Would our band still sound good w/o a Rhythm guitar?

Question

We will be performing for our school's music contest...

Our lead guitarist said he could play melody and rhythm at the same time. Rhythm guitar isn't needed anymore right? Lead guitar ALREADY covers all melody and RHYTHM. So, again, my question is: would our band still sound good without a Rhythm guitarist?

If so, I am thinking to replace the Rhythm guitarist with a good keyboardist who can play piano and synth together (I HAVE A SYNTH THAT CAN BE ATTACHED AT THE TOP OF A ROLAND PIANO) to support the Lead guitar and a great bassist to harmonize with the drums and keyboards. What do you think?

Answer 1

Almost every band I've ever played in only had one guitarist.

Answer 2

So you're a band with one guitar player... what's the big deal?



The idea that a guitar player is either a rhythm or lead player is just stupid. Your band has A guitarist. You don't need to apply some silly label to it.



Whatever instrumentation your band has is up to you. It's not like there are rules for that sort of thing. There are common combinations, but no rules.

Answer 3

well, in the event of any guitar solos in which a second guitar is needed to play the rhythm, it would sound kind of weird.i know brother performed Enter Sandman by Metallica at school one night without a rhythm guitar and come the solo, it was strange to say the least. i wouldn't recommend doing that, but if you find that it sounds ok for whatever song or style you play, then it is considerable. it's your choice. You might want to consider doing what the first answer recommended.

Answer 4

re work your bassist to play the rythem parts dont leave everyting on the guitarist becuase thats where the sound becomes empty and you dont sound like a full band but no you dont "need" one but it helps get that full sound your striving for