The Minus 5 Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Power pop Alternative country alt country

Members

Select a The Minus 5 band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Peter Buck

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

R.E.M. Tuatara Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 Tired Pony Nigel & the Crosses The Baseball Project Filthy Friends Hindu Love Gods Slow Music Bingo Hand Job The No Ones Arthur Buck Barrett Martin Group Full Time Men Musical Kings

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Bill Rieflin

Roles:

Drummer Keyboardist

Groups:

Swans King Crimson R.E.M. Ministry KMFDM Pigface Revolting Cocks Lard Jakalope The Petty Tyrants 'Snots Dark Load Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 Pailhead Sweet 75 Filthy Friends Acid Horse Land Seattle Guitar Circle Slow Music 1000 Homo DJs The Humans Blackouts The Bells The Angels of Light

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Scott McCaughey

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

R.E.M. Tuatara Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 The New Original Sonic Sound Tired Pony The Young Fresh Fellows Four Croakers The Fresh Mud Choir The Baseball Project Filthy Friends The No Ones His Mortal Enemies

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About

The Minus 5 is an eclectic musical collective founded in 1993 by the multitalented Scott McCaughey, who is best known for his role as the principal songwriter and vocalist. Originating from the Pacific Northwest, the group is celebrated for its unique blend of power pop and alternative country, with a revolving lineup that often includes notable musicians like former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The Minus 5's ever-changing roster enriches its sound with fresh influences, while McCaughey's consistent presence ensures a continuity of wit and melodic craftsmanship across their discography.

How to Sound Like The Minus 5

The Minus 5's sound is distinguished by its smart, witty indie pop qualities, which seamlessly integrate elements of British Invasion, glam rock, and new wave. Their music often features a mix of clean and jangly guitar tones, achieved through the use of instruments like the Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar favored by Peter Buck, known for its bright and chiming resonance. This, coupled with vintage-style amplifiers like the Savage Blitz 50, provides a rich, retro warmth to their sound. The inclusion of 12-string guitars, such as the Eastwood Nashville 12-String Electric Guitar, adds depth and a distinctive harmonic texture, creating a sonic palette that is both nostalgic and innovative. The Minus 5's music thrives on this blend of melodic charm and playful intricacy, making their sound both familiar and refreshingly unpredictable.

Discography

Old Liquidator

1995

My Chartreuse Opinion

1997

The Lonesome Death Of Buck McCoy

1997

Down With Wilco

2003

In Rock

2004

At the Organ

2004

The Minus 5

2006

Killingsworth

2009

Of Monkees And Men

2013

Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror - Record 2: Of Monkees and Men

2014

Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror - Record 4: Hellbent for Heaven

2014

Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror - Record 1: Without a Gun

2015

Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror - Record 3: An Accumulation of Soot

2015

Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror - Record 5: War Is Over

2015

Dungeon Golds

2015

Dear December

2017

Stroke Manor

2019

Calling Cortez

2023

Oar On, Penelope!

2025

Get the The Minus 5 Sound

Want to sound like The Minus 5? 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.