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Learning to play lead guitar

By: Paul Benfort


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Fundamentals of Learning to Play Lead Guitar
Lead guitar as opposed to rhythm guitar is a very solo or individual style of playing. Leads of course refer to the individual melodies and instrumental fills played by a guitarist in a song. Rhythm on the other hand is usually played as an accompaniment to vocals. Ultimately it is the leads that lend a song its individuality. One has only to listen to greats like Jimi Hendrix to appreciate this. Learning to play lead guitar is easy once you get a few basics down.
Although there are many different styles of lead guitar playing, it helps to remember that lead guitar is usually played as consecutive notes as opposed to simultaneously strumming chords. Playing riffs and licks are all part of lead guitar. It could also be the simple melody you play.
To begin learning to play lead guitar, you must start working on scales. A thorough knowledge of scale is essential to be able to work out leads and figure out melodies. Scales also make it easy for a guitarist by building a muscle memory through practice, of notes that sound good together.
Pentatonics are usually a good scale to start from as the likelihood of playing sour notes is eliminated in a given key. Practice with this kind of scale and others will enable you to discover groupings of notes or scales that sound good to you.
The use of the pick cannot be neglected in lead guitar. Alternate picking and correct arm/hand position are essential to play effectively and effortlessly. Always hold the pick facing in at the corner for lead guitar. This will help you get a sharp and crisp sound. Hold the pick between the thumb and forefinger and remember never to bend your wrist. When picking notes, alternate pick direction between consecutive notes to help develop speed.
Coming back to scales, the more you play around with scales, the easier it gets until finally, you might get to a stage where you merely need to think of a tune or melody to be able to knock it out on the fret board. There are many styles of playing and many techniques so always keep an open mind. Diligent work is the secret to playing impressive leads and playing them well.

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