# Jamie Cook

Jamie Robert Cook (born 8 July 1985) is an English guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and founding member of the indie rock band Arctic Monkeys. He has been the core member of the band since its formation in 2002 and has contributed to all of their albums. Cook's playing style has evolved over the years shifting from sharp, energetic riffs to more atmospheric and experimental guitar works.

## Arctic Monkeys

Originally a next door neighbour of Alex Turner, Cook, Turner, and the others formed the Arctic Monkeys in 2002. Cook was considered to be the "indie music fanatic" of the group, enjoying The Smiths, The Strokes, Oasis, and Queens of the Stone Age. After the release of their debut album, Cook said: "Now, I want us to be able to grow like The Clash. When they started, it was a very basic, punky record. Then they started to take off and go in lots of directions. That's what we wanted. Despite leaving home, Cook has maintained residence in the Sheffield area along with other band members, Helders. Early in the band's career, Cook would join Matt Helders and Andy Nicholson on backing vocals for songs such as "Fake Tales of San Francisco", but gradually faded into backing vocals, leaving them to the other three members of the group.

## Personal Life

Jamie Cook was born in High Green, Sheffield, England. Cook attended Ecclesfield Secondary School. Initially learning guitar alongside Turner, Cook developed a raw, energetic playing style. Cook started dating model Katie Downes in 2006. They became engaged in 2012 and wed in 2014. They have two children, Forrest (b. 2015), and Bonnie (b. 2019). They reside in the UK. Unlike his bandmates, Cook is known for keeping a low public profile and does not use social media.

## Discography
### With Arctic Monkeys

* Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006)
* Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
* Humbug (2009)
* Suck It and See (2011)
* AM (2013)
* Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
* The Car (2022)

## Influences and style

Cook's guitar style has evolved significantly throughout Arctic Monkeys' discography, shifting from fast-paced, angular indie rock riffs to more textured and atmospheric playing. In the band's early years, his playing was characterized by sharp, choppy rhythms and energetic lead lines, influenced by post-punk revival bands. As the band's sound matured, Cook incorporated heavier, blues-inspired tones and psychedelic elements, particularly during the Humbug and AM eras.
He has cited several guitarists and bands as influences, including:
* Johnny Marr – Noted for his intricate yet melodic approach to guitar, particularly with The Smiths.
* Nick Valensi – Inspired Cook's early playing style, especially from The Strokes’ debut album Is This It.
* Josh Homme – His work with Queens of the Stone Age influenced Cook's shift towards heavier, desert-rock tones on Humbug.
* Jimmy Page – A key reference for the bluesy and riff-driven elements present in songs like "R U Mine?".
* Black Sabbath – The band's darker, more aggressive guitar work influenced some of Arctic Monkeys' heavier tracks.
Despite his contributions as the lead guitarist, Cook has often taken a more understated role compared to his bandmates, preferring to let his playing speak for itself rather than engaging in extensive media appearances.

## Equipment

Cook has used a variety of guitars and amplifiers throughout his career, adapting his gear to fit Arctic Monkeys' evolving sound.

### Guitars

Cook primarily plays Fender and Gibson guitars, but he has also experimented with other brands. Some of his most notable guitars include:
* Fender Telecaster – Frequently used during the band's early albums, including Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare.
* Gibson Les Paul Custom – Became his primary guitar during the Humbug era, contributing to the band's heavier sound.
* Fender Starcaster – Used extensively on AM, providing a thicker, semi-hollow body tone.
* Gibson ES-335 – Featured in the Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino era for a warmer, jazzier sound.
* Gibson SG – Occasionally used for live performances and heavier tracks.

### Amplifiers

Cook has been known to favor valve amplifiers for their warm and dynamic tone. His setup has included:
* Vox AC30 – A staple in his early rig, providing bright, chimey tones.
* Orange AD30 – Used during the Favourite Worst Nightmare and Humbug tours for a more overdriven sound.
* Fender Twin Reverb – Seen during live performances in later years for cleaner tones.
* Hiwatt Custom 50 – Used to achieve a powerful, vintage rock tone.

### Effects Pedals

While Cook’s setup is relatively straightforward compared to other lead guitarists, he has used several pedals to shape his sound, including:
* Electro-Harmonix Big Muff – For thick, fuzzy distortion.
* Pro Co Rat – Used to add a more aggressive, gritty tone.
* MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay – Used for subtle echoes and depth.
* Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb – Adds atmospheric reverb to his leads.
* Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner – A standard pedal in his live rig.
Cook’s gear choices reflect his no-frills approach to guitar playing, focusing on tone and technique rather than excessive effects.