Everybody wants to be the lead guitarist?

[lol]

Yeah, I was obsessed with being a lead guitarist. So much so my rhythm was very lousy lol. Much regrets.

 

[HellraiserJohnny]

Maybe I'm just the old head around here but why is there a need to draw a line between Lead/Rhythm guitarist???

Maybe people just don't understand (or remember) how Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page played? Was SRV a rhythm or lead guitar player???
Can you even BE a lead guitarist without mastering Rhythm guitar???? Beats the crap out of me!

That being said . . . It took me 3/4 of my life so far to find a guitar player who, when we met, told me he has no need or intention of playing solos. He is the rhythm guitarist period. He's currently working with me on my recording project and I do have to say, he's an inspiration. 100% team player who only wants to contribute to the song. No ego, no competition. He finds a way to only play stuff that adds to the tune. I don’t know why he loves playing this way but I do have to admit . . . I love that he does and we will be playing together for many years to come.

 

[guitarmike]

Maybe I'm just the old head around here but why is there a need to draw a line between Lead/Rhythm guitarist???

Maybe people just don't understand (or remember) how Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page played? Was SRV a rhythm or lead guitar player???
Can you even BE a lead guitarist without mastering Rhythm guitar???? Beats the crap out of me!

That being said . . . It took me 3/4 of my life so far to find a guitar player who, when we met, told me he has no need or intention of playing solos. He is the rhythm guitarist period. He's currently working with me on my recording project and I do have to say, he's an inspiration. 100% team player who only wants to contribute to the song. No ego, no competition. He finds a way to only play stuff that adds to the tune. I don’t know why he loves playing this way but I do have to admit . . . I love that he does and we will be playing together for many years to come.

Johnny,

I'd argue that a real lead player is competent at all of the guitar parts in a song. If you only play rhythm and not any solo parts you have a lot to learn, and vice-versa. I play guitar at church and am the electric guitarist. I am expected to cover all electric guitar parts in the songs we play, that is how it was when I was in cover bands as well. It takes a lot of practice, I'm not sure how well I pull it off but I try.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

Definitely not much of a lead guitarist. I've written maybe 7 solos ever and I'm not very knowledgeable in the sales and theory department. Been practicing them a little more but still very much a rhythm guitarist.

Here's one I've written recently, pretty much all I have to listen to. Not the best production, the guitars are a little muddy and theres some mistakes, just a demo.

The lead starts around 2:30 and this solo was 100% punched in section by section.

 

[67mike]

 

[Gitfiddler]

lead. never wanted to be the extra point kick holder or a lineman either

 

[tallcoolone]

Never played in a band with another guitar player