Originally a term used to describe 'Independent Music' released outside of the mainstream record labels. Now it is used to describe pop rock, or anything vaguely resembling the The Stone Roses and Oasis. Indie bands possess the same DIY spirit as punk but with a more street trendy image and a softer sound. Guitar based, the sound of indie can range from the jangley lead-based backings of John Squire (The Stone Roses) to the wall of sound strummed open chords of the The Charlatans and Oasis. Based around melody more than the riffs and hard edge of traditional rock, indie has produced some great pop songs and some great guitar solos. The sound has been influenced greatly by dance music as well as the psychedelic bands of the 60's, with indie bands using a wide variety of effects pedals.

• The Music: melodic, psychedelic, loud, song orientated.
• The Lyrics: lots of attitude reflecting misunderstood youth, dissatisfaction with life and a general feeling that you should be able do what ever you want.
• The Guitar Solo: melodic solos using the major and minor pentatonic scale.
• The Equipment: Epiphone 335's, Gibson Les Pauls, Marshal Stacks, Wah Wah pedals, loads of effects.
• The Image: hooded coats, designer trousers and shoes, 'curtains' hair cuts, sun hats, sun glasses.
• The Bands: The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Oasis, Blur, Cast, Blue Tones, Super Furry Animals, Primal Scream, Ash.