Cheap Trick Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Cheap Trick band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Cheap Trick is an American rock band that emerged from Rockford, Illinois, in the early 1970s. Known for their infectious blend of power pop and hard rock, the group consists of Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Bun E. Carlos (drums). Their music incorporates a wide spectrum of genres, including classic rock, glam rock, and new wave pop, often drawing comparisons to influential acts like The Beatles and The Who. Cheap Trick's energetic live performances and catchy melodies have earned them a dedicated following and an enduring place in rock history.
How to Sound Like Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick's sound is characterized by its dynamic interplay of melodic hooks and powerful guitar riffs. Rick Nielsen's guitar work often features a crisp, driving tone, achieved through the use of a variety of guitars like the Hamer Rick Nielsen Custom 5-Neck Guitar and the Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom XPL, paired with the rich, tube-driven warmth of amps such as the Orange Amplifiers Rockerverb 50 MKIII. Tom Petersson's pioneering use of the Waterstone TP-12 12-String Bass adds a distinctive, fuller sound to their music, complementing Robin Zander's versatile vocal range. The band’s songs often incorporate catchy, anthemic choruses with a blend of aggressive and polished elements, creating a sound that is both accessible and impactful.
Discography
Cheap Trick
1977
In Color
1977
Heaven Tonight
1978
At Budokan
1978
BUDOKAN! (30th Anniversary)
1978
Dream Police
1979
All Shook Up
1980
One On One
1982
Next Position Please - The Authorized Version
1983
Standing On The Edge
1985
The Doctor
1986
Lap Of Luxury
1988
Busted
1990
Woke Up With A Monster
1994
1997
1997
Silver (Live)
2004
Music For Hangovers (Live)
2004
Rockford
2006
Sgt. Pepper Live
2009
The Latest
2009
Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello
2016
We're All Alright!
2017
Christmas Christmas
2017
Are You Ready? Live 12/31/1979
2019
Out To Get You! Live 1977
2020
In Another World
2021
All Washed Up
2025
Get the Cheap Trick Sound
Want to sound like Cheap Trick? 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.
