Important Bands with A Missing Instrumentalist

And, Did It Really Matter?

Most rock bands agree that certain instruments must be included in the rhythm section including drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and a bass guitar. In some cases, a keyboard can be substituted for a rhythm guitar to hold up “the bottom” or the foundation of the mix. This configuration was endorsed roughly by Elvis Presley (he was supposed to be playing rhythm guitar), Carl Perkins and many other bands in the “50’s and by the Beatles in the ‘60’s. There can be additional instruments including a keyboard and brass, but the basic 4-piece arrangement became the starting point for most bands. It was the minimum number of instruments required to provide a full well-rounded sound. I’ll make my case at the end of my article for why I think this happened.

There were notable exceptions to the 4-instrument rhythm section rule like Jimi Hendrix and Cream.

Many non-instrument playing performers s traveled without a fixed group of band members. For instance, this was the norm for Motown performers like the Supremes, Four Tops, and Temptations. They received instrumental support from the 13 legendary studio musicians contracted by Motown called the Funk Brothers (and local trusted support if needed) who provided that unique Detroit sound from 1959 until 1972.