Big Brother and the Holding Company Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Big Brother and the Holding Company band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Big Brother and the Holding Company is a pioneering American rock band originating from San Francisco, California, in 1965. Known for their electrifying blend of psychedelic rock, blues rock, and acid rock, the group's classic lineup featured Peter Albin (bass), Sam Andrew (guitar, vocals), James Gurley (guitar), and Dave Getz (drums), with the addition of Janis Joplin (vocals) catapulting them to stardom. The band's raw, energetic sound and Joplin's powerful vocals became a defining force in the 1960s counterculture movement, particularly with the release of their seminal album Cheap Thrills.
How to Sound Like Big Brother and the Holding Company
The sound of Big Brother and the Holding Company is characterized by its gritty, dynamic energy and a visceral blend of distorted guitar tones and blues-infused solos. The dual-guitar interplay between Sam Andrew and James Gurley often relied on the Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar and Gibson SG Standard, both known for their sharp, biting tones that cut through the mix. Amplifying their sound with gear like the Fender 'Silverface' Dual Showman Reverb, the band achieved a robust, psychedelic edge. Joplin's voice, often captured through a Shure SM56, soared above the instrumental chaos, delivering emotional intensity that was both raw and captivating. The explosive combination of searing guitar lines and Joplin's impassioned delivery created a sound that was as rebellious as it was innovative, making them a quintessential act of their era.
Discography
Live at the Monterey International Pop Festival
1967
Big Brother & The Holding Company
1967
Janis Joplin Live At Winterland '68
1968
Cheap Thrills
1968
Be a Brother
1970
How Hard It Is
1971
Hold Me - Live in Germany
2006
Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968
2012
Joseph's Coat
2016
Do What You Love
2016
Live In The Lowlands
2017
Sex, Dope & Cheap Thrills
2018
Live at the Grande Ballroom Detroit; March 2, 1968
2025
Get the Big Brother and the Holding Company Sound
Want to sound like Big Brother and the Holding Company? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
