The British rock band Coldplay was formed in 1996 by Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin. They became a worldwide name in 2000 with the release of their single “Yellow.” Coldplay released their last studio album, Mylo Xyloto in October 2011. The style of the last album is a thematic rock opera because it tells the story of a war against color and sound by an absolute government.
 
Chris Martin provides the lead vocals for the band as well as piano, rhythm guitar, and keyboards. Although Coldplay performs under the alternative rock genre, Martin has a fascination with hip hop. In 2006 he collaborated with Jay-Z on the rapper’s comeback album Kingdom Come.
 
Guy Berryman provides bass, harmonica, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals for Coldplay. Berryman is a leftie who plays the bass guitar right-handed. He is known as one of the top Fender Jazz Bass players. Another of his favorite guitars to play is the Fender Precision Bass.
 
Jonny Buckland brings provides not only backing vocals and percussion, but is also the lead guitar player for the band. His most notable instruments include Fender Thinline Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Fender Jaguar, Gibson ES-335, and Gibson Les Paul. Most of his playing is done on the electric guitar. His style of play is based on U2’s sound, which consists of conservative notation, various amps and distorters, and musical rawness.
 
Will Champion is the drummer but he also provides backing vocals, rhythm guitar, and piano when needed. Champion has been musical inclined since he was a boy, playing the piano and violin at the age of 8. He didn’t learn the guitar until he was 12. When he first joined Coldplay, he had no prior experience as a drummer.
 
Coldplay combines lyrics, harmony, and melody to entertain their fans. The amazing sound that Coldplay pulls off in each of their songs is easily replicated by both the amateur and the experienced guitar player.
 
Keep Rockin’!!!