Doug’s 5 Favorite Rock Trios of All Time
When I think of rock trios, some big name legends come to mind. A recent survey asked the question, "Who are the biggest rock trios of all time?".
The basic formula for a standard rock band is drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar. However, sometimes the level of musicianship and technique allows a group to eliminate the rhythm guitar, leaving drums, bass, and guitar which is referred to as a three piece band or trio.
I can tell you from experience that it's very difficult to pull off. You have to be in sync and keep things moving.
Today, I thought I would highlight my top 5 favorite rock trios. Listening to the following groups on a recording is not the same as seeing them live. The recording studio includes over dubbing, but to see them on stage three people creating that legendary sound.
Check it out!
- Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images
Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images 5Jimi Hendrix Experience
There will never be another guitar player quite like Jimi Hendrix. His trio included bassist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Michell. When Are You Experienced was released in 1967, psychedelic rock added some never before heard guitar voicing, and technique that is still being used today.
- Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images 4ZZ Top
Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard make up the legendary group ZZ Top. Their unique rock and blues sound have rocked the world for over 45 years.
- Getty Images
Getty Images 3Cream
Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and guitar god Eric Clapton created a hybrid sound combining basic blues, rock, and one of the first to labeled psychedelic rock. All three members came from other successful projects. Cream influenced many other legendary groups including Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.
- Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images 2The Police
When Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, and a guy referred to as just 'Sting' hit the scene in the late 1970's, they created another hybrid with a formula combining punk, reggae and some jazz. Almost 40 years later, they still remain one of the most stand out trios of all time!
- Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images
Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images 1Rush
There will never be another super trio like guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer like Neil Peart, or the incredible vocals of Geddy Lee, who also provided a keyboard and bass pedal combination. This trio created one of the first progressive rock trios, and my all-time favorite in the rock trio category.
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