What rock configuration did Buddy Holly and the Crickets help establish as a standard in rock bands?

• A. Two guitars, bass, and drums
• B. Three guitars and a bass
• C. Keyboard-led quartet
• D. One guitar and drums

Answer: (A)

Two guitars, bass, and drums. Buddy Holly and the Crickets popularized a four-piece lineup with two guitarists—one on lead and one on rhythm—plus a bass and a drummer. This setup created a tight, full rock sound with interlocking guitar parts and strong vocal harmonies, making it practical for both live performance and studio work. Their approach shown on hits like That’ll Be the Day demonstrated how the two-guitar texture could drive songs and define a rock band’s identity, a template that many subsequent groups imitated. Other configurations that omit the second guitar or replace it with keyboards don’t capture that same essential guitar texture and balance that Holly and the Crickets helped establish.