jangle

Jangle is a verb meaning to produce a light, ringing, metallic sound, often described as a clear, snapping tone. As a noun, it refers to that sound itself. The term is also used in music criticism to describe a particular guitar timbre and a related style of pop and rock known as jangly or jangle pop.

In music, jangle refers to a bright, ringing guitar timbre associated with jangly guitar sounds. It is often produced by 12-string guitars, especially Rickenbacker models, and by pickups and effects that emphasize treble. The style became prominent in 1960s folk-rock with The Byrds, and experienced a revival in 1980s alternative rock as jangle pop, associated with bands such as The Smiths, R.E.M., and Teenage Fanclub.

Outside music, jangle generally describes a sharp, metallic ringing sound, such as bells or keys striking together. The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe a sense of conflict or anxious alertness that “jangles” someone. The term remains common in reviews and discussions of guitar tones, as well as in everyday language to characterize noisy or discordant sounds.