Blink-182 is a popular 3-piece punk-pop band that was formed in Poway, California in 1992. Their current lineup came into existence in 1998, consisting of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Since reaching pop-icon stats, Blink-182 has sold over 28 million albums worldwide, including chart toppers suchs as Enema of the State and Take off Your Pants & Jacket.  They are best known for witty teenage angst driven punk hits such as What’s My Age Again, Adam’s Song and All the Small Things.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge is usually seen playing his Tom DeLonge Signature Gibson ES-333. He uses a variety of effects, including an MXR M-117R flanger pedal, a Fender ’65 Twin Reverb Amplifier, a VOX AC30H2, and a Boss DD-7 Digital Delay. The VOX AC30H2 provides distortion for the punk sound. For live performances, DeLonge uses Marshall amp heads connected to Mesa Boogie and Marshall cabs. Tom DeLonge is a tenor, allowing him to easily harmonize with baritone Mark Hoppus. A male voice with a mid-range would be perfect to simulate Tom’s vocal style.

Vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus typically plays his signature Fender Mark Hoppus Jazz Bass, which consists of a Jazz Bass body with Precision Bass neck and pickup. Hoppus had his pickups relocated under the D and G strings, to give the bass a warmer sound. Rather than using his fingers, Mark uses a pick to play the bass. For live performances, Hoppus uses three Ampeg SVT Classic bass heads which run into two Ampeg 8×10 SVT bass cabs. Mark’s vocal style is strictly punk, and he is a baritone. A deeper voice will be needed to replicate his vocal style.

Drummer Travis Barker, the most famous member of the band, exclusively uses Orange County Drums and Percussion (OCDP), Zildjian cymbals, which include Oriental China Trash and A Sweet Ride Brilliant, and Travis Barker signature drumsticks.

To sound like Blink-182, you won’t need many fancy effects or expert guitar knowledge; however, distortion will be needed. Their sound is simple pop rock, and is fairly easy to replicate.

Keep Rockin’!!!

Fliceker Photos by Thunder Kiss Photography:




http://www.flickr.com/photos/treycampbell/6198642778/