Power trio

The power trio is a rock and roll band format popularized in the 1960s (see 1960s in music). In more recent years, the term has become generally

The power trio is a rock and roll band format popularized in the 1960s (see 1960s in music). In more recent years, the term has become generally applied to any sort of three-person band.

The rise of the power trio was made possible in part by developments in amplifier and electric guitar/bass guitar technology that permit the instruments to provide more sound than before. Particularly, the advent of electric bass guitar defined the bottom end and filled in the gaps. Since the bass could also now be louder, the rest of the band could also play at higher volumes without fear of being unable to hear the bass. This allowed a three-person band to have the same sonic impact as an 18-person 'big band,' but left far more room for improvisation and creativity, unencumbered by the need for detailed arrangements.