trying to add a 2nd guitar player...

[AlembicBob]

I have played in mature bands with one guitar, two guitars, and three guitars. I have done them with keyboards and without. I have had bands that added various forms of wind instrument.

Multiple guitar bands work best when the players are low on ego and great musicians that understand space. If you get two guys that want to play all of the time, you're screwed.

Making a one guitar band work and sound full puts a lot of pressure on the bassist. I use a POG and play some chords here and there to fill things in as needed, and to change the texture so we don't have the same exact tone all night long. I play horn parts and even some signature 2nd guitar licks on songs where they are more important to the overall feel than the original bass line. There's more space but everyone needs to be creative and open-minded. Speak up at rehearsal when something doesn't sound or feel right and figure out how you can make it better. If you can't, there are thousands of other songs that could replace it in the set list.

I think turning your vocalist into a part-time guitar player is an excellent solution to add a little meat here and there.

[jdieh1]

I'd say give him a try, if it doesn't work out then it will all be ok and you will just run as usual. If you and then rest of the band (original guitarist included) thinks that the new guy is cool then you can get him ready for your next show.

You will never know for sure if he will fit until you try him.

[iriegnome]

Adding the other guitarist would increase your first guitarists ability to expand. 1/2 of the job would be freed up to explore and move into new territory. It is a chance for him to expand. Great idea if you ask me.

[The Golden Boy]

Somwhere between "lay off" and "invite the guy into the band."

I had to be dragged, kicking and screaming to have a keys player in my last band. Having a keyboard player opened up so much.

As a guitar player, I like having a second guitar player. It's great when you've got some one that can take something you've got, turn it around and you've got something else. Different accents, different things. Not just as coverage or as a safety net of some sort- actually adding things to the music...

[ilikethump]

We are finding ourselves in the same situation, but at the same time i'm really enjoying being in a three piece right now.

Our solution - just purchased a MicroKorg. I can play both keys and bass, alternating back and forth as needed to add to the sound. I'm also looking at getting a looper so I can lay the groundwork of the song as needed and then switch to the bass.