The term “lead” guitar refers to a collection of notes, riffs, or melody lines performed in a song, whereas “rhythm” guitar refers to chords that hold a song’s groove.
You may start a fight between two guitarists if you ask them which is more difficult, lead or rhythm. While one school believes that playing lead guitar requires more skill, the other will passionately disagree, arguing that everyone can play the lead, but superb rhythm guitar requires a special aptitude.
Also, Rhythm guitar vs lead guitar? If you are curious about the difference between the two and which is more difficult, keep reading!
What is a Rhythm Guitar?
When you get into songwriting, you will see that one of the most crucial aspects of playing and composing songs is having a particular rhythm. The underlying time signature and chord progression and the basic support voicing of a song are all handled by rhythmic instruments.
Music is composed of three layers:
- The bottom layer: Drums and percussion form the beat.
- The middle layer: Consists of guitar and bass, is followed.
- The top layer: It is where the main melody can be overlaid for further melodic purposes.
Because it is in the center layer, the rhythm guitar does not normally stick out to listeners. It is deliberate since it aims to blend in with the other rhythmic instruments while delivering the required voice to complement the songs’ melodies.
What is a Lead Guitar?
Although the most common example of a lead guitarist is a ripping solo in a rock song, it is also responsible for the instrument’s sections. A song this contains melodic lines, hooks, and solos. Because their music is strong and impressive enough to accentuate the song being so enticing to the audience’s ears, you can readily spot them amid other band’s artists.
When should you be in charge?
- Introduction: usually in charge of the introduction, which usually consists of a short (4 or 8 bar) musical phrase (which may also ‘borrow’ the melody from either the verses or chorus) designed to draw the listener’s attention and build-up to the vocalists, making the song instantly recognizable and memorable.
- Verse: During the verse, the lead guitarist will usually follow the rhythm guitarist. They may, however, play ‘fill-ins’ between the vocalists’ lines, between one verse and the next, or even a lead solo during a vocal break (the lead guitarist is rarely playing as the singer is singing).
- Chorus: The chorus is usually filled with a hook and phrasing that complements the voices. Because the focus is on the vocals, it wants to be simpler.
- Bridge: A lead solo will usually be played when the song breaks or turns around.
If the rhythm guitar is present throughout the music, the lead guitar is more prominent where there are no vocals. It’s mostly utilized to fill in space and provide depth during the verse and chorus, and it’s mostly used to set down the song’s topic and establish the hook in the introduction and bridge.
Rhythm Guitar Vs Lead Guitar
Lead guitar is played with techniques such as tapping, shredding, sweep picking, and sliding rather than rhythm. When playing rhythm guitar, the emphasis is on chords and voicing rather than individual notes.
The primary difference between lead and rhythm guitar is that lead emphasizes melody while rhythm emphasizes groove. While lead guitars often follow a song’s chord structure, only a few times are the chords played in their entirety. On the other hand, Rhythm guitar emphasizes chord progressions and uses strummed or arpeggiated chords.
While some are obvious distinctions between lead and rhythm guitar, many guitarists blur the borders. Several effects pedals are used when trying to play both roles in a song.
Is It Better to Play Lead or Rhythm Guitar?
If you are unsure whether to pursue rhythm or lead guitar, I recommend pursuing both. They’re equally vital for a guitarist, in my opinion, especially if you are also a songwriter. Furthermore, while not many bands have more than one guitarist, being able to play both parts will make you a more useful member.
It is fairly usual for a guitarist to play both rhythm and lead sections in a band setting. When there are two or more guitarists in a band, their jobs are divided into lead and rhythm (or they can even flexibly share the tasks), but when only one guitarist is responsible for both roles, rhythm plays normally makes up around two-thirds of his job.
You would also engage in both as a songwriter. You might expand beyond guitar and learn the fundamentals of additional instruments to use in and around your arrangement. Do not, however, become overwhelmed. If you’re a novice guitarist, I recommend concentrating on the critical skills for your job as a band member. Typically, you would begin by acquiring rhythm guitar skills before progressing to lead guitar.
Remember that playing the guitar is supposed to be enjoyable; enjoy it, practice consistently, and you’ll reap the benefits!
Best Rhythm Guitar
- PRS SE Custom 22
I’ve been a fan of PRS’ SE series for a long time. Their frets feel larger and easier to move in a barre shape, which is one of the reasons they’re great for rhythm. They seem to be easier to chord.
PRS guitars have a richer, more percussive low-end tone, even in clean settings. The semi-hollow SE Custom 22 is an excellent choice for rhythm musicians, especially those who will be using a lot of clean tones. It is one of my favorite electric guitar suggestions, and it’s undoubtedly my top pick for rhythm players.
Pros:
- A budget line that outperforms its price.
- Heavy riffing feels fantastic with this fret design.
Cons:
- Unlike the main PRS lines, SE models are not manufactured in the United States.
- Artcore Expressionist Series by Ibanez
The Artcore series is divided into two tiers, with the Expressionist being the second and prettier of the two. First and foremost, the guitars are stunning, especially with the blue finish. The hollow-body construction and two humbucker arrangement, akin to the original Gibson ES 335s, make them perfect for rhythm.
The Artcore series is ideal for contemporary worship, jazz, and even certain components of modern rock. Clean chords, basic modulation, and somewhat high gain levels will work nicely in this setting.
Pros:
- The series’ lower models are less expensive.
- The semi-hollow body design works well with the dual humbuckers.
Cons:
- A name-brand pickup update would be good.
Best Lead Guitars
- Squier Bullet Mustang Lead Guitar
When buying an electric guitar for a child, there are various variables to consider. So that smaller shoulders can cope, the guitar must be relatively light. It should be simple enough to play even with small hands and a small neck. It also has to appear stylish. Because, let’s face it, the guitar’s appearance overrides its ability to traverse different tone zones at that age.
There are a few dedicated small versions of ordinary guitars available, but we chose one that is full-sized, fully equipped, and reasonably priced. The Squier Bullet Mustang is a delight to play with its shorter scale length and basswood body. However, its two humbuckers ensure that it can keep up with most adult guitars. It’s also one of the most intimidating Squier guitars we’ve seen in a long time.
Pros:
- Not your typical Strat/Les Paul duopoly
- Not readily replaced
Cons:
- Not much for the money!
- Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster from the 1960s
The entry-level guitar market is in much better shape than it was even ten years ago. Quality control is currently far more common among manufacturers and businesses than previously. Even ‘cheaper’ guitars may produce tones, construction, and playability previously reserved for mid and higher-end models.
The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is an excellent example of this. An entry-level guitar used to last a few years, with razor-sharp string action and tones that sounded like a swarm of bees in a tin can. That is no longer the case.
This Classic Vibe has a superb design, feel, and sound, and it even competes with some of the less-priced Fender models. You get style and playability at a price that won’t make your eyes water. Progress is an amazing thing.
Pros:
- Period-appropriate style
- Performance outperforms the price tag
Cons:
- Single coils are not suitable for stronger tones.
Conclusion on Rhythm Guitar Vs Lead Guitar
A skilled guitarist should be able to play lead and rhythm guitar in equal measure. Beginners must begin with rhythm guitar and progress to soloing. When determining a rhythm guitar vs lead guitar, picking up songs you enjoy is a great development approach.
If you are not sure which road to choose, the good news is that you do not have to choose. Guitarists are all different. Some people are drawn to licks and fill, while others prefer to keep a steady rhythm. Some people choose to combine the two. What matters, in the end, is what you want to communicate with your music. Everything else will fall into place after you’ve figured it out.