rhythm guitars

Band's harmonic foundation

Rhythm guitars are the guitars in a band that provide the harmonic and rhythmic foundation rather than lead melodies or solos.

While a lead guitarist plays prominent single-note lines, rhythm guitarists typically strum chords or play riffs that support the song's groove: The rhythm guitars on that track are tight.

In rock and metal, bands often have dedicated rhythm and lead guitarists, though roles may overlap.

Related

acoustic · electric · chugging · chord progressions · grooves · palm muting · tuning · backbeat · rock · garage rock · funk · arpeggios · amplifier · blues · Motown · ska · dynamics · riff

Opposites
musical role in ensemble

rhythm guitarslead guitar

Melody-playing rock role

lead guitars · solo guitar · guitar solos · soloing · shredding

musical texture and complexity

rhythm guitarsnoodling

Casual musical improvisation

rhythmic vs. melodic emphasis

rhythm guitarsmelodic lines

Sequences of pitched tones

lead vocals · horn section

Family

rhythm, guitar, rhythms, rhythmic, rhythmical, rhythmically, guitars, guitarist, guitarists

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Rated G