three guitarist band

[3Styler]

is it possible for a band to have 3 elctrics guitarists + lead singer + bassist + drums, keyboard etc, just wonderin why u never see it? im sure a clever band cud make it work, r there ne disadvantages im over lookin? or even any advantages or examples of bands who have this set up. i know a band with 3 electric guitarists one of whom sings aswell though, so wonderin if there's a band with the set up stated at beginning?

[WillRiker]

I believe that the current incarnation of Iron Maiden would meet this criteria.  Since former guitar player Adrian Smith rejoined the band their current line up is -

Bruce Dickinson - Vocals

Steve Harris - Bass Guitar

Dave Murray - Guitar

Janick Gers - Guitar

Adrian Smith - Guitar

Nicko McBrain - Drums

No Keyboard players though.

[Hammer]

The Eagles had at least 27 guitarists I think

[magicdice]

disadvantages i'm seeing is that writing something interesting involving the whole band in the creative process as well as the track itself would be pretty difficult, and may end up sounding cluttered. also, at gigs the stage'd be pretty crowded.

[3Styler]

ok but theoretically its possible then, though you'd have to work it out very carefully as to who plays what

[magicdice]

well yeah. if you can have a whole orchestra, then i don't see why having three guitarists is a problem. but, like i said, i reckon it'd be difficult to write something without ending up with all the guitars playing over each other. more is not always good.

[littleoldme]

I guess it could work, depending on the playing styles of the guitarists. You could perhaps have one 'singing' guitar (like George Harrison or Mark Knopfler), one bluesy guitar (like Eric Clapton) and one more 'crunchy' rock guitar (like, erm, someone who plays 'crunchy' rock guitar). I wouldn't suggest letting them all go full pelt on every song - but taking it in turns might make for quite a diverse sound.