Pretenders Members, Gear & Sound

English‐American rock band

Genre

Rock Pop New Wave Alternative rock Pop rock Soft rock Folk rock Art rock Roots rock Punk rock Classic rock Heartland rock Folk New romantic Punk permanent wave dance rock album rock mellow gold new wave pop lilith

Members

Select a Pretenders band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Johnny Marr

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Modest Mouse The Smiths The The Electronic The Cribs The Motels Johnny Marr + the Healers The Pretenders Johnny Marr and Billy Duffy 7 Worlds Collide The Magnificent Six

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James Honeyman-Scott

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Pretenders Rockestra

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Robbie McIntosh

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Wings John Mayer Trio Paul McCartney (Live Band) The Pretenders John Illsley Band Robbie McIntosh Band Jerry Harrison: Casual Gods Night

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Chrissie Hynde

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

The Pretenders Johnny Moped

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James Walbourne

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Son Volt Pernice Brothers The Pretenders

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T.M. Stevens

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Pretenders Vai

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Pete Farndon

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Pretenders

Needs more gear

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Adam Seymour

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

No gear added

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Blair Cunningham

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Paul McCartney (Live Band) The Pretenders Haircut 100

No gear added

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Martin Chambers

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Pretenders

No gear added

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Nick Wilkinson

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Groups:

The Pretenders

No gear added

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Andy Hobson

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Primitives

No gear added

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Carwyn Ellis

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

No gear added

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About

Pretenders is a British-American rock band formed in 1978, blending elements of rock, punk, and new wave with an edgy yet melodic sound. Fronted by the charismatic Chrissie Hynde (vocals, rhythm guitar), the band originally included James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, percussion). Known for their raw energy and Hynde's distinctive voice, the Pretenders have carved out a niche that marries the rebellious spirit of punk with the melodic sensibilities of pop and rock.

How to Sound Like Pretenders

The Pretenders' sound is characterized by gritty, energetic guitar riffs and punchy rhythms, creating a dynamic and vibrant sonic landscape. James Honeyman-Scott’s guitar work often featured a blend of clean and overdriven tones, utilizing equipment like the Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head to deliver powerful, soaring solos and crunchy chord progressions. Chrissie Hynde’s rhythmic guitar playing provides a solid backbone, often using a Fender Telecaster to capture a sharp, cutting tone that complements her expressive vocal delivery. The band’s music captures a balance between melodic hooks and punk rock grit, making effective use of both clean and saturated textures to drive their songs forward.

Discography

Pretenders (Expanded & Remastered)

1980

Pretenders II

1981

Learning to Crawl (US Release)

1984

Learning to Crawl (Expanded & Remastered)

1984

The Singles

1986

Get Close

1986

Packed!

1990

Last of the Independents

1994

The Isle of View

1995

Viva El Amor

1999

Loose Screw

2003

Break Up the Concrete

2009

Alone

2016

Relentless

2023

Get the Pretenders Sound

Want to sound like Pretenders? 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.