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I Will Follow Trivia Quiz
Rhythm Guitarists Rock Our World
While the lead guitar may get all of the solos as well as the glamour, the song falls apart without the rhythm guitar. So, although these ten guitarists had to follow, they are the lead in this quiz.
A matching quiz
by LeoDaVinci.
Estimated time: 3 mins.
Izzy Stradlin is an American musician best known as the rhythm guitarist, backup vocalist, and co-founder of the iconic rock band Guns N' Roses. Stradlin played a pivotal role in the early success of Guns N' Roses, contributing his songwriting talents, gritty guitar playing, and laid-back demeanor to the band's distinctive sound. The band was started by Stradlin, singer Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, Steven Adler on the drums, and Duff McKagan on the bass, as well as providing additional backup vocals.
Stradlin co-wrote many of the band's most iconic songs, including hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Paradise City", and "Patience". His bluesy guitar style and knack for crafting memorable riffs helped define the band's gritty, hard rock sound. Though he left the band in 1991, he has since reunited with them for short periods of time on several occasions.
2. AC/DC
Answer: Malcolm Young
Malcolm Young was a Scottish-born musician best known as the co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for the legendary Australian rock band AC/DC along with his younger brother, Angus. Malcolm Young played a crucial role in shaping AC/DC's sound, providing the driving rhythm guitar that became the backbone of the band's music.
Malcolm Young's powerful yet understated playing style, characterized by simple but effective riffs and a solid sense of timing, was instrumental in creating the band's distinctive hard rock sound. On the other hand, Angus' electrifying guitar playing, high-energy performances, and signature schoolboy outfit made him iconic. The two helped push AC/DC into international stardom.
The band originally consisted of the Young brothers, Dave Evans as lead vocalist, Larry Van Kriedt as the bassist, and Colin Burgess as the drummer. Bon Scott quickly replaced Dave Evans in the lineup and Mark Evans and Phil Rudd replaced Van Kriedt and Burgess (respectively) the following year.
3. Cheap Trick
Answer: Robin Zander
Robin Zander is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Cheap Trick. Zander started Cheap Trick in Illinois in 1973 and quickly became known for his distinctive voice, energetic stage presence, and charismatic persona. Along with guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos, the band gained popularity locally before being discovered by Epic Records A&R executive Michael Alago. This would eventually propel them to international stardom.
Cheap Trick's self-titled debut album in 1977 included the hit single "I Want You to Want Me" which became an instant hit. This led to more successful songs like "Surrender", "Dream Police", and "The Flame", all of which earned the band a solid fan base. All the while, Zander's dynamic vocal range, solid guitar playing, and stage theatrics all helped solidify Cheap Trick's sound.
4. Heart
Answer: Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson is an American musician best known as the rhythm guitarist and vocalist for the rock band Heart, a band she co-founded with her sister Ann Wilson in the early 1970s. Backing up Roger Fisher on guitar and Ann on vocals, Nancy Wilson contributed to the band's success with her songwriting abilities, guitar playing, and harmonizing voice.
In addition to the three aforementioned musicians, Heart started with Howard Leese on keyboard, Steve Fossen on the bass, and Michael Derosier on the drums. Heart rose to fame with their dynamic blend of hard rock, folk, and pop influences. These contributed to chart-topping hits like "Barracuda", "Magic Man", "Alone", and "Crazy on You". They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
5. The Beatles
Answer: John Lennon
John Lennon was one of the founding members and primary songwriters of the legendary British rock band, The Beatles. Alongside Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, Lennon played a pivotal role in creating what would be an iconic and revolutionary sound to start the British Invasion era of music. As the band's co-lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and occasional keyboardist, Lennon's distinct voice and deep and innovative songwriting contributed to The Beatles' incredible success.
During their time together from the early 1960s to their breakup in 1970, The Beatles achieved unprecedented levels of global fame and acclaim. Lennon's songwriting partnership with McCartney produced numerous timeless classics, including "A Hard Day's Night", "Help!", "Ticket to Ride", and "All You Need Is Love", among many, many others. Although George Harrison was clearly the more proficient guitarist, it was Lennon's choices of chord progressions that led to the Beatles' sound. Although remembered mainly for his songwriting and vocals, Lennon's guitar playing should not be forgotten.
6. Maroon 5
Answer: Jesse Carmichael
Jesse Carmichael is an American musician best known as the keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for the multi-platinum-selling band Maroon 5. Carmichael co-founded Maroon 5, as Kara's Flowers, while attending high school in Los Angeles with his friends Adam Levine, Mickey Madden, and Ryan Dusick. He played a key role in shaping the band's sound, contributing his skills on keyboards and guitar to their signature blend of pop, rock, funk, and R&B.
Maroon 5 achieved mainstream success with their debut album, "Songs About Jane" released in 2002, which spawned hits like "This Love" and "She Will Be Loved". Carmichael's contributions as a songwriter, instrumentalist, and backing vocalist helped define the band's sound and contributed to their chart-topping success. Though he stepped away from the band for a while, he came back to help further their success, one which includes multiple Grammy awards.
7. The Pixies
Answer: Black Francis
Black Francis, also known as Frank Black, is an American musician best known as the frontman and primary songwriter for the influential alternative rock band Pixies. In addition to this role, he was also the rhythm guitarist for the group behind guitarist Joey Santiago. As well, the band's lineup included drummer David Lovering and bassist Kim Deal.
The Pixies are an alt-rock band who, in the late 1980s, quickly gained acclaim for their raw, dynamic sound, characterized by Francis's distinctive vocals, surreal lyrics, and the band's juxtaposition of quiet verses with loud, abrasive choruses. Due to internal friction, the band broke up in 1993, however, in 2004 the members decided to get back together. In the years in between, Black Francis tried a solo career under the name of Frank Black which he declared over only in 2013.
8. Pearl Jam
Answer: Stone Gossard
Stone Gossard is an American musician best known as the rhythm guitarist and founding member of the influential grunge rock band Pearl Jam. He played a pivotal role in the formation and early success of the band and helped pioneer the grunge movement out of Seattle and into its mainstream success. He helped co-write many of the band's songs which catapulted onto the mainstream stage with the release of their widely acclaimed 1991 album "Ten". Gossard's dynamic sound anchored Pearl Jam and allowed them to create energetic songs.
Pearl Jam rose to prominence as one of the leading voices of the grunge movement, alongside bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. The band had raw energy, introspective lyrics, and powerful melodies, all of which resonated with listeners. Their powerful live performances created a devoted fanbase and their influence on the period's sound was immense.
9. Dire Straits
Answer: David Knopfler
David Knopfler is a British musician and songwriter, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Dire Straits along with his brother Mark Knopfler. He played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals for Dire Straits during its early years and co-wrote several of the songs along with his brother. He left the band in 1980 to pursue a solo career, with some moderate success.
Along with bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers, the Dire Straits were a successful rock band whose breakout in 1978 was due to the success of their single "Sultans of Swing". This was off of their self-titled album which was widely acclaimed. Though the band disbanded in 1995, the way they approached music, allowing the guitar to 'sing' back to the singer, left an indelible mark on music.
10. The Yardbirds
Answer: Chris Dreja
Chris Dreja is a British musician best known as the rhythm guitarist and bassist for the influential rock band The Yardbirds. Dreja was a founding member of the band alongside Keith Relf, Jim McCarty, and Paul Samwell-Smith. In addition to his rhythm guitar duties, Dreja occasionally played bass guitar for The Yardbirds, particularly after Paul Samwell-Smith's departure from the band in 1966.
The Yardbirds gained fame in the 1960s as one of the pioneering bands of the British blues and rock scene. They launched the career of three of the best guitarists of all time, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Despite this, it was Dreja's energy that established the backbone for the success of the band which allowed the lead guitarists, as amazing as they might have been, to shine.
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