I think very few bands actually sound good live when there's only one guitarist onstage. Most of the time the sound feels thin and flimsy, especially when there's a lot of soloing; I hate the dead air in the background where the rhythm guitar normally would be on the record.
There has to be a lot of solos
(I am talking about the traditional bass/drums/guitar rock and roll setup. Of course this wouldn't be a problem for many acts in other genres)
The very first time I noticed this was watching a live video of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a kid. They were playing "Scar Tissue" and when Frusciante started soloing I remember thinking "wait... why does this suddenly sound so shitty"
What are some examples of single-guitarist rock bands that manage to sound great live?
Single-guitarist live bands
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Jorge
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Single-guitarist live bands
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Jorge
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
I dunno man, the chorus to "Chop Suey" is pretty thindaft twat wrote:SOAD
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
tragabigzanda wrote:I'd maybe bump Life & Limb for Epic Problemtragabigzanda wrote:Top 10 maybe?
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Jorge
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
I saw Dinosaur Jr a few years ago and they sounded like utter shit
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Jorge
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
Legitimately one of the worst sounding shows I've ever attended. Might've been the venue though
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
tragabigzanda wrote:I'd maybe bump Life & Limb for Epic Problemtragabigzanda wrote:Top 10 maybe?
Hello Morning
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The Kill
Place/Position
Do You Like Me?
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Last edited by tragabigzanda on Mon January 12, 2026 6:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
Van Halen
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
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Jorge
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
But I asked for examples and I am getting examples
I am winning
I am winning
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Re: Single-guitarist live bands
new Dino Jr. Live albums sounds incredible