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BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR
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Subject: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 22 Jan 02 - 02:56 PM i've played rhythm guitar most of my life and now i'm trying to work on my scales a little to try to learn a few lead riffs, i'm 52 years old, do you think that i'll have a chance to learn a few new licks,or should i just stick to what i know and can do? |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 22 Jan 02 - 03:02 PM I don't know... you sound a little young to me... I have a friend who plays rhythm guitar in a reggae band (a critical part of any band..) He's learning how to play lead guitar, and I've urged him to cut it out. I've been playing folk guitar and blues for close to thirty years, and he's already getting better than me. Never stick to what you know! In anything!!!!!! You'll do fine. Just don't show up your elders... Jerry |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Jan 02 - 03:06 PM Whatever you are motivated to do, you'll do. Motivation is an "inside job"....always has been, always will be. Whatever someone else thinks or believes or trys to get you to do or not do isn't worth the fine hair on a fat frog's ass. So no, you shouldn't try. It's a waste of time and you're far too stupid and lack any semblance of talent in that direction not to mention that your learning skills are shot to hell and there is no good reason to do it anyway. OR Go for it man! Learn all of those licks you've been dying to do for decades. You've been practicing non-stop and there's no where to go but up and your guitar skills have never been better. No time like now to become a combination Tony McManus and Eric Clapton! FINALLY Who gives a shit besides you and why ask us? It's your call, not ours. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 22 Jan 02 - 03:09 PM SPAW, i can always count on you for good advice. BOB |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: M.Ted Date: 22 Jan 02 - 03:54 PM You should learn some new stuff Bob--It really helps pass the time-- |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: iceboy Date: 22 Jan 02 - 11:45 PM If you've been playing rhythm your whole life, you've got a lot better chance of picking up lead now than a life-long lead player would have at picking up rhythm. Lead's all about phrasing, and in my book, playing rhythm teaches you to think time and phrasing! Good luck. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: rangeroger Date: 23 Jan 02 - 12:24 AM I'm 56 and have been playing for 41 years. Mostly in differing styles to back up my own vocals. When I took flatpick lessons ( Mark Rounds/San Diego), I really got into solid rhythym bluegrass back-up. I really liked doing it and got pretty good at following most anything. Just watch their fingers. Learned quite a few bluegrass leads, but would always pass in jam sessions as there was always plenty of hot pickers and not enough solid rhythym back up guitars. Unless you were in one of those 3:00 AM, under a street light,guitar orchestras. Then nobody could hear you, and it was probably time to crawl in the tent anyway. About 1½ years ago our church band really needed a bass,so I put the guitars down and started learning bass guitar on my own,on the fly.We tend to do some songs that a band member brings into practice at 9:00AM and we're playing them at 11:00. Playing rhytyhm for so many years,I feel, has given me a ear and balnce that allows me to fin what I need to do on bass. I'm finally learning the fingerboard.And it is really easy on my hands. Incipient atrhritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.When I pick up my 6 or 12 string now, the neck is too short and the strings too close together. One of these days I may actually learn to do leads on the guitar as I am learning the steps on the bass. One major question. What the hell do you do with that little pinkie that just waves around in the air until it is time to use it when playing scales.I've thought about a finger puppet but it couldn't be too elaborate as it might cause string noise or worse when it does come time for the pinkie to fret a note. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Cappuccino Date: 23 Jan 02 - 03:41 AM Playing bass is what shows you where the notes are on a fretboard - there's no end of 6-string guitarists to whom you can say 'show me four positions for a Bb', and they're lost. On a bass, you learn where they are, damn quick! As for that pinkie, playing bass will toughen it up no end if you use it, I promise you. And I'll tell you when that comes in useful - one day, you'll maybe cut or damage another finger shortly before playing a show, and it's very re-assuring to know you can simply change technique and be able to use all the remaining fingers! But I do like the idea of a finger-puppet... - Ian B |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 23 Jan 02 - 07:18 AM What's Bb? Point made, Jerry |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 23 Jan 02 - 08:59 AM thanks there iceboy, aren't you new on the mudcat, if you are, then welcome aboard, if not, then thanks for your input. BOB |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Jeep man Date: 23 Jan 02 - 10:39 AM Hey,53. I have got quite a few years on you and I dearly love learning new stuff, new challanges, etc. Your mind is like a muscle, it needs hard work to keep it in shape. I am now learning flatpicking after 35 years on the 5 String. I love it. Jeep |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: GUEST,SlickerBill Date: 23 Jan 02 - 01:59 PM Lead's worth learning anytime. It just adds so muc fun to your time with the instrument. I'd say not to worry about learning "licks" though, unless that's all you wanna do. Better to learn to play what you hear in your head- develop your own voice on guitar. That can be simple or complex, it's all good. The more you work at it the more satisfying it can be. Why deny yurself that opportunity? Go for it. SB |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Steve in Idaho Date: 23 Jan 02 - 02:17 PM Slicker Bill said it for me. I must know a thousand first verses to songs and the same number of choruses. I play a lead based on the words in my head. I learned rythm first with Carter Style leads. Flat picking evolved from that. I have no doubts that you'll do just fine Bob. Steve |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 23 Jan 02 - 02:43 PM thanks steve for your vote of confidence. BOB |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Justa Picker Date: 23 Jan 02 - 03:12 PM I'm close to your age Bob. I started learning guitar and fingerpicking in a serious way 4 years ago. You're never too old to learn, if the fingers, joints and body are willing. Go for it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 23 Jan 02 - 04:52 PM Occurs to me that many of us Mudcatters play none of the above. Me, for starters. I've never played rhythm guitar or bass, and doing instrumentals makes me too nervous. And I stink at it. I play guitar to accompany my singing... which always seems out of place in guitar workshops at festivals. Everyone is doing their hot licks, and I don't have any. The last guitar workshop I played in I did The Farmer's Curst Wife, all in the CHORD of G7. The song works out real well that way, with a nice simple rolling, finger-picked rhythm. For those of us who are playing guitar primarily for accompaniment, the patterns, suggestions of melody and harmony all interweave and support the song. A very different style of playing. Of course, Wunderkind like Rick Fielding can do it all. He can probably pat his stomach, rub his head, chew gum, ride a bike and whistle Bethoven's Fifth all at the same time. Contrary to what the thread says, NOBODY is becoming Rick Fielding. He does have a propensity for exageration at times, though. Jerry |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Rick Fielding Date: 23 Jan 02 - 06:46 PM exaggerate, Ummm, exagerate, ummm exagerrate......Jeez Jerry, if I say I can't spell...That's NOT an exageration! (God that still doesn't seem right!) OK, how 'bout hyperbole? My favourite lead guitarists are the ones who don't scrifice the song. Most of what I do (while singing) is comprised of "inner leads", which are ascending or decending runs that harmonize or act as counterpoint to the melody. The hardest part of it is constantly changing the fingering of the chords. The absolute master is Merle Travis, possibly the most talented musician I ever saw. He played a number of flashy instrumentals, but the way he accompanied his vocals was superb. Oops, heather says I got 'exaggerate' right the first time. Cheers Rick
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 23 Jan 02 - 09:30 PM hell, the way i feel right now i don't feel like playing either one. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: DonMeixner Date: 23 Jan 02 - 10:58 PM BOB, I guess I play more lead type stuff now than I did 15 years ago. Mainly because it involves fewer fingers. There is nothing wrong with minimalism if it suits the song. And there are lead guitarist and there are lead guitarists. Are you talking Bluegrass style leads like Dan Crary, Eric Clapton style leads, or Finger picking a basic melody out of the chords you already know? Let me know your success, A 51 I need all the encourage ment I can get. Don. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: mooman Date: 24 Jan 02 - 05:32 AM Been playing about 40 years and tend not to think of a particular borderline between the two, why box things into a category? Best regards, mooman |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: GUEST,SlickerBill Date: 24 Jan 02 - 03:27 PM My lead playing is primarily blues/blues rock with my Strat. There are clear "breaks" in the tune, and you get the nod from your band mate and away you go, and you either take off or ditch; and of course the uncertainty is part of the fun and challenge of the whole thing. But of course one is never satisfied. As I find myself in different musical settings, different challenges present themselves; when I play celtic accompaniment for my fiddle playing buddie, it's a whole new world coming up with those "inner" leads mentioned above. Similarly with bluegrass. Challenging but what a blast. Still, I'm most in awe of those singer/songwriters, such as Stephen fearing or Bruce Cockburn, who combine beautiful and diverse songs seamlessly with such outstanding leads. That to me is just incredible; makes me feel like a beginner all over again. Just a different plane I guess. SB |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 01 Apr 02 - 06:47 PM Well I'm still working on my lead riffs and I think that I'll just stick to rhythm guitar. I just don't seem to have it for lead. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: RichM Date: 01 Apr 02 - 07:46 PM Don't give up... One way to get on track with leads is to pick fiddle tunes on guitar,or to do chord fills. Here's a couple of sites for you to investigate, with tab AND sound.... Flatpicking Soldier's Joy melody
Hammer-Ons, Pull-Offs, and Slides!
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Tweed Date: 01 Apr 02 - 07:58 PM Listen to Keith Richards stuff Bob. He's probably the best rhythm guitar player out there but he throws in those really neat little riffs here and there that rounds out whatever song they happen to be doing. I know, he's a chainsmoking dope fiend, vampire/zombie and this is a folk music haven, but he's a good one to study. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Clinton Hammond Date: 01 Apr 02 - 09:41 PM Singing
"Check out Guitar George, he knows all the chords ;-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: michaelr Date: 01 Apr 02 - 09:43 PM And then there's the option to do neither/both at the same time. Jazz guitarists call it chord melody... I can't do it but I sure like hearing it! Bob, I played "lead" (read: noodled around) for several years before learning my first chord. Basically, I played along with records and tried to duplicate what melodies I heard. I think it really helps to play along with records you know well, because you'll know when your finger is in the wrong spot. Best wishes, Michael |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Rolfyboy6 Date: 01 Apr 02 - 09:52 PM 53, don't sweat it. Just start doing little fills as part of rhythm guitar. That's where it starts. Most of the best guitarists got going that way and the dividing line becomes invisible. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 01 Apr 02 - 10:31 PM Thanks fellow and ladies for all of your suggestions, I sure will check them out. I played a little lead guitar in my last band, which was a country band but I never did seem to conquer the chicken pickin like the rest of the country lead guitar players. I think that I play good rythym guitar but Nobody likes to play rythym guitar behind Jesus. I sure do appreciate Mudcat for allowing us to trade guitar info. Thanks Max and Joe. Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: greg stephens Date: 02 Apr 02 - 07:14 AM A real master of both (though before they invented the terms rhythm and lead) was the superwonderful Eddie Lang. Have a good listen to his stuff, then burn your guitar and get a job in a bank. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 02 Apr 02 - 10:13 AM You might burn your guitar Greg but I think that I'll keep mine for awhile, besides bank work is to tedious. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: 53 Date: 06 Nov 02 - 10:57 AM refresh |
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Subject: RE: BS: LEAD GUITAR OR RHYTHM GUITAR From: Willie-O Date: 06 Nov 02 - 07:52 PM So you working on those scales 53? I take it you have a reason for refreshing--bring us up to date. tage If I'd been paying attention to this thread when it was active, I would have said: Yes, but start now and don't expect overnight results. With your advantage of experience in rhythm guitar, you could be playing reasonably fluid, genuine lead guitar in a couple of years, whereas it probably took me ten years starting at 15. Learn them scales. Practice them all the way up the fingerboard. They are boring I suppose but that is the language you seek to perfect. It takes longer to learn how to construct an effective solo than it does to learn to play the notes. You have to get past thinking, and just know where you're going to end up at the end of the phrase, AND STOP THERE. But I found it a lot harder to learn to play decent rhythm, personally. Guess I just ain't got none. W-O |