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

“Dine N’ Dash,” “Going to Babble On,” “Lonely in the Future” — it’s pure pleasure to hear the guitars in these songs slashing away over a rhythm section as crisp and nimble as this one.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 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

“The rhythm section was wild and loud. I was immediately grabbed.”

From Salon ● Oct. 14, 2025

When Koleoso first visited Tomorrow's Warriors with his brother TJ, they'd already formed a tight rhythm section in their church band.

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 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