Rhythm guitar player quits....is the band done?

[Raymeous]

Unless your guitarist was the primary force behind your band (i.e. main songwriter, or the charismatic guy that your fans relate to) I wouldn't worry too much about it.

As time goes by I find myself liking the idea of the trio. Even though I really prefer dual guitarists line ups and larger productions (huge film score fan), the idea of not having to deal with all those ego's, schedules, family issues, etc... just sounds like a much better way to do it.

If you go with the trio you will have more creative input and a bigger portion of the gig monies. Not a bad thing at all.

[wrench45us]

just me, but I'd at least consider replacing with a keyboardist

could change things up and still leave a lot of room for more bass work

if it's still fun/rewarding why wouldn't you carry on?

[mellowinman]

The only time my current band ever sounded bad was when we had a second guitar player. He was really good, too, (in other bands,) but he and our current guitar player just stepped all over each other, and made us sloppy and noisy.

There's all kinds of ways to deal with no rhythm guitar.

And less ways to deal WITH IT.

[MarkMgibson]

I would have thought the trio thing leaves less room for a bassist to improvise.

[Nev375]

Get a banjo player.

[ChrisB2]

Trios. Depends on how you "fill in" the space with bass.

I have seen trios where the bass player is trying to cover the rhythm guitar, and man, IMO it blows chunks big time. I can't stand a bass player just strumming away and blowing up the room with boomy, muddy bass chords to "fill the space." I would much rather hear the notes and melodic runs when the rhythm guitar is absent. Take that space and let the music breathe within it. Employ more dynamics.

[rocmonster]

Originally Posted by derrico1

I'd much rather play in a trio than be hemmed in by a weak rhythm guitarist.

This. On the other hand, if you look for another rythym guitarist, you may find someone who brings a fresh perspective to the band.

[tycobb73]

I guess I'm the only one who prefers a rhythm guitarist But they are hard to find. I couldn't find one so I become one. They are rarer than bassits.

[Fullback32]

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

Trios. Depends on how you "fill in" the space with bass.

I have seen trios where the bass player is trying to cover the rhythm guitar, and man, IMO it blows chunks big time. I can't stand a bass player just strumming away and blowing up the room with boomy, muddy bass chords to "fill the space." I would much rather hear the notes and melodic runs when the rhythm guitar is absent. Take that space and let the music breathe within it. Employ more dynamics.

No doubt. Your bolded statement is the key!

[jaywa]

A weak rhythm guitarist is worse than no rhythm guitarist, IME and opinion.

If he contributed a lot vocally, then that's actually the bigger loss.

Don't be afraid to press on as a trio and DEFINITELY don't cancel any gigs you may have on the books... although, depending on how much your originals depend on a 2-guitar sound it may not be a situation you want to make permanent. And +1 to having that new 4th member be a multi-instrumentalist if possible as it will give you a lot more options both in writing originals and with your covers.

[Runnerman]

Heading out to last show today with our rhythm guitarist. I'm hoping we really kick it hard and send him off in style.

Ok....time to load the trailer

[Lemoore-on]

Our rythum GP left 4 years ago, we tryed a few out and ended up continuing without one. We dont miss having a 2nd GP. It gives me room to strech out & #1 GP likes the challenge of switching. We both stepped up in the vocals dept. (we have a lead singer) And also less people means more $$$ at gigs!

[seamonkey]

Now is a time to explore adding backing tracks

[Violen]

find a great keyboard/organ player instead.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by wrench45us

just me, but I'd at least consider replacing with a keyboardist

could change things up and still leave a lot of room for more bass work

if it's still fun/rewarding why wouldn't you carry on?

Or a keyboard player or guitar player that can double. My little jam band has a guy like that and it works out great. He sings lead too! Our second guitarist is also an excellent lead guitarist as well.

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Now is a time to explore adding backing tracks

Please don't do that! Backing tracks are fine for duets or solo performers, but not for a band.

[podiumboy]

Rhythm guitarists are a tricky bunch. They're usually the guitarists who are too lazy/untalented to be a lead guitarist. It's hard to find somebody that doesn't just play power chords or strum open chords. I'd suggest finding somebody with the ability to play lead, have them play rhythm but throw him a few solos throughout the night to keep him from being bored.

Also, I don't know what kind of music you play, but it couldn't hurt to find somebody who can play keyboards and has a decent harmony vocal. In my old band that was the main selling point of our RG was that he had a decent knowledge of the keyboards, and he was a great harmonizer. The guy could harmonize with a fart!

[portlandguy]

More cash for you guys!!!

[Runnerman]

I agree they are a tricky bunch for sure. We need someone with lead capabilities...not a monster of rock but someone that can play soulfully and knows their way around the fretboard. There are some fills and harmonies that need to be played over a few solos. So I don't think its a super boring rhythm job. There should be some good challenges. Also, I think I said, at least half of our music is originals and we have one album out that the guy would have to learn so its not simply picking up a cover guitarist that knows the right tunes and off you go. We are going to be checking out a few guys over the holidays. No gigs booked until Feb. so hopefully we can get someone in place. We turned down a New Years gig but I honestly wanted to do something different this year anyways. I've slugged equipment the last couple years and really just want to chill anyways.

The lead guitarist isn't big on the 3 piece idea by the way....probably for obvious reasons. Band meeting on Monday....we shall see.

[Bert Slide]

Have your lead guitar player watch this video esp. 25 seconds in. Then he can be his own rhythm guitarist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiLCwuc_RaY