If you prefer the road less traveled, and enjoy things that are a bit off beat, you may appreciate the sounds of the alternative or indie rock scene.  While it has made its way into the mainstream, many artists have continued to channel the sounds that epitomize the genre.  The indie scene has produced its fair share of great guitarists, and we have chosen the top five indie rock guitarists.  Join us as we count them down.
 

5. Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse, The Cribs) – Whether it was with The Smiths or Modest Mouse, Johnny Marr’s guitar playing has made its mark.  Born in England in 1963, he has become an influential member of the music scene.  Forming The Smiths in 1982, Marr’s distinct playing style defined the sound of the band.  He created this sound on a Fender Telecaster.  He went on to participate in a variety of other bands, as well as have a successful solo career.  Other guitars that he has used include a Rickenbacker 330 and a Gibson SG.  The Smiths’ “What Difference Does It Make” will introduce you to his style.
 
4. Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead) – With a talent for playing a variety of instruments, Greenwood studied viola at Oxford University.  It was while there that he began playing with Radiohead, and ultimately left school without completing his degree to pursue the band opportunity.  His style has been called aggressive and even described as “abusive guitar.”  His influences include jazz and classical music, and he often played the Fender Telecaster Plus and a Starcaster.  While he has also pursued opportunities composing classical  orchestral works, he has built a legacy in the indie rock genre.    While there are many great examples of his work, listen to Radiohead’s “Anyone Can Play Guitar” to get a taste.
 
3. Graham Coxon (Blur) – Graham Coxon was born in West Germany in 1969, but later moved to and grew up in England.  In London, he studied Fine Arts until he left when Blur began to grow in popularity.  In addition to his work with Blur, he has also released several solo guitar albums.  He has played with various guitars, including a Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul Custom, and a Burns London Sonic.  Listen to his style in Blur’s “Look Inside America.”
 
2. Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) –  Heavily influenced by blues, Dan Auerbach grew up in Akron, Ohio.  He gathered his influence from blues rock and the bluegrass music he and his family played.  He began playing with The Barnburners before he formed the band The Black Keys.  While their sound has evolved since their beginning in 2001, you can still hear the blues style prevalent in their music.  Auerbach has said that he does not stick to one guitar, but likes to choose the one that best suits the song he is playing.  Makes of guitars include Fender, Teisco Del Ray, Harmony, Supro, Silvertone, and National.  Examples of specific guitars are the Supro Val Trol and the Harmony Stratotone.  Not only does he play, but he likes to collect guitars that are different.  Hear the blues influence while listening to songs like The Black Keys’ “Set You Free.”
 
1. Britt Daniel  (Spoon) –  Born and raised in Texas, Britt Daniel considered himself a well-rounded musician.  His father had an appreciation for music and collected classic guitars.  It wasn’t until high school that Daniel began playing guitar, but once he did, he was hooked.  While he has been involved in many musical acts, it was the band he formed in 1993, Spoon, that he is most known for.  Playing a Gibson ES-335, Daniel continues to deliver an interesting point of view to the indie scene.  For a glimpse into his sound listen to Spoon’s “The Underdog.”

 
With their alternative point of view, these are our picks for the top guitar players of indie rock.  What do you think?  Let us know by sharing your top five.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Johnny Marr by Man Alive! taken on October 29, 2011