Rock doesn't need six strings. We dive into six bands without guitars that redefined what rock can be.
Rock bands without guitars? Seems incomprehensible.
We all know the cliche: the ever-boisterous Les Paul pushing that PAF goodness through a cranked Marshall Plexi, encapsulating the beautiful cacophony which we have all come to know as rock and roll. The electric guitar has been synonymous with rock circles since the beginning. Riff disciples of all generations clamber to the flapping trouser legs of the likes of Hendrix, Page, and Blackmore, much like legions trailing their personal riff messiah in search of the headbanger’s own spiritual enlightenment.
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But what happens when the good ol’ six-string is taken out of the equation? Before you let out an exasperated guffaw in disbelief, it should be known that several well-known groups have rocked the world without the kerrang of a dirty Stratocaster in tow.
And no, I’m not referencing bands like Deep Purple or The Doors, in which the keys of Jon Lord or Ray Manzarek would often take the spotlight associated with electric guitars. I’m talking straight up, guitarless riff masters who managed to take things to the next level without an overdriven twin reverb in sight.
So pick that jaw up off the floor and get ready, as we jump into six rock bands that shook the foundations without any guitars.
1. Silver Apples
Silver Apples were an American rock group founded in New York City by Simeon Oliver Coxe III and drummer Danny Taylor.
Widely considered as pioneers of Electronica, synth pop, and synth rock as a whole, this group’s experimentation with electronics in rock and psych circles in the late 60s garnered them unprecedented importance within the guitar-dominated pantheon of modern rock music of the period.
Not only were Silver Apples breaking sonic boundaries on the New York club scene, they were also pushing the essence of DIY ethics within the underground as Simeon famously utilised a synthesiser of his own design in all of Silver Apples’ most notable performances.
2. Apocalyptica
Metal without guitars, you say? This concept isn’t as alien as it sounds, as demonstrated by Finnish Neoclassical stalwarts Apocalyptica since their inception in 1993.
Initially starting as a Metallica-themed tribute band, Apocalyptica began to gain traction after the release of their debut, “Metallica Played By Four Cellos”, back in 1996. As a matter of fact, 2024 would see Apocalyptica collaborating with the SF metal titans themselves on a follow-up record, “Plays Metallica, Vol 2.”
But it isn’t all Metallica when it comes to Apocalyptica; with a career spread out over 10 full-length releases, the band has paid tribute to the likes of Faith No More, Sepultura, and Pantera, whilst incorporating a slew of originals and other collaborations for variety.
3. Bell Witch
Seattle-based Doomers Bell Witch have endured much in their 15-year career. From accolades like an acclaimed discography released via the prestigious Profound Lore label, through to the loss of founding member Adrian Guerra in 2016, the band has traversed all of these experiences without ever having a guitarist in tow.
Instead, Bell Witch have opted for the rhythm-centric arrangement of utilising a Bass and drum-only lineup, an approach that has stood true since the release of their first demo back in 2011.
4. Death From Above
Canadian noise rockers Death From Above are a duo consisting of Jesse F. Keeler on Bass and Sebastian Grainger on drums and vocals. With many tales fabricated about how the group came to be, it was finally revealed by Keeler in 2021 that the group was formed after missing a gig with his previous band due to the September 11 attacks occurring in New York City.
Well known in alternative punk and indie circles for forging a powerful sound despite their modest lineup, the group has often employed the mantra of “wanting to be the AC/DC of hardcore”, a motive quickly revealed on their debut LP “You’re A Woman, I’m a Machine” from 2004.
The band would soon break up after the release of their debut; however, a reunion would occur in 2011, and Death From Above has remained active to varying degrees ever since.
5. Royal Blood
It wasn’t always a guitar-free existence for British Rockers Royal Blood, with bassist Michael Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher founding the band with Joe Dennis on guitar back in 2011.
Since the departure of Dennis, the core of their sound has been heavily sculpted by Kerr’s creative use of effects pedals and amplifiers to push the tone of his bass into some rather unfamiliar territory.
After spending some time located in sunny Brisbane, “home of Royal Blood’s original drummer Matt Swan”, this incarnation of the band would eventually dissolve with Kerr heading back to England, giving us the Royal Blood we know and love today.
6. Morphine
Massachusetts trio Morphine are a critic’s favourite, considered by many as one of the most underrated groups of the 1990s. The band established an intoxicating sound via their unique blend of blues and jazz, whilst never being the type to shy away from more traditional foot stomping rock arrangements.
However, it wasn’t just their sound that made Morphine stand out from the pack. They utilised a home-made two-string slide-bass, minimalist drums, and sax within their ensemble during an age where floppy haircuts and grunge guitars were paramount.
Unfortunately, Morphine were to disband after the passing of their original vocalist Mark Sandman in 1999. Original members were to eventually found a new group in 2009, Vapours Of Morphine, which embodies much of the band’s original sound.
