The Smashing Pumpkins Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Electronic Rock Alternative rock Pop rock Indie rock Art rock Progressive rock Symphonic rock Psychedelic rock Hard rock Grunge Alternative metal Industrial rock Neo-psychedelia Dream pop Gothic rock Shoegazing Ambient Shoegaze permanent wave

Members

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

Billy Corgan

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Groups:

Zwan Deep Blue Dream The Marked Starchildren Spirits in the Sky

See Gear
James Iha

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Groups:

A Perfect Circle Tinted Windows Vanessa & the O’s Starchildren

See Gear
D'arcy Wretzky

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

Catherine

See Gear
Melissa Auf der Maur

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist Composer

Groups:

Hole Hand of Doom Constant Comment Tinker

See Gear
Jimmy Chamberlin

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Zwan The Last Hard Men Starchildren Jimmy Chamberlin Complex Gannin Arnold Project Skysaw

See Gear
Jeff Schroeder

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist

See Gear
Kiki Wongo

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

RAMENSTEIN

See Gear
Nicole Fiorentino

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Veruca Salt

See Gear
Jack Bates

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Peter Hook & the Light

See Gear
Mike Garson

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

Nine Inch Nails David Bowie (band) The Spiders from Mars The Polyphonic Spree The Mike Garson Band Tao Jones Index Kind Heaven Orchestra

See Gear
Mike Byrne

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Spirits in the Sky

Needs more gear

See Gear
Ginger Pooley

Roles:

Bassist

Needs more gear

See Gear
Katie Cole

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Needs more gear

See Gear
Matt Walker

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Filter Garbage Cupcakes

Needs more gear

See Gear

About

The Smashing Pumpkins is an American alternative rock band that emerged from the Chicago music scene in 1988. The group was initially founded by Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar), who remains the driving force behind its distinctive sound. Over the years, the band has featured several lineups, with key members including James Iha (guitar), D'arcy Wretzky (bass), and Jimmy Chamberlin (drums). Known for their eclectic mix of genres, The Smashing Pumpkins effortlessly blend elements of alternative rock, grunge, neo-psychedelia, and art rock, cultivating a rich sonic tapestry that has captivated audiences worldwide.

How to Sound Like The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins' sound is renowned for its dynamic contrast and layered complexity. Their music often shifts between lush, melodic passages and aggressive, distorted riffs, creating a captivating balance of dreamy atmospheres and raw energy. Billy Corgan's guitar work, characterized by thick, fuzzy tones and soaring leads, frequently employs gear like the Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz and the iconic Electro-Harmonix "Op-Amp" Big Muff Pi V4 to achieve a saturated, expansive sound. Amplifiers such as the Marshall JCM800 2204 deliver the gritty, powerful edge synonymous with the band's heavier tracks, while layered effects and atmospheric textures contribute to their signature ethereal quality.

Discography

Gish (Remastered)

1991

Siamese Dream (Deluxe Edition)

1993

Pisces Iscariot (Remastered)

1994

Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (Deluxe Edition)

1995

Adore

1998

Machina / The Machines Of God

2000

Oceania

2012

Monuments to an Elegy

2014

SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL. 1 / LP: NO PAST. NO FUTURE. NO SUN.

2018

CYR

2020

ATUM

2023

Aghori Mhori Mei

2024

Get the The Smashing Pumpkins Sound

Want to sound like The Smashing Pumpkins? 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.