Rhythm Guitarist.....

[robotbraineater]

I feel that our band could really have a fuller sound, and do more musically with a second guitarist. The problem is, I can't find one. I've checked Craigslist and a few similar websites already. For those of you that have a rhthym guitarist, or any band member that you had to search for, how did you find them?

 

[Martin89]

Rhythm guitarists are usually the new guys playin'. It's always worked better that way, they're humble and just want the gigging experience. Or if you have a couple friends who play bass and aren't busy it's not too hard to transition(as long as they can do power chords/octaves) and they can learn a few more technical chords later.

Best case scenario(if your guitarist is cool), just get another cool lead guitarist and let them take turns on parts. Had a jazz band like that and it was awesome. Drama is a risk though.

 

[N.F.A.]

Hang in there. You will find someone. A good rhythm axe player can indeed work wonders for a band. It's how I started playing out in bands. Usually they are the easiest member of a group to find.. Someone will turn up for you soon.

 

[Korladis]

I founded the band with mine, or rather, was one of the two guitarists I asked to join the first incarnation of the group. He's the best guitarist I know.

Why is he not playing lead? Because he has little interest in soloing. He's a songwriter, a riff factory. He works on his technique, but not on playing lead licks. He works on his abilities to cleanly play interesting progressions of ridiculous chords, while syncopating and doing other interesting stuff. The lead parts of most of our songs are actually far easier than the rhythm parts. I like that.

 

[mboogiemanusa]

Since a 2nd guitarist is a luxury in my book, find one that also sings or helps write songs. We have one in our group and it certainly adds some nice aural colorings during the extended lead sections when our main shredder goes off on a tear. In most the bands I've been in with lead and rhythm guitarists - the 2nd rhythm guitarist is the most motivated person in the band. The 2nd guitarist is usually not as experienced as the lead shredder but is highly motivated to get there. Ive found that the 2nd guitarist are usually easy to work with and are comfortable in the support role while working on their chops to get up to shred status.

 

[dminer]

I founded the band with mine, or rather, was one of the two guitarists I asked to join the first incarnation of the group. He's the best guitarist I know.

Why is he not playing lead? Because he has little interest in soloing. He's a songwriter, a riff factory. He works on his technique, but not on playing lead licks. He works on his abilities to cleanly play interesting progressions of ridiculous chords, while syncopating and doing other interesting stuff. The lead parts of most of our songs are actually far easier than the rhythm parts. I like that.

Sounds like our 2nd guitarist...except our guy plays about 30% of the rides/breaks and his style is totally different than the main lead player....and don't kid yourselves... Rhythm guitar is an Important Position ...a good Rhythm player can drive and move the band/music just as much as a solid drummer or bassist and if you have all three of them in the pocket you've got an unstoppable train. Just refer to the Beatles, Stones, Who, Aerosmith and countless other bands and as far as finding a good rhythm player the usual advice applies....cl, adds in music stores, local jams ect.

 

[FromTheBassMent]

Sounds like our 2nd guitarist...except our guy plays about 30% of the rides/breaks and his style is totally different than the main lead player....and don't kid yourselves... Rhythm guitar is an Important Position ...a good Rhythm player can drive and move the band/music just as much as a solid drummer or bassist and if you have all three of them in the pocket you've got an unstoppable train. Just refer to the Beatles, Stones, Who, Aerosmith and countless other bands and as far as finding a good rhythm player the usual advice applies....cl, adds in music stores, local jams ect.

THIS^^^

The notion that a good rhythm guitarist is a "lead guitarist in waiting" is totally erroneous. Someone who recognizes the value of his/her contribution as a solid rhythm player is a HUGE asset to any band, no matter what style you're playing. The best asset is a rhythm player who has no dreams of lead guitarist glory, who understands that the rhythm position is absolutely every bit as valuable as the lead position.

Hang in there, you'll find the right person... and it need not be a "newbie" who's hoping to graduate to Yngwie Malmsteen fame and fortune. Our rhythm guy is so solid it's scary... I rely on him as much as our drummer to hold down the groove and conduct the band. Our lead player is utterly expedable (in fact, we kinda wish he'd expend himself right out of the band). But I wouldn't part ways with my rhythm guy for the world... he's an amazing musical partner, who totally "gets" his role (and loves it, BTW).

 

[Korladis]

Same story here. My rhythm guitarist isn't really interested in shredding. He plays the occasional solo, but mostly he works with me on writing riffs and arranging them into songs. Our lead guitarists have come and gone, but as far as I'm concerned, the band would be over without the rhythm player.

 

[Gopherbassist]

I've always wondered what a band would be like if you just taught some of your friends how to play the other instruments. You could teach them the importance of all the musical and professional values that you hold, and they might actually give a damn.

Has anyone tried anything like that?

 

[Ric5]

There are a few guys out there who prefer singing and playing chords to noodling and playing leads. I have played with a few that were good frontmen for a band. A lead singer who also has some guitar skills. Or perhaps a good backup singer with some guitar skills. Not all guitar players like to play leads.

Or get a second lead player and alternate songs where one plays lead and one plays chords.

Or get keyboards.

I have played in power trios and played in bands with 2 guitars, bass, drums, keys, horns, and singers.

If you keep looking you can find someone to fit.

 

[kcole4001]

..... he has little interest in soloing. He's a songwriter, a riff factory. He works on his technique, but not on playing lead licks. He works on his abilities to cleanly play interesting progressions of ridiculous chords, while syncopating and doing other interesting stuff....

THIS is the kind of guy you need. They are fairly rare, they know how to play interesting inversions and don't start volume wars, usually have great personalities, and don't tend to think they're as good as they actually are.
They are always refreshing and a pleasure to have in a band, quite inspiring.
Good luck finding one of these rare fellows, they're often busier than other good players.

 

[Evil Undead]

This probably doesn't apply as I'm in the UK, but we found 3 out of our 5 band members on a site called joinmyband.co.uk - perhaps there's a US version?

Also, bandmix.com might be worth a go

 

[jive1]

A rhythm guitar player's value shouldn't be underestimated. A guy who doesn't understand chord voicings, meter, and dynamics can totally kill a mix and ruin a song. A great rhythm player can keep a song chugging along and keep the band together.

 

[RustyAxe]

Rhythm guitarists are usually the new guys playin'. It's always worked better that way, they're humble and just want the gigging experience.

Maybe in high school bands. In the REAL world a good rhythm guitarist can make or break a band. Consider this ... the OP can't find one because the good ones are working.