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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of rhythm section

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rhythm section

The rhythm section of bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Watts locks in, while Richards and Wood converse with their guitars as only they can.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

The following year, he sounded majestic on the single “Suspicious Minds” and on the album “From Elvis in Memphis,” surrounded by sumptuous strings and a rugged rhythm section.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 24, 2026

Slipshod electric guitars spin like a lazy kite around strident acoustic guitars and a buoyant rhythm section.

From Salon ● May 26, 2025

Now touring with a new rhythm section, the Aussie hard rockers return for their first U.S. tour in nearly a decade, save for a recent slot at the debut Power Trip metal festival in Indio.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 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