Guitarists not wanted

Deathmetalconga

Deathmetalconga

Platinum Member
I'm putting together a project with a bassist and a trombonist (both of them found on Craigslist). We want to get more melodic instruments, but specifically don't want any guitars. They're like the default white dude instrument. I've played with guitarists my whole life and I will play with them again, but I think if we can put together enough other instruments for this project, the music will take a certain direction, a direction like no other, which is what we want to explore. We don't want to do jazz and especially no smooth jazz. What we're doing now is like '70s detective show music with influences from porno soundtracks and '90s groups like Digable Planets, Miles Davis on Doo-Bop (his last album) and Negro Problem.

The only problem is that if you exclude all heavy metal musicians and all guitarists from Craigslist, virtually no one is left. The violinists, flautists and other horn players we are know are too busy, because everyone wants them.

There are only a few popular culture bands that don't have guitars, like Beirut. Any others? Is this idea too crazy or discriminatory?
 
I think its definitely a way to get your own sound though! I have a Joey Baron CD where it's just him on drums, and a tenor sax and a trombone. Definitely stuff you won't hear at a wedding ;)

It is a shame you can't "not" get a guitarist though. There's so many of them out there. Remember when accordion was the thing to play before the Beatles hit?
 
So are you going for a sound where no single player plays chords? Everyone plays a single note instrument? Maybe tap high school bands for french horn players? Maybe you can get a list of all the various instruments and pick the ones you want to use to craft your sound. Then advertise for players of those instruments. You didn't say what the body limit is.
 
Get yourself a keyboard player! Easy to find, and can play almost anything someone might have in mind!
 
Sounds like a neat project. I also 2nd the keys player.
Bonerama is kind of close, an all horns band based in New Orleans I think, but they do have a guitar player (though he takes a back seat in most stuff).

an influence of 'porno soundtracks' ? Do they exist? Sold on itunes?
 
find a killer DJ

a good DJ can emulate any instrument you want ... similar to what a keyboard player would add just with more of a street feel
 
Check out TrioVD, the have drums, bass and sax and are absolutely mental.
 
Why not go for the happy medium and find a key-tarist?
 
I'm with you DNM, so sick of guitar players and their slew of gear and their prima donna attitudes about hearing themselves in the monitors. I also don't care for how the guitar solo has become an obligatory part of every rock song since the 60's.

A little shameless self promotion if I may... My main band is a 3 piece that consists of drums, piano and horns. We're hardly popular culture but folks seem to like us. You can listen to our album online here.

Edit: Found this while searching for more bands without guitars. I have heard of Dresden Dolls and Apocalyptica

http://rateyourmusic.com/list/warpigcat/bands_or_artists_without_a_guitar_/
 
... unless Pat Metheny shows up :)

There have been plenty of of great guitarless fusion combos eg. Weather Report, Herbie Hancock's band on Headhunters, Art Ensemble, RTF before big Al joined, Gong and Soft Machine before Alan Holdsworth, Jean luc Ponty's early bands etc

In rock, not too many. Off the top of my head : Dresden Dolls, Tangerine Dream, Emerson Lake and Palmer (although Greg played occasional guitar) ... there must be more.

Personally, I have no probs with guitar players. Mikey of the Mabels is a very laid back, unobtrusive lad. Ditto the guitarist I played with during most of the 80s. I've played with a few powerheads but in that case there's a fair bit of mutual disinterest.
 
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Deathmetalconga said:
Is this idea too crazy or discriminatory?
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Not sure if it's discriminatory or not but your post did mention "white dude" and "negro problem" so I'm kinda wondering where you're coming from.
 
Good keys are hard to find in Boise...but probably the next best thing to a guitar hero. What about a small horn section...add a few more in w/ the trombonist? I love the Stanton Moore vids where he's jammin' with bass, keys, and horns...big full sound that can go from whisper to roar at any time.
 
Jeremy Bender said:
Not sure if it's discriminatory or not but your post did mention "white dude" and "negro problem" so I'm kinda wondering where you're coming from.
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I'm part white, so I can say "white dude." Or can I?

Negro Problem is really the name of a group. I'm not kidding - look it up. Am I allowed to utter the name, either in print or aloud? Can I name them as an influence, or may I even listen to them? Can I purchase one of the CDs? Is that OK? Have I caused offense? Who is allowed to repeat the name of a band that has the name of a race in it? Is it acceptable to create such a band name?

Sheesh. I took your words at face value.
 
zambizzi said:
Good keys are hard to find in Boise...but probably the next best thing to a guitar hero. What about a small horn section...add a few more in w/ the trombonist? I love the Stanton Moore vids where he's jammin' with bass, keys, and horns...big full sound that can go from whisper to roar at any time.
Click to expand...

We have agreed that keys are essential. And yes, more horns. The bassist wants to keep the band small, however. But you can't have much of a sound without chordal instruments.
 
Okay, now I got the idea. No harm no foul. Best of luck in your musical quest!
 
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