FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: How To Play Lead Guitar

Question:
I've been strumming for years and have a really good sense of rhythm, honest. I'm trying to record some of my songs now, doing all the parts myself, and I've just discovered that I can't play lead guitar parts in beat to save my life! My notes are all over the map - some just ahead of the beat, some just behind. Arrg! I need someone to reassure me that this is typical for new lead guitar players, and that the problem goes away if you practice enough. Man, have I ever gained a new appreciation for lead guitar players! Forget the fancy solos - the fact that they can play the notes at the same beat as the rest of the song suddenly impresses the hell out of me.

Answer:
but maybe you think you have rhythm but I don't think so. Someone who has rhythm would have difficulty playing notes that are not in time with the music. Yes.....it is possible to go off beat when playing a solo. This usually happens when you want to play a quick fast lick and you are not fast enough. I'm not fast at all so I just play fewer notes and make sure they sound nice.