A performer in a rock band, and other similar genres, who performs a rhythmic accompaniment typically on an electric guitar. Since this term applies to the role of the performer in an ensemble, any guitar can be used in this manner. The rhythm guitar performs the chord progression with the underlying rhythm while the lead guitar or vocalist performs the melody, or others perform solos. Since rhythm guitar is a style of performing, a performer can alternate between rhythm guitar and lead guitar at any time.
There are many styles of performing rhythm guitar and these styles are all based on the sound that the ensemble is looking to produce. The guitar in big band music is primarily a rhythm guitar with occasional solos, while rock bands will typically have two guitars, one rhythm guitar and one lead guitar.
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