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Instrument debate (Discussion)

oLahav said – Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:44:22 -0000 ( Edit Link )

Which is the coolest instrument to play in a rock band?

Most people probably advocate the guitar, seeing as there’s a great opportunity for solos and just in general, the guitar is a symbol of rock.

Then again, without drums you can’t do much- no rhythm or anything. And bass gives a sort of middle ground between rhythm and rockability.

And then there’s the other “extras” that pop up from time to time- keyboards, a violin, even the accordion. They’re all pretty cool too.

So, the question remains, which one is coolest?

I’m going to go with the guitar… just because that’s what I (attempt to) play at the moment, and it’s really fun.

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BassPlayer said – Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:34:53 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

I’ll say the bass, without any bias what-so-ever. :P

We get to lay down the beat, and, when needed, we get to step out into the spotlight for a solo or an important part that can only be played on a bass. Not to mention, it’s associated with funk, the coolest genre of them all, lol, but I guess that’s not really rock.

Also, I give honorable mention to any classical instrument played in a rock band, like the cellists that make up Apocalyptica or the violinist in Dave Matthews Band, because, of course, classical instruments are super cool. (Ooh, if you combine the two, you get a double bass! Rock Around the Clock anyone?)

EDIT: Whoops, I meant disagree… Can it be changed?
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chandra_avinash said – Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:59:58 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

I think harmonicas are cool. Especially if you are in a band with guitars, bass, drums, etc. The harmonica just stands out and in case you can hold your ground blowing thru’ the reeds, then you are way cooler than anyone around.

Just check this out – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5ZcGLEu22w
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oLahav said – Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:06:29 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

I’m going to disagree with myself…

Should vocals count as an instrument?

Sure, you use them for the lyrics singing portions. But they can also be used instrumentally with shouts, whistles, and lots of other vocal noises that contribute to the overall sound (this is true in many areas, from the heavy Deep Metal sounds to the new wave noise of Talking Heads and a lot in between). Some songs, like the Great Gig in the Sky, are totally vocally instrumental.

If you consider vocals as an instrument, then I vote for them, even over the guitar. I think voice is really the first instrument we all learn to play, and when it’s taken to as high a level as professional rock it’s just pure awesome.
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1. acrosstheuniverse said – Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:29:23 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
  
  I agree. The voice is truly a great instrument. It’s completely portable! No need to carry its case anywhere. Cleaning is fairly easy, just lay off the dairy products and is should stay pretty good for your next gig. Plus, wouldn’t you say that voice gives way to many other instruments? So it’s actually the first and then the beginning of many other instruments that make rock roll.
  
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lucyinthesky said – Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:36:54 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

Usually the voice and the guitar stand out the most in a band, so I wouldn’t doubt that it would be the best instrument to be playing in a band. The drummer is usually behind everyone and sort of overlooked because he or she’s at the back. Harmonica is pretty cool too though, but I don’t really know any bands today that use it that often anymore. I love the keyboard/piano, but with that you don’t get to move around as much as you do than if you were playing the guitar. =)
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