretboard too, which is more than I can say for the Martin import models *sigh*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/reverb.com\/marketplace?product_type=acoustic-guitars&amp;query=Martin%20DJR-10%20Dreadnought%20Junior\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Martin DJR-10 Dreadnought Junior<\/strong><\/a> (this is a scaled down dreadnought, the quintessential model that Martin created; they go for good prices used)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/detail\/FG830--yamaha-fg830-dreadnought-natural\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Yamaha FG830<\/strong><\/a> (if you prefer a full-sized budget dreadnought; the top is solid spruce, back and sides are laminate&#8230;it is to be expected in this price range)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/detail\/EEDVTEBNH--epiphone-dove-pro-acoustic-electric-trans-ebony-sweetwater-exclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Epiphone Dove Pro<\/strong><\/a> (if you want a dreadnought but you also want some style; also a solid spruce top)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/detail\/EDCertAM--breedlove-eco-discovery-s-concert-acoustic-guitar-african-mahogany\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Breedlove ECO Discovery S Concert<\/strong><\/a> (a concert model with a solid mahogany top, which will have a warmer tone than a spruce top)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a smaller person and prefer an instrument with a more comfortable feel for small hands, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/the-best-guitars-for-small-hands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"The Best Guitars for Small Hands\">my article<\/a> all about that topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Basses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_jb_20_bm_standard_series.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Harley Benton JB-20<\/strong><\/a> (it\u2019s a standard jazz bass, but cheaper than a Squier of the same build)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Squier-Fender-Bronco-Black-Fingerboard\/dp\/B0002F75P6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Squier Bronco Bass<\/strong><\/a> (they don\u2019t look like much, but the Bronco is good no-frills workhorse with it\u2019s little pickup that could)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/harley_benton_pj_74ow_vintage.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Harley Benton PJ-74<\/strong><\/a> (want a P-Bass instead? Here\u2019s a cheap one with a J-bass pickup, too)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Fender-Affinity-fingerboard-3-Color-Sunburst\/dp\/B091BCR2G3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Squier Affinity Jazz Bass<\/strong><\/a> (the P-Bass model should work well, too; it\u2019s a matter of tone preference)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ibanez-Talman-TMB100-Electric-Guitar\/dp\/B00SMYE9E4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Ibanez Talman Bass<\/strong><\/a> (if you can get past the funky design, the Talman is a pretty decent P-bass alternative)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize, Indie is a musical style with a large web of subgenres that often intermingle. Depending on how modern or vintage your want to sound, you may opt for any combination of analog rock instruments (like electric guitars and bass) or digital synth software (like 808s and virtual instruments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Articles for Your Consideration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found this guide helpful, here are a few more articles you may consider reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/what-instruments-are-used-in-lofi-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"What Instruments are Used in LoFi Music?\">What Instruments are Used in Lo-Fi Music?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/free-vsts-for-making-music-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Free VSTs for Making Music at Home\">Free VSTs for Making Music at Home<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/how-to-make-a-beat-from-samples-for-songwriters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"How to Make a Beat from Samples (for Songwriters)\">How to Make a Beat from Samples for Songwriters<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/do-i-need-to-learn-an-instrument-to-write-songs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Do I Need to Learn an Instrument to Write Songs?\">Do I Need to Learn an Instrument to Write Songs?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/i-have-a-melody-but-no-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"I Have a Melody But No Chords!\">I Have a Melody But No Chords!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Quick Guide to Indie Instrumentation with Recommendations If you\u2019re a songwriter or beat producer who loves indie music, but you lack experience in music composition, you may not understand what kind of instruments are used for getting those signature \u201cindie\u201d sounds. I\u2019m&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":362,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,8,22],"tags":[16,6],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637.jpg",1920,1280,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-wendy-wei-1864637.jpg",1920,1280,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Deane","author_link":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/author\/deane\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A Quick Guide to Indie Instrumentation with Recommendations If you\u2019re a songwriter or beat producer who loves indie music, but you lack experience in music composition, you may not understand what kind of instruments are used for getting those signature \u201cindie\u201d sounds. I\u2019m...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=361"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2637,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions\/2637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indiesongmakers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}