Guitar Ensembles

Guitar Ensembles
By PT


How many drummers do you know? How many bass players?

And how many guitarists?

I’ll bet the answer to the last question is a significantly higher number than the answer to the previous two. The fact is, there are a lot of guitar players out there and not nearly enough drummers and bassists.

Why do I bring up this point? Is it because I want you to pressure your kids into picking up drum sticks or giant plectrums? No. (Although I think that is a great idea. If your kid becomes a drummer or bassist, they will never have a shortage invitations to join a band.) The real point of my post is to encourage us to take advantage of the greatest natural resource we have: other guitarists.

Sure, we might jam with other guitar players, but it is usually limited to ‘I’ll play the rhythm; you take a solo”.  And when it comes time to perform, all-guitar combos are usually the last resort of those who can’t find a drummer.

But does it have to be this way? Why aren’t there more guitar ensembles?

I’m talking about sitting down with two or three other guitarists and really going to work. Really trying to figure out how to make that all-guitar version of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ sound like a full band. Working to come up with parts that simulate the experience of the other instruments. Just think of how much fun that would be! And how much you would learn about music, the guitar and the roles of other instruments? And when it came time to play with the a traditional rhythm section, I’ll bet you’d be a better band member for the experience.

If those cheesy a cappella groups can simulate the sound of a full band, why can’t we?

I’m not saying this is an original idea. There are certainly groups doing this today. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is a fine example. But I am convinced there is room for more - lots more! With so many guitarists looking for people to play with, it’s an idea with plenty of legs.

So go out there, find a guitarist or two (try throwing a rock; you’ll hit one) and see if you can’t arrange something interesting.

PT is the co-host of the guitar talk podcast Six-String Bliss. He also writes fiction and has been known to throw a little disc golf. He lives in the birthplace of country music.

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