I dont understand why the guy wheres a fuc.king bucket on his head...there cant be any possible explanation

Absoloutely guitar, weather it is the rythem, lead or harmonics, it still important, a guitar is the front of most bands, sure the band is lead by the drummer, and set on a bassline, but guitar is what is used to create the rythem and melodies / riffs to the song, it also imitates the vocals usually. (lead)

What about bands without guitarists?

There are loads, just check out non-rock genres (esp. jazz) and you find lots of examples of bands with no guitarists and most of the others are bands where the guitarist plays the least important role. In most dance-oriented bands the guitars are probably the least important instrument. I'd say that for most styles where there isn't a drumkit to drive the band forward, the vocals tend to be the main focus of the music and therefore the most important.

The guitar is most important in guitar solos...

...which are essentially the fill-in parts where the vocalist is having a little rest.:shycouch:

^ Yeah, I play in my school's jazz band (we know one song lol) and I really have no part. The bass is more prominent than me and I just hold the rhythm with the drums and bass (but I get to exercise my chord knowledge):D

Dude, the Mandolin and Beatboxing kick all other musical asses.

Whoops, sorry guys - I instantly thought rock bands, even still I think guitar is the most adaptable, and its less restricted than some other instruments.

It varies depending on type of music - for example - pop music definitely vocals, metal - drums or guitar.

It's said that the litmus test for any song is whether it can be stripped back to vocals and say an acoustic guitar and still be good. I think in composing a song (for rock/alternative/folk/even pop), definately guitar and vocals (or keys/piano and vocals) equally...because it's the interraction between them that creates a song...

Drums especially in heavier genres, drive the song. Gosh, the guitars and bass can almost become percussion instruments themselves in alot of metal/hardcore bands (with the exception of solos). Who knows what note you're playing when you're that heavily de-tuned. So I guess drums is most important in those cases.

And poor bass, always forgotten. But as a former bassist (former, because the bass is heavy and I'm scrawny and weak), I have an appreciation for this instrument. Only other bassists can really pick out the notes, but it can sway the whole tone of a song, can really pull the vocals and guitar in different directions, can go with the guitars and give it weight, or maybe clash, or take an unexpected harmony a make people a little uncomfortable...and they're not quite sure why.

Plus, what other instrument will token chicks play in male dominated genres? (okay that was a joke...but it's kind of true).

^ I like your signature. Well said, whoever it's from.

I have to say drums simply because it sets the underlying and overall pace/mood. A guitarist can play as fast as he likes but the effect and how it comes across is determined by the beat of the drums. I actually think bass is really important but drums can imitate bass rather well too so they cancel each other out.

Pelican kicks so much arse, they're an instrumental band, therefore vocals are out the window.

Why aren't spoons on the list.