14 Most Iconic Multiple Guitar Bands That Ever Performed
There is an old saying that “Less is more,” but that theory doesn’t always apply to some bands. In rock music and stadium groups in particular, it’s often about the excess and going over the top.
Having one guitarist works for some, but for those bands who need a richer sound, they need to have multiple players picking up an “axe.”
This list tries to honor groups from different genres, even though metal and punk are represented more than most. The common thread is that they are among the most iconic multiple guitar bands that ever performed.
1. Foo Fighters
For much of their early years, Foo Fighters were placed as a four-piece band with leader Dave Grohl taking on second guitar duties. His old Nirvana mate, Pat Smear, was always on the fringes before eventually becoming a permanent member in 2010.
Foo Fighters now have three guitarists, including regular lead Chris Shiflett, but the sound is much richer and more intricate than the wall of noise that other multiple guitar bands might produce.
2. The Rolling Stones
It’s interesting to note that, during their first 25 years, the second guitarist spot was the only one to change in the classic Rolling Stones lineup. This led some to believe that the role was cursed, and the mysterious death of original member Brian Jones helped to fuel that rumor.
Jones was initially replaced by Mick Taylor before Ronnie Wood stepped in. There have been three key second guitarists, but whoever wields the axe, it’s certain that the Rolling Stones wouldn’t have been the same band without them.
3. The Runaways
All-girl rockers The Runaways went through many personnel changes, but the classic lineup featured the twin guitar threat of Lita Ford and Joan Jett. Both would switch between rhythm and lead at stages in the group’s history.
Ford and Jett were arguably the best musicians in the band and would go on to enjoy successful solo careers, but 45 years on from the group’s demise, they’ll be best remembered for their work with The Runaways.
4. Girlschool
Girlschool was the UK’s answer to The Runaways, and while they didn’t enjoy as much commercial success, they briefly enjoyed iconic status during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
The same attitude and two-guitar approach were used on both sides of the Atlantic, and Girlschool once collaborated on an unforgettable single with Lemmy and Motorhead. They still tour, but the band misses the presence of original singer Kelly Johnson.
5. The Clash
The initial wave of punk bands were known for their stripped-back approach to music. Most groups had just one guitarist, but The Clash never followed the conventional path.
The twin guitars of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones gave the group a more complex sound, even if their similar roles may have contributed to a messy breakup. There were better musicians from the early punk era, but the multiple guitars helped The Clash achieve iconic status.
6. The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band was not the Identikit multiple guitar rock group. While Duane Allman took a skilled, if somewhat conventional lead, Dickie Betts was far more versatile than most second guitarists.
Betts was comfortable with any instrument, and his rhythm work helped to lift the Allman Brothers Band to iconic status. Many fans, however, prefer his slide guitar sound which was more understated.
7. AC/DC
While Angus Young stole the limelight, strutting around the stage in his school uniform, Brother Malcolm was happy to blend into the background. Visually, AC/DC is all about Angus, but the sound wouldn’t be the same without both guitarists.
Sadly, Angus Young now flies a lone flag for the siblings following his brother’s death in 2017. Behind those iconic AC/DC riffs, Malcolm’s chugging guitar still defines the band’s sound.
8. Def Leppard
UK rock band Def Leppard has always featured two guitarists front and center. Even though there’s been no constant axe-man since the group was formed, their rich sound is among the most iconic in the heavy metal/rock genre.
When original guitarist Pete Willis was fired, Phil Collen stepped in to complete the classic lineup alongside Steve Clark. Following Clark’s death in 1991, Collen and Vivian Campbell have been responsible for continuing Def Leppard’s successful dual guitar format.
9. Megadeth
There has been an element of revenge in Dave Mustaine’s career, but we shouldn’t focus on his motives following his sacking by his previous employer Metallica. The rock world certainly would have been a poorer place without Megadeth.
The dual guitars help to define the band’s sound, and while Mustaine has been the constant member, Megadeth owes much to others including guitarists Marty Friedman and Chris Poland.
10. Pixies
Heavy rock bands fill most of the dual-guitar category, but there are some notable exceptions. Over in the indie camp, Pixies are flying the flag with iconic frontman Black Francis the dominant force in the group.
Francis has endured a strained relationship with other band members over the years, and maybe that’s why Joey Santiago is overlooked. It’s a pity about the makeup of Pixies, as it’s led to Santiago becoming one of the most underrated guitarists in music history.
11. Weezer
Weezer has a similar setup to Pixies, although we are led to believe that things are much calmer here. Lead singer Rivers Cuomo also contributes guitar parts, while Brian Bell focuses on rhythm and backing vocals.
Over a long career, they’ve become one of the most iconic groups to feature two guitarists, even if Weezer seems more like a cover band right now.
12. Thin Lizzy
The charismatic Phil Lynott may have been the face and voice of Thin Lizzy, but the band’s unique sound was based on dual guitarists. While Gary Moore may have been the most accomplished musician in the group’s history, Lizzy’s best tunes were released during the Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham partnership.
Robertson’s erratic behavior cost him a place in the band, and Moore took over. Thankfully, there were more hits and more great music to follow.
13. Slayer
When Slayer was formed by dual guitarists, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman in 1981, early recordings and shows suggested the two were in competition. Every tune was like a battle between the two axe men, and a race to get to the end of the song.
The result was a relentless wall of noise that defined Slayer’s sound. Hanneman sadly passed away in 2013, but Gary Holt ably stepped in to pick up the battle with King.
14. The Eagles
Of all the bands with more than one guitarist, the Eagles’ lineup has been the most fluid. From their formation in 1971, the group employed a changing list of axe men, before the classic setup saw them settle into their most productive period.
The Eagles weren’t always in perfect sync off stage, and they took a while to reunite, but they were in perfect harmony with each other when recording, especially when Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey were in charge of the guitar parts.
Didn’t Make the Cut: The Smiths
There were many other contenders, but not everyone was good enough to make the cut. You’ll likely know The Smiths as a four-piece, but for a brief period, they employed a second guitarist. Craig Gannon stepped in, but the new lineup wasn’t well received and he was quickly on his way.
Didn’t Make the Cut: Evil Blizzard
The obvious point to note is that we’re excluding bass guitars. That’s a shame for Evil Blizzard as these Slipknot impersonators have a unique lineup featuring multiple bassists.
