If you recognize Brendan Benson from his role in The Raconteurs, you know him as the melodic, pop-savvy foil to Jack White’s raw blues-rock. As a solo artist, Benson is a true master of his own craft: meticulously constructed power pop. His guitar style isn’t built on shredding or fiery solos; it’s about songwriting, texture, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect hook. He is an architect of sound, layering parts with a producer’s ear to create songs that are far more complex than they first appear.
Chords, Crunch, and Craft: The Benson Sound
Benson’s guitar style is the very definition of “crunchy jangle.” He operates in the hallowed territory between The Beatles’ advanced melodic sensibilities and the fuzzy, driving energy of 70s power-pop bands like Big Star. His playing is characterized by meticulously layered guitar tracks. He’s known for “squashing” multiple parts together—riffs, rhythmic chunks, and counter-melodies—to build a dense, rich texture that sounds massive yet remains incredibly clean and articulate.
His gear choices are central to this sound. Benson frequently leans on Guild semi-hollow body guitars, like his signature M-75 Aristocrat, which provide the perfect woody bite. He typically runs them into a classic Vox AC30 amplifier, the gold standard for achieving that signature blend of top-end chime and gritty midrange bark. This combination allows his complex, often Beatles-esque chord voicings to cut through the mix without ever sounding harsh.
Get Your Ears On: Three Essential Tracks
“Tiny Spark” (Lapalco, 2002)
This is arguably the quintessential Brendan Benson song and a masterclass in power-pop guitar. It bursts out of the gate with an energetic, driving riff that is the hook. The guitars are bright, relentless, and layered to perfection. This track is all about forward momentum, showcasing how a simple, clever guitar line can carry an entire song and lodge itself permanently in your brain. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to pick up your guitar and find a new, interesting way to play a major chord.
“What I’m Looking For” (The Alternative to Love, 2005)
This track demonstrates Benson’s mastery of groove and dynamics. The guitar work is more restrained in the verses, using staccato stabs and cleaner tones to build tension and space. But when the chorus hits, it explodes with a big, open, melodic riff that feels both uplifting and slightly melancholic. It’s a beautifully constructed song that shows how he uses his guitar to serve the vocal, building a sophisticated pop-rock framework that made this track a mainstream crossover hit.
“Cold Hands (Warm Heart)”
Also from his 2005 breakthrough, this song leans into Benson’s moodier, alternative-rock sensibilities. The track is built on interlocking guitar parts that weave around each other, creating a tense, atmospheric groove. The main riff is a perfect example of his “less is more” genius—it’s a simple, descending motif, but the way it interacts with the bassline and vocal is hypnotic. It’s less “jangle” and more “grind,” proving that his pop-centric guitar style works just as powerfully in a minor key.
Cover Photo Credit “Brendan Benson October 2008” by superflattened is licensed under CC BY 2.0
