Most important instrument in a band (drum, bass, funk, rock)

skiesofganymede · 04-19-2006, 07:17 PM

It's said that the litmus test for any song is whether it can be stripped back to vocals and say an acoustic guitar and still be good. I think in composing a song (for rock/alternative/folk/even pop), definately guitar and vocals (or keys/piano and vocals) equally...because it's the interraction between them that creates a song...

Drums especially in heavier genres, drive the song. Gosh, the guitars and bass can almost become percussion instruments themselves in alot of metal/hardcore bands (with the exception of solos). Who knows what note you're playing when you're that heavily de-tuned. So I guess drums is most important in those cases.

And poor bass, always forgotten. But as a former bassist (former, because the bass is heavy and I'm scrawny and weak), I have an appreciation for this instrument. Only other bassists can really pick out the notes, but it can sway the whole tone of a song, can really pull the vocals and guitar in different directions, can go with the guitars and give it weight, or maybe clash, or take an unexpected harmony a make people a little uncomfortable...and they're not quite sure why.

Plus, what other instrument will token chicks play in male dominated genres? (okay that was a joke...but it's kind of true).

View Poll Results: whats the most important instrument in a band
guitar	28	28.57%
bass	18	18.37%
drums	35	35.71%
vocal	14	14.29%
piano/keyboard	3	3.06%
Voters: 98. You may not vote on this poll

04-19-2006, 07:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
skiesofganymede Groupie Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 27	It's said that the litmus test for any song is whether it can be stripped back to vocals and say an acoustic guitar and still be good. I think in composing a song (for rock/alternative/folk/even pop), definately guitar and vocals (or keys/piano and vocals) equally...because it's the interraction between them that creates a song... Drums especially in heavier genres, drive the song. Gosh, the guitars and bass can almost become percussion instruments themselves in alot of metal/hardcore bands (with the exception of solos). Who knows what note you're playing when you're that heavily de-tuned. So I guess drums is most important in those cases. And poor bass, always forgotten. But as a former bassist (former, because the bass is heavy and I'm scrawny and weak), I have an appreciation for this instrument. Only other bassists can really pick out the notes, but it can sway the whole tone of a song, can really pull the vocals and guitar in different directions, can go with the guitars and give it weight, or maybe clash, or take an unexpected harmony a make people a little uncomfortable...and they're not quite sure why. Plus, what other instrument will token chicks play in male dominated genres? (okay that was a joke...but it's kind of true). __________________ Punk is an ideology, not a haircut.