I am amazed at the large number of local guitarists around here, who would either be good at rhythm or lead, when the truth is, you must be good at both, if you want to be a respected musician and be taken seriously. I’m all cool with bands who have two different guitarists, one that plays lead and the other that plays rhythm, but I think it’s pretty important, that you need to be good at both. Which is where I’m coming from. I’m doing my very best, to learn both rhythm and lead. Trying to get better at both. It’s good to do both ’cause you need to be versatile and do everything. Sure, you can still play professionally by just being good at rhythm and not play any lead guitar at all but playing guitar solos is a pretty important piece of music. If I ever get a band, I’m gonna do all guitar work myself. I don’t think I’m going to have a second guitarist, which is why I’m trying to get better at both. I’ll admit that I’m not a professional enough guitarist yet, but I’m on my way up there. Still have lots to learn and a lot of work to do.

One of the reasons I picked up the guitar, is that I wanted to be a great lead guitarist like my heroes. I wanted to become a hot lead guitarist. Trying to take lead guitar soloing more seriously. More than just pentatonic scales. I’m talking the modes, theory, arpeggios, and more difficult techniques. I’m slowly moving up to the advanced level. I want to be a great guitar player someday. I’m not saying I’ll ever become a guitar god, ’cause the guitar god thing ended since the 80’s when Van Halen was at the top of the game. I just want to be great. Some people may think I already am great, but I don’t think so. I still got way more to go.

I am practicing and learning still. Studying music is awesome. I love it. Being good at rhythm and lead at the same time, will open many doors to your music life. That’s why it’s important to do both. Just throwing a little two cents in.

Kev