[lumpy]

Three piece rock bands (guitar / bass / drums) have always been my bread and butter for various reasons.

First, I have a peculiar taste in music. So, finding even two other people that share my weirdness is top priority. Luckily I hooked up with a guitarist when I was still in high school and we continue to keep the faith, which is also key to reason two on Lump's Wheel of Musical Prowlness.

Second, I play (drums) very, very loose. Not sloppy mind you, just not with metronome precision. So, being able to lock in with my fellow musicians without it sounding like a train wreck is a close second.

The sum of the parts is always greater than the individual. Especially in a three piece combo. There is a lot of space to fill and plenty of opportunity to fill it, you gotta know when to let 'er rip and when to take a back seat. You gotta have confidence, no ego, a good ear, and faith in your bandmates abilities.

Ever notice that the solo records never sell for shit?

In my experience, getting along is overrated. I have been in bands where we literally punched each other out and threw instruments, drumsticks (one famous incident almost took a rhythm guitarists head off with a 7A, but went through the wall instead which we promtly framed) during practice and shows. Sometimes that tension works to the band's advantage and is expressed in the music. Look at The Who or The Kinks. They fucking hated each others' guts but were great bands!

So I guess my answer would be that whatever works for you is the most significant part.

BTW, it always helps to be on the same drug.

Lump