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The Rhythm Section
Early rock and roll was defined by musical characteristics such as the use of a harsh, clipped vocal style, simple repetitive chordal structures, and prominent electric guitars. Its key defining trait, though, was its powerful, straight-ahead rhythm with accented backbeats. While lead guitarists and lead singers usually drew the most attention and fame, members of the rhythm section -- at its core, the drum set and the bass guitar -- provided the intensity that drove rock music.
The introduction of the electric bass guitar, which replaced the acoustic double bass, and substantial drum sets that could be played with greater force allowed rock to become bigger and louder through the 1950s and '60s. Chordal instruments such as a second guitar or keyboard might be added to contribute to the rhythmic texture and outline the harmonic structure. Many of the great rhythm section musicians were not band members but musicians employed by recording studios to play on countless well-known songs, often with their contributions uncredited.
The diversity of sounds and subgenres in rock and roll has allowed its players greater freedom to choose instruments than in many other musical genres. As exemplified by the wall of bass guitars in this gallery, this has manifested in an enormous number of sizes, shapes, designs, and models. |