Maroon 5 is a Grammy-award winning band who first formed in 1994 under the name Kara’s Flowers. From the years 2002-present, they have had their permanent lineup as Maroon 5, including vocalist and lead guitarist James Valentine, and drummer Matt Flynn. They received worldwide success for their song Moves Like Jagger, and it is one of the best-selling singles of all time. They are characterized as rock-pop, but can have an alternative and crunchy sound at all times.
Vocalist Adam Levine has a high tenor voice, and to replicate his style, you’ll need a high-pitched male voice or a low-pitched female voice. Adam also plays lead guitar, and is seen most often playing First Act custom guitars. He also plays a Gibson SG, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Explorer, and Fender Stratocaster. For amplification, Adam uses Marshall Amplifier Heads and Marshall Cabinets. Adam does use a variety of effects, including a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus, Morely Bad Horsie 2 Wah, two Boss NS-2 pedals, and a Fulltone Full Drive 2. These effects can be heard on songs such as Harder to Breathe.
Bassist Mickey Madden traditionally uses a Fender Precision Bass or Fender Jazz Bass. For amplification, he uses a 2×15 cabinet. Effects include a Tech21 BDDI, DBX 120A Synth, and Digitech Whammy. Keyboardist Jesse Carmichael uses a lot of synth effects on his keyboards, including Mimik software with MiKo, Pro Tools, and a NeKo LX.
Rhythm guitarist James Valentine typically plays a Fender Telecaster, although he plays other guitars such as the Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Firebird, and Fender Stratocaster. He often uses a stomp box effect, to give the music a crunchier tone. Drummer Matt Flynn exclusively uses Ludwig drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Vater drumsticks.
To replicate Maroon 5’s sound, you will need a full 5-piece band complete with keyboards. Much of their recent work has been very keyboard-heavy. Many of their songs are simple to play, but some effects will be needed, to play songs like Harder to Breathe and Wake Up Call.
Keep rockin’!
Maroon 5 by Southern Fairytale (Rachel) taken on June 22, 2010
Maroon 5 by trashpaintedgold taken on March 5, 2008
fender-limited-closet-classic-1958-precision-bass-530-85 by Beefy Basses taken on April 16, 2011
Fender Telecaster by groovysuvi taken on December 26, 2009
