rhythm section

American  

noun

Music.

1. band instruments, as drums or bass, that supply rhythm rather than harmony or melody.

2. the group of players in a band who play such instruments.

---

rhythm section British  

noun

1. those instruments in a band or group (usually piano, double bass, and drums) whose prime function is to supply the rhythm

---

Etymology

Origin of rhythm section

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rhythm section

From there it opens up, like a flower bud warming to summer, with acoustic guitar strumming, a gentle rhythm section and a gospel choir echoing with otherworldly lightness.

From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026

“Duvateen” is worth talking about some more because it’s a stellar exemplar of how John Curley firmly commands the rhythm section.

From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026

Fun fact: After Ndegeocello played bass on 1994’s “Dance Naked” album, Mellencamp got Raphael Saadiq to join Kenny Aronoff in the rhythm section for his next LP.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

Radiohead's secret sauce has always been their rhythm section - who manage to locate sinewy, danceable grooves even when presented with their bandmate's most challenging material.

From BBC ● Nov. 21, 2025

Rhythm Section — The rhythm section of a band is the group of instruments that usually provide the background rhythm and chords.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones