There are those that were born to play lead guitar, and then there are those who are content to take on the less glamorous role of playing rhythm guitar. Lead guitarists get most of the fame and attention, and are usually in much higher demand than guitarists who specialize in playing rhythm guitar. Guitar players equally adept at both skills will generally fare better in this very competitive industry.
First, let's talk about rhythm guitar.
Although the rhythm guitar role may be less prestigious, it's still an essential ingredient to the groove of a really great band. The trademark of a great rhythm guitar player is flawless fingering technique, and much attention to detail when it comes to dynamics and overall guitar sound. Although it may appear that rhythm guitar is easy to master, I must caution that a rhythm guitarist will have to devote nearly as much time to study and practice as a lead guitarist.
Rhythm guitar players must have a good knowledge of chords and should be able to play them cleanly anywhere on the neck. They also must have impeccable picking technique, and should regularly practice with a metronome to build a good sense of timing. There are also devices guitarists can play along with that have a wide selection of rhythms and grooves to help increase tempo accuracy.
Rhythm guitar players must master basic rhythm and picking patterns before moving on to rhythms that may incorporate slides, hammer-ons, or complicated melodies. They must learn picking styles which use both up and down picking strokes, and should also learn how to use a combination of their guitar pick and free fingers for plucking or muting strings.
Now let's talk about lead guitar.
Lead guitar players must master everything a rhythm guitar player does, and also must devote much more time to learning music theory, scales, pick technique, string bending, FX processing, and everything else that will help them to compose and improvise great guitar solos. They must devote a lot of time to studying the work of guitar masters and then combine that knowledge and their skills to make a style of their own. They must have the confidence to play sophisticated solos on demand, and the only way to achieve this is through practice and repetition.
Great soloists play solos which fit into the context of the song instead of just trying to break finger speed records. The first indicator of a mediocre lead guitarist is their fixation on speed over substance; speedy solos are wonderful for the ego, but a constant barrage of blazing scales can be a real downer for the audience. Take the time to compose tasteful solos; they sound much better, and they really come in handy for session work.
A lead guitarist has to play up front in the spotlight, so this wouldn't be a good career choice for the faint of heart. Lead guitarists must pay more attention to their image, and have to learn how to better their stage presence with signature moves, poses, and other assorted drama. This may sound funny, but the best lead guitarists understand that it's not just about the music; you're out there to put on a show.
Do you want to be a lead guitar or rhythm guitar player? I hope this article made your choice a little easier!