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Writer's pictureMaisie Loh

What are the Differences Between A Rhythm and Lead Guitarist?



As a beginner guitarist, you might come across these two terms - lead guitar and rhythm guitar. You might ponder what they are and what are the differences? Isn’t rhythm also the lead? Are they played on different types of guitars? Do you switch between one and another or do you play both as a guitarist? Fret not, we are here to help you understand the differences between a rhythm and lead guitarist.


What is Rhythm Guitar?


The term lead and rhythm guitar describe the roles of the musicians in a band. You can play lead and/or rhythm with the same type of guitar. The role of a rhythm guitarist is to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with the other instruments in the band. A traditional rhythm section in a band can include the drums and/or percussion. The drum produces the beat of the music and keeps time. There is the bassist who coordinates with the drums to reinforce the chord progression of a piece. The bass connects the drums and other instruments. The rhythm (played with either the guitar or the piano) plays the chord progression that forms the final part of the rhythm of a piece of music. They form the top layer of the rhythm of a song.


The basic technique of a rhythm guitar is to hold down a series of chords with the fretting hand while strumming or fingerpicking rhythmically with the other hand. Rhythm techniques include arpeggios, damping, riffs, chord solos, and complex strums. In a band within the acoustic, country, blues, rock, or metal genres, a rhythm guitarist plays the rhythm part of a composition to support the melodic lines and improvised solos played by the lead guitarist.


What is Lead Guitar?


Imagine the drums and bassist playing the backup rhythm role in a band. Now think about how the lead guitarist might play the song without a singer? The lead guitar plays the lead part where you would usually hear the singer sing, though this role can also be the role of the rhythm guitar.


The lead guitar is also known as the solo guitar where the guitarist plays the melody lines, instrumental fill passages, and also improvises as a soloist in a part of the song. However, the lead guitarist does not just sit by and watch the entire ensemble playing and only jumps in for his improvisation. In a band with a singer, drums, bass, and rhythm guitar, the lead guitarist also contributes to rhythm duties as well.


Lead guitarists use scales, modes, arpeggios, licks, and riffs to perform a variety of techniques. Some guitarists occasionally display special skills and techniques such as playing the guitar behind their heads. In the blues genre, lead guitarists at times create leads that use call and response-style riffs that they embellish with string bending, vibrato, and slides.


Examples of Lead and Rhythm Guitar in a Band


As you can see, the roles between the lead and rhythm guitar can be blurred, especially in rock, country, or metal bands. Many bands have just one guitarist taking the role of both the rhythm and lead guitar duties. Some bands, on the other hand, have guitarists that play the only rhythm. This happens when there are two guitar players in a band, or if the lead instrument is a keyboard instead of a guitar.


To help you understand the difference between the roles of a rhythm or lead guitar in a band, it would help if you spend time listening to performances as a beginner. Listening to bands and other guitar players play can greatly help you improve, or to explore potential possibilities of the instrument and perhaps even inspire you.


Want to learn more about guitars and the differences between electric, bass, and acoustic guitars? Drop by to visit us at Ritmo Music Studio to learn more about our guitar lessons in Singapore or to book a free trial online.


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