The 60 Best Indie Guitar Songs

Indie guitar songs come from independent artists, giving a raw view of life and love.

The term “Indie” is a shortened form of “independent.”

Depending on who you ask, Indie and Alternative typically mean the same thing; it’s just that indie happens to be the term popular in the UK and alternative happens to be more popular in the US.

Regardless, indie typically denotes a type of music release that isn’t financially tethered to any of the big four record labels, namely WMG, Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal.

Unlike a genre descriptor, “Indie” references the financial setup of the music’s distribution rather than the musical style itself.

That said, major record labels often have sounds they attract, and thus indie songs sometimes have difficult-to-pinpoint sound features that exclude them from major record labels.

And if you are looking for a Spotify playlist of these songs, we’ve got it for you:

Exploring Decades of Indie Guitar Songs: Shaping Music History

We’ll dive into decades of indie guitar tunes, uncovering melodies that shaped music history.

They speak to the soul with their pure emotion and heartfelt lyrics.

Their stories deserve to be heard and treasured!

In this list, we’ll be going through the top 60 songs on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Alternative Songs chart that feature the guitar.

Let’s dive in!

1. “Monsters” by All Time Low ft. blackbear

“Monsters” by All Time Low Ft. blackbear Guitar Tab

“Monsters” is an indie guitar song by All Time Low, an American pop punk band formed in 2003.

2. “Broken” by lovelytheband

“Broken” by lovelytheband Guitar Tab

Indie guitar songs often feature catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, like “Broken” by lovelytheband.

3. “Uprising” by Muse

“Uprising” by Muse Guitar Tab

“Uprising” is not strictly an indie guitar song but incorporates elements of alternative rock, a genre closely related to indie guitar music.

4. “Savior” by Rise Against

“Savior” by Rise Against Guitar Tab

“Savior” is an intense indie guitar song known for its passionate vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

5. “Feel It Still” by Portugal The Man

“Feel It Still” by Portugal The Man Guitar Tab

“Feel It Still” is a catchy indie guitar song that gained widespread popularity for its infectious groove and memorable hooks.

6. “Madness” by Muse

“Madness” by Muse Guitar Tab

“Madness” is an indie guitar song incorporating alternative rock with a touch of electronic influence.

7. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters

“The Pretender” by Foo Fighters Guitar Tab

“The Pretender” is an intense indie guitar song known for its powerful riffs and dynamic energy.

8. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

“Radioactive” combines elements of alternative rock with electronic sounds, contributing to its widespread popularity.

9. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

“High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco Guitar Tab

This indie guitar song is known for its energetic and catchy hooks, showcasing dynamic “high hopes” vocals.

10. “First” by Cold War Kids

“First” by Cold War Kids Guitar Tab

“First” by Cold War Kids is an indie guitar song that showcases the band’s signature bluesy sound and heartfelt lyrics.

11. “Trampoline” by SHAED

“Trampoline” by SHAED Guitar Tab

“Trampoline” by SHAED is an indie guitar song with a unique blend of electronic beats and dreamy vocals, creating a captivating sound.

12. “Hemorrhage” (In My Hands) by Fuel

“Hemorrhage” (In My Hands) by Fuel Guitar Tab

“Hemorrhage” is an emotionally charged rock ballad with powerful vocals, making it a standout indie guitar song.

13. “Cuts You Up” by Peter Murphy

“Cuts You Up” by Peter Murphy Guitar Tab

“Cuts You Up” is a moody, atmospheric indie guitar song known for its haunting melodies and Murphy’s distinctive vocals.

14. “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons X JID

“Enemy” by Imagine Dragons X JID Guitar Tab

“Enemy” by Imagine Dragons X JID combines an indie guitar song with rap in a genre-blending collaboration.

15. “Drive” by Incubus

“Drive” by Incubus Guitar Tab

“Drive” by Incubus is an iconic indie guitar song with melodic hooks and emotional lyrics.

16. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood Guitar Tab

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood is an atmospheric indie guitar song with evocative lyrics.

17. “Sex And Candy” by Marcy Playground

“Sex And Candy” by Marcy Playground Guitar Tab

“Sex And Candy” by Marcy Playground is a 90s alt-rock hit with a catchy indie guitar sound.

18. “Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys

“Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys Guitar Tab

“Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys is an indie guitar song known for its hypnotic groove and sultry vocals.

19. “When I Come Around” by Green Day

“When I Come Around” by Green Day Guitar Tab

“When I Come Around” is a punk-infused indie guitar song with memorable riffs and distinctive vocals.

20. “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback

“How You Remind Me” by Nickelback Guitar Tab

“How You Remind Me” is a 2000s rock anthem celebrated for its catchy chorus and post-grunge indie guitar song style.

21. “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit

“My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit Guitar Tab

“My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit is a 90s punk-infused indie guitar song known for its infectious energy and catchy lyrics.

22. “Lightning Crashes” by Live

“Lightning Crashes” by Live Guitar Tab

“Lightning Crashes” exemplifies a poignant indie guitar song, showcasing the emotional depth often associated with this genre.

23. “It’s Been Awhile” by Staind

“It’s Been Awhile” by Staind Guitar Tab

“It’s Been Awhile” combines introspective lyrics with Aaron Lewis’ expressive vocals in a post-grunge indie guitar song.

24. “Wonderwall” by Oasis

“Wonderwall” by Oasis Guitar Tab

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is an iconic indie guitar song with timeless lyrics and a distinctive Britpop sound.

25. “Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance

“Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance Guitar Tab

“Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance is an indie guitar song known for its infectious beat and folk-pop fusion.

26. “Level of Concern” by twenty one pilots

“Level of Concern” by twenty one pilots Guitar Tab

“Level of Concern” by twenty one pilots is a catchy indie guitar song with introspective lyrics.

27. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana Guitar Tab

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a grunge anthem known for its raw energy and iconic indie guitar riff.

28. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day Guitar Tab

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day is an emo-rock anthem with a haunting indie guitar melody.

29. “Come a Little Closer” by Cage the Elephant

“Come a Little Closer” by Cage the Elephant Guitar Tab

“Come a Little Closer” is an indie guitar song known for its infectious rhythm and Matt Shultz’s distinctive vocals.

30. “Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz

“Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz Guitar Tab

“Feel Good Inc” is a thrilling indie guitar song filled with energetic guitar riffs and high-octane vocals.

31. “Mysterious Ways” by U2

“Mysterious Ways” by U2 Guitar Tab

“Mysterious Ways” by U2 is a rock classic known for its catchy indie guitar song riff and Bono’s distinctive vocals.

32. “Regret” by New Order

“Regret” by New Order Guitar Tab

“Regret” by New Order is a 90s alternative dance hit with a memorable indie guitar song melody.

33. “Tighten Up” by The Black Keys

“Tighten Up” by The Black Keys Guitar Tab

“Tighten Up” by The Black Keys is an indie guitar song known for its bluesy rock sound and infectious hooks.

34. “Blurry” by Puddle of Mudd

“Blurry” by Puddle of Mudd Guitar Tab

“Blurry” is a post-grunge indie guitar song known for its emotional lyrics and memorable melody.

35. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People

“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People Guitar Tab

“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People is an indie guitar song with an infectious pop-rock sound and catchy hooks.

36. “1901” by Phoenix

“1901” by Phoenix Guitar Tab

“1901” by Phoenix is an indie guitar song known for its energetic sound and catchy hooks.

37. “In the End” by Linkin Park

“In the End” by Linkin Park Guitar Tab

“In the End” is a nu-metal anthem known for its powerful blend of rock and rap, featuring dynamic guitar elements.

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38. “Lay Me Down” by The Dirty Heads ft. Rome

“Lay Me Down” by The Dirty Heads ft. Rome Guitar Tab

“Lay Me Down” by The Dirty Heads is a reggae-infused indie guitar song with a relaxed vibe.

39. “Fascination Street” by The Cure

“Fascination Street” by The Cure Guitar Tab

“Fascination Street” by The Cure is a post-punk indie guitar song classic with a dark, atmospheric sound.

40. “Good” by Better Than Ezra

“Good” by Better Than Ezra Guitar Tab

“Good” is an alternative rock indie guitar song known for its catchy hooks and memorable lyrics.

41. “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitar Tab

“Scar Tissue” is an alternative rock anthem known as a melodic indie guitar song with introspective lyrics.

42. “Believer” by Imagine Dragons

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons Guitar Tab

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons, an indie band, boasts a catchy guitar riff and empowering lyrics.

43. “Renegades” by X Ambassadors

“Renegades” by X Ambassadors Guitar Tab

“Renegades” is an indie guitar song known for its anthemic sound and lyrics, reflecting the band’s independent spirit.

44. “Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven

“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven Guitar Tab

“Paralyzer” is a post-grunge indie guitar song known for its infectious groove and energetic sound.

45. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

“Zombie” by The Cranberries Guitar Tab

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is an alternative rock hit with a haunting indie guitar song sound and powerful lyrics.

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46. “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down

“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down Guitar Tab

“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down is a post-grunge indie guitar song known for its catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics.

47. “Pompeii” by Bastille

“Pompeii” by Bastille Guitar Tab

“Pompeii” by Bastille is an indie guitar song and pop-rock anthem known for its infectious melody and anthemic sound.

48. “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon Guitar Tab

“Sex on Fire” is an indie guitar song anthem known for its fiery energy and infectious indie guitar riff.

49. “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins Guitar Tab

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock indie guitar song classic known for its memorable riffs and nostalgic lyrics.

50. “What It’s Like” by Everlast

“What It’s Like” by Everlast Guitar Tab

“What It’s Like” by Everlast is a folk-infused indie guitar song known for its storytelling lyrics and heartfelt delivery.

51. “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities

“Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities Guitar Tab

“Safe and Sound” is an indie pop hit with an infectious melody and upbeat indie guitar song arrangement.

52. “All My Life” by Foo Fighters

“All My Life” by Foo Fighters Guitar Tab

“All My Life” by Foo Fighters is a dynamic indie guitar song with powerful riffs.

53. “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers

“Pepper” by Butthole Surfers Guitar Tab

“Pepper” by Butthole Surfers is an alternative rock classic with a distinctive indie guitar song edge.

54. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons

“Demons” by Imagine Dragons Guitar Tab

“Demons” by Imagine Dragons is a pop-rock indie guitar song known for its introspective lyrics and catchy melody.

55. “Inside Out” by Eve

“Inside Out” by Eve Guitar Tab

“Inside Out” by Eve 6 is a 90s alternative rock hit featuring a catchy indie guitar song riff and memorable lyrics.

56. “Numb” by Linkin Park

“Numb” by Linkin Park Guitar Tab

“Numb” by Linkin Park is an alternative rock anthem known for its emotional lyrics and distinctive indie guitar song sound.

57. “Headstrong” by Trapt

“Headstrong” by Trapt Guitar  Tab

“Headstrong” by Trapt is a post-grunge indie guitar song known for its intense energy and memorable hooks.

58. “By the Way” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

“By the Way” by Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitar Tab

“By the Way” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is an alternative rock classic with a distinctive indie guitar song sound and Anthony Kiedis’ signature vocals.

It captures the essence of indie guitar songs.

59. “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction

“Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction Guitar Tab

Jane’s Addiction’s hit “Been Caught Stealing” stands out for its edgy indie guitar riff and rebellious spirit in the alternative rock scene.

60. “Beggin'” by Måneskin

“Beggin'” by Måneskin Guitar Tab

The rock-pop indie guitar song “Beggin'” by Måneskin boasts infectious energy and powerful vocals.

Conclusion: Your Journey with Indie Guitar Songs

We’ve journeyed through indie guitar songs, discovering tunes full of emotion.

Each strum and lyric carries the raw creativity defining indie music.

From Incubus’ beats to Imagine Dragons’ melodies, we’ve explored various indie guitar gems.

These melodies are heartbeats echoing through time, leaving a mark on music’s soul.

Let them be your companions, whether strumming your guitar or immersing yourself in these tunes.

The adventure is endless, with the next tune always waiting.

Share your thoughts and favorite songs.

Which ones touched you the most?

Any hidden gems you’d add?

Leave your comments below!