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Glite Dictionary
rhythm section

rhythm section

7 3.9
A group of musicians who play drums, bass, and piano to keep the beat
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪðəm ˈsɛkʃən/
translation icon : sección rítmica
  • During rehearsal, the musicians focused on perfecting the rhythm section to enhance the overall performance.
  • bass-driven rhythm section
  • rhythm section drummer
  • top-quality rhythm section

We we when we went to Stax Records, somebody had a bright idea to put a rhythm section behind us.

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Examples

  • I am trying to find a time to rehearse some new songs with the rhythm section.

    Blog text (18)

  • The rhythm section primarily plays the parts as would be done in a typical urban-cumbia ensemble.

    Academic text (1990)

  • We'll start with just the rhythm section.

    Movie Movie (1978)

  • In this activity, it is important to remember to include the rhythm section.

    Academic text (2014)

  • So so Hero just was like, you know, being a bass player, he just kept the rhythm section going in that house.

  • The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang

    The Blues Brothers (1980)

  • I figured most would do two songs with the rhythm section, so I only used the rhythm section on one song.

    Blog text (29)

  • For the jazz performer, new improvisational heights can be reached only if the rhythm section is "swinging."

    Academic text (1995)

  • The rhythm section of the band played an essential role in creating a lively atmosphere during the concert.

  • The rhythm section in this orchestra is known for its tight coherence and ability to support the melodic instruments.

Surface Forms

rhythm section singular
rhythm sections plural

Morphology

rhythm + section

The compound combines 'rhythm' (pattern of beats) with 'section' (a part or group), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the part of a band responsible for the rhythm. This is a straightforward, compositional noun-noun construction common across languages and music terminology, making the meaning immediately accessible.

Etymology

The term rhythm section comes from the idea of a band's 'heartbeat'. The drums, bass and piano make the rhythm section that keeps a steady beat and supports the other players, so it means the group that provides the rhythm and harmony.